Have Two Ways Out

It is the middle of the night and you are suddenly awakened by your smoke alarm. You notice some smoke in your bedroom. What do you do next?

The answer is easy: Get Out and Stay Out!

However, before that occurs it is important you develop, and practice, a home fire escape plan! The video below, from our partners in safety at the United States Fire Administration, will help guide you.

In addition, please go to our website and the Family Escape Plan which provides a grid and further guidance on developing a home escape plan.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frostbite

It is COLD out there! If you need to be out and about in this weather, please dress appropriately and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. Not dressing appropriately and staying outside too long in these cold temperatures could lead to serious cold related illness and injury such as Hypothermia or Frostbite.

Please take a moment to learn the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frostbite from our friends at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also learn what to do if you, or another person, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of either condition.

Hypothermia

A condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Often occurs after prolonged exposure to cold temperature.

Early symptoms

• Shivering
• Fatigue
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion and disorientation

Late symptoms

• No shivering
• Blue skin
• Dilated pupils
• Slowed pulse and breathing
• Loss of consciousness

First Aid

• Request immediate medical assistance.
• Move the victim into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove wet clothing.
• Warm the center of their body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels.
• If conscious, warm beverages may help increase the body temperature. Do not give alcohol.
• Once temperature has increased keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• If no pulse, begin CPR.

Frostbite

An injury to the body that is caused by freezing, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.

Symptoms

• Reduced blood flow to hands and feet
• Numbness
• Aching
• Tingling or stinging
• Bluish or pale, waxy skin

First Aid

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming.
• Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage.

 

Candle Causes Merrifield Apartment Fire

On Monday, December 25 at approximately 8:19 p.m., units were dispatched for a reported garden apartment fire in the 2900 block of Charing Cross Road in the Merrifield section of Fairfax County.

Units arrived on scene to find smoke visible from the front of a three-story, garden apartment. Crews quickly located the fire and initiated an aggressive attack to extinguish it.

There was one occupant home at the time of the fire. The occupant attempted to extinguish the fire prior to evacuating the apartment and then calling 9-1-1.

Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started in one of the rooms. The cause of the fire was when the occupant accidently knocked over a candle which fell on top of a futon.

The occupant was assessed by paramedics and transported to an area hospital for a checkup. There were no other reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined. One person was displaced as a result of this fire.

Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $25,000.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind residents that the improper use of candles can result in catastrophe. To avoid the dangers of fire while burning candles, please follow the safety tips listed below:

◾Never leave burning candles unattended

◾Keep all combustible materials away from open flames

◾Do not burn candles near windows or doorways

◾Place candles in glass or ceramic containers

◾Place candles on a flat, sturdy non-combustible surface

◾Never leave candles burning when children or pets are present

Registration Open For 2018 I-Women Conference

Registration is now open for the iWomen 2018 Conference being held here in Fairfax County, May 24 – 26, 2018. We are so honored and excited to host! Awesome speakers and training await! Sign-up today!

 

Home Holiday Fire Facts

It is that wonderful time of year when there are many holiday celebrations occurring. Please take a moment to review the below facts and video about home holiday fires from our partners in safety at the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association. 

•One of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.

•Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.

•A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.

•The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.

•Candles start two out of five home decoration structure fires.

Five Dangers Of Deep Frying A Turkey

Over the last several years, deep frying a turkey has become a popular way to cook thanksgiving dinner. It has also become a very dangerous way to cook a thanksgiving meal!

Take a moment to watch the below Turkey Fryer Demonstration video from our partners in safety at Underwriters Laboratories (UL). As well, please review the Five Dangers Of Deep Frying A Turkey:

1. Turkey fryers can easily tip over spilling hot oil across a large area.
2. An overfilled cooking pot will cause oil to spill over when the turkey is placed inside.
3. A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter.
4. Turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire.
5. The pot, lid and handles of a turkey fryer can get dangerously hot and cause burn injuries.

 

Keeping Your Little Ghouls And Goblins Safe

Halloween can be a scary time as it relates to fire safety. Decorations and candles in particular can turn your Halloween into a horrifying experience if care is not taken.

We want to make sure your little ghouls and goblins have a fun time safely. Please take a moment to view the below picto-graph, from our partners in safety at the National Fire Protection Association, for some helpful tips to keep this Halloween a safe one for you and your loved ones.

Accessible version here

Halloween by the numbers*

• 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 840 home structure fires annually that began with decorations.
• These fires caused an average of 2 civilian deaths, 36 civilian injuries, and $11.4 million in direct property damage per year.
• Almost half (45%) of these fires were tied to decorations being too close to some type of heat source, such as a candle. A fire can start when candles are too close to decorations or when long, trailing costumes come into contact with candles.

*From the NFPA