With Fire Prevention Week fast approaching, the Naval Support Facility South Potomac (Fire Prevention Division) would like to remind everyone of this year’s theme.
‘‘Prevent Fires in Your Home”
Do you know :
In 2006, there were an estimated 396,000 reported home structure fires resulting in 2,580 civilian deaths and 12,500 civilian injuries, costing $6.8 billion in direct damage in the United States.
Cooking, home heating equipment and smoking are the leading causes of civilian home fire deaths each year.
Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
The majority of home fires start in the kitchen with unattended cooking as the leading cause.
Smoking materials (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. Roughly one of every four fire deaths per year in 2002-2005 was attributed to smoking materials.
An estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home structure fires in half.
In one out of every five homes equipped with at least one smoke alarm installed, not a single one was working.
When smoke alarms fail it is most often because of missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Nuisance activations were the leading cause of disabled smoke alarms.
More than one out of every four American households assumed they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening.
The time available is often less. Having an escape plan can mean the difference between life and death.
Workplace Fire Safety
Although fire detection and suppression devices greatly reduce the risk of fire, an informed employee who knows what causes fires, how to prevent a fire and what to do in the event of a fire can further prevent the threat of this happening. In an effort to help reduce the chances of you and your coworkers experiencing a fire or fire related injuries⁄deaths at work or at home, the Fire Prevention Division would like to provide the following tips for everyone. Knowing the emergency phone number could make all the difference between life and death for you or your co-workers in the event of an emergency.
Fire⁄Ambulance
Indian Head & Stump Neck - 301-744-4333
Dahlgren & Pumpkin Neck – 911
When reporting an emergency, please provide the following information to assist the first responders in getting to you in a timely and efficient manner:
Your name, building number or location on base. Type of emergency; i.e. fire, medical etc.,and the location of the emergency in the building. What’s burning, if you know? Isolate the area if possible by closing doors.
Know where the alarm pull stations are located. Many times the only reason employees leave the building when a fire alarm sounds is because they want a break or can’t stand the noise. The thought that there might actually be a life threatening situation never crosses their minds. In addition, how many times do we exit the building relying on the fire alarm system to alert the fire department of the emergency and end up standing outside for several minutes waiting impatiently? Become familiar with the fire extinguishers located in your building and the class of fire they will extinguish. These devices should be located the hallways of all facilities for increased visibility and access in the event of a fire. In the event of a fire remember, PASS.
P – Pull the pin.
A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the handle.
S – Sweep the nozzle back and forth to extinguish the fire.
As a reminder, Fire Extinguisher Training is available to all employees and is an annual requirement.
The Fire Prevention Division will be holding several events during the month of October in an effort to promote Fire Safety both at Work and at Home. These will include activities at the schools, daycare facilities and other areas on base. Remember, by following these simple safety rules you can greatly reduce the chance of a fire in your home and at work. If you have any questions or concerns about fire safety or your department is in needed of Fire Safety training contact the Fire Station or the Prevention Division to learn more ways to keep you, your family fire and coworkers safe both at home and at work.
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