Picture yourself watching once of your favorite Christmas movies for a moment. Can you see the Christmas stockings hanging from the fireplace mantel? Fireplaces, stockings and the holiday season just seem to fit together, but are you giving thought to staying safe by the fire? Here are some fireplace safety tips just for the Christmas season.
1. When Santa Claus comes sliding down your chimney, will it be clean? Be sure you have a chimney sweep every year and stay safe. Chimney fires are a major cause of all home fires and in most cases, could be prevented with a simple cleaning.
2. Christmas trees and fireplaces must be kept separated. Nothing like the Christmas tree catching fire to ruin the holiday spirit. This tip also goes for space heaters as well.
3. Keep the Christmas stockings dry, but not burnt. Make sure you take down the stockings before lighting a fire in the fireplace. Yes, it may seem too obvious, but you would be surprised at how many fires are started this way.
4. Holiday candles on the fireplace mantel are another issue to be aware of. Be sure you have them enclosed in glass to protect everything from the flames.
5. Keep the tinsel and garland from hanging over the mantel and away from the fire.
6. Use the fireplace screen to prevent sparks and burning embers from popping out. A simple spark can easily create a disaster.
7. Watch out for the kids. The Christmas season is such a wonderful time of year for the kids and they love to be around the fireplace and all of the ornaments. Be sure to keep them safely away from the fire.
Fireplaces and the Christmas season are a great time of year. Be sure that you and your family stay happy and safe by following these simple fireplace safety tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Dense Fog Advisory in Effect
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENDLETON, OR 1147 AM PST FRI DEC 18 2009 ..
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON HAS ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST SATURDAY.
A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTE MILE. IF DRIVING, SLOW DOWN, USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU.
A LAYER OF STRATUS CLOUDS WILL REMAIN TRAPPED BENEATH AN INVERSION ALOFT RESULTING IN AREAS OF DENSE FOG THIS AFTERNOON AND OVERNIGHT.
THE STRATUS CLOUD WILL INTERACT WITH THE TERRAIN AT ELEVATIONS MAINLY BETWEEN 1000 TO 2500 FEET. *
VISIBILITY OF ONE QUARTER OF A MILE OR LESS CAN BE EXPECTED AT TIMES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PENDLETON.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENDLETON, OR 1147 AM PST FRI DEC 18 2009 ..
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON HAS ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST SATURDAY.
A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTE MILE. IF DRIVING, SLOW DOWN, USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU.
A LAYER OF STRATUS CLOUDS WILL REMAIN TRAPPED BENEATH AN INVERSION ALOFT RESULTING IN AREAS OF DENSE FOG THIS AFTERNOON AND OVERNIGHT.
THE STRATUS CLOUD WILL INTERACT WITH THE TERRAIN AT ELEVATIONS MAINLY BETWEEN 1000 TO 2500 FEET. *
VISIBILITY OF ONE QUARTER OF A MILE OR LESS CAN BE EXPECTED AT TIMES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PENDLETON.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Winter Storm Watch in Effect
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.
A PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD A WINTER MIX OF PRECIPITATION OVER EASTERN OREGON AND SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.
PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN IN THE SOUTHERN HALF OF OREGON LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING THEN WILL SPREAD INTO NORTHEAST OREGON AND SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON LATE TONIGHT. A STATIONARY FRONT WILL SET UP ALONG THE BLUE MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS...FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF HEAVY SNOW SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT. * THE MAIN EFFECT FROM THIS STORM SYSTEM ALONG THE BLUE MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS WILL BE HEAVY SNOW...ALTHOUGH THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN. * 4 TO 7 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING ALONG THE BLUE MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WATCH IS ISSUED WHEN THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS. FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PENDLETON.
A PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD A WINTER MIX OF PRECIPITATION OVER EASTERN OREGON AND SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.
PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN IN THE SOUTHERN HALF OF OREGON LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING THEN WILL SPREAD INTO NORTHEAST OREGON AND SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON LATE TONIGHT. A STATIONARY FRONT WILL SET UP ALONG THE BLUE MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS...FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF HEAVY SNOW SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT. * THE MAIN EFFECT FROM THIS STORM SYSTEM ALONG THE BLUE MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS WILL BE HEAVY SNOW...ALTHOUGH THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN. * 4 TO 7 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING ALONG THE BLUE MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WATCH IS ISSUED WHEN THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS. FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PENDLETON.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
By the Numbers: Candle Fires
The holiday season is here and with the increased usage of seasonal decorations, it is important to focus on candle fire safety. On average, one home candle fire is reported every 34 minutes. In fact, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are the top four days for home candle fires respectively. In Washington State, there were 133 fires started by candles in 2008 that caused $2.6 million in damages and 63 fires so far this year that have cause $1.5 million in damages.
“Set a good example for young children by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully. If you choose to use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down,” says State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick.
The Office of State Fire Marshal offers the following candle safety tips and facts:
· Use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult awake to control and oversee the flame. Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
· Do not use candles in sleeping areas. Almost 40% of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
· Keep candles away from combustibles. More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, Christmas trees, decorations, window blinds, or curtains, is too close to the candle.
· Keep candles up high, out of reach of children. Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
· Never leave burning candles unattended. In 20% of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned.
· Never put lit candles on a Christmas Tree. In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
The holiday season is here and with the increased usage of seasonal decorations, it is important to focus on candle fire safety. On average, one home candle fire is reported every 34 minutes. In fact, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are the top four days for home candle fires respectively. In Washington State, there were 133 fires started by candles in 2008 that caused $2.6 million in damages and 63 fires so far this year that have cause $1.5 million in damages.
“Set a good example for young children by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully. If you choose to use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down,” says State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick.
The Office of State Fire Marshal offers the following candle safety tips and facts:
· Use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult awake to control and oversee the flame. Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
· Do not use candles in sleeping areas. Almost 40% of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
· Keep candles away from combustibles. More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, Christmas trees, decorations, window blinds, or curtains, is too close to the candle.
· Keep candles up high, out of reach of children. Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
· Never leave burning candles unattended. In 20% of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned.
· Never put lit candles on a Christmas Tree. In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Winter Weather Information
The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter weather hazards. Here’s what they mean and what to do. Use the information below to make an informed decision on your risk and what actions should be taken. Remember to listen to your local officials’ recommendations and to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest winter storm information.
OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days.
Stay tuned to local media for updates.
WATCH: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours.
Prepare now!
WARNING: Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will
begin within 24 hours. Act now!
ADVISORY:: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant
inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious,
these situations should not be life threatening.
Stay Informed!
Electronic equipment available to receive weather information/NOAA
(Weather Radio, Radio, TV, Pager, Cell Phone, Two-Way Radio)
OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days.
Stay tuned to local media for updates.
WATCH: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours.
Prepare now!
WARNING: Life-threatening severe winter conditions have begun or will
begin within 24 hours. Act now!
ADVISORY:: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant
inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious,
these situations should not be life threatening.
Stay Informed!
Electronic equipment available to receive weather information/NOAA
(Weather Radio, Radio, TV, Pager, Cell Phone, Two-Way Radio)
When Caught in a Winter Storm
OUTSIDE:
Find Shelter
- Try to stay dry.
- Cover all exposed body parts.
No Shelter
- Build a lean-to, wind break or snow cave for protection from the wind.
- Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
- Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
Melt Snow for Drinking Water
- Eating snow without melting it will lower your body temperature.
IN A VEHICLE
Stay in vehicle
- You will become quickly disoriented in wind driven snow and cold.
- Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
- Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked
Be visible to rescuers
- Turn on the dome light at night when running the motor.
- Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to the antenna or door.
- After snow stops falling raise the hood of your car to indicate you need help.
Exercise
- From time to time, move arms, legs fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm
INSIDE
Stay inside
- When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc..use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.
No heat
- Close off unneeded rooms.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks and under doors.
- Cover windows at night.
- Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Removelayers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
AVOID OVEREXERTION, such as snow shoveling , pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor can cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill or hypothermia.
Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat.
Wind Chill is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.
Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately!
Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. It can kill. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the
person’s temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately!
person’s temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Keep the Home Fires Burning…in the Fireplace
As temperatures drop, the threat of home fires rises due to the increased use of alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. While these alternative methods of heating are certainly acceptable, they are also a major contributing factor in residential fires.
Fire departments in Washington State reported that approximately half of all home heating fires occur during the winter months. Heating equipment was involved in over 1,300 structure fires in 2008, resulting in two fire deaths and nearly $6.9 million in property loss. “Many of these fires can be prevented. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels,” says State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick. “By educating themselves about the equipment and following some simple home heating tips, residents can help prevent fires.”
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves –
Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (3 feet) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection. Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and unwanted material from going in. Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel.
Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. Allow ashes to cool and dispose of them in a metal container.
Space Heaters –
Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections and exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case it is tipped over.
Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting, burning fuel can produce deadly fumes. Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
Protect Your Home –
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home - when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
For more information on home heating safety, visit the Office of State Fire Marshal website at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars or the United States Fire Administration site at www.usfa.dhs.gov
As temperatures drop, the threat of home fires rises due to the increased use of alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. While these alternative methods of heating are certainly acceptable, they are also a major contributing factor in residential fires.
Fire departments in Washington State reported that approximately half of all home heating fires occur during the winter months. Heating equipment was involved in over 1,300 structure fires in 2008, resulting in two fire deaths and nearly $6.9 million in property loss. “Many of these fires can be prevented. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels,” says State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick. “By educating themselves about the equipment and following some simple home heating tips, residents can help prevent fires.”
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves –
Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (3 feet) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection. Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and unwanted material from going in. Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel.
Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. Allow ashes to cool and dispose of them in a metal container.
Space Heaters –
Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections and exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case it is tipped over.
Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting, burning fuel can produce deadly fumes. Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.
Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
Protect Your Home –
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home - when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
For more information on home heating safety, visit the Office of State Fire Marshal website at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars or the United States Fire Administration site at www.usfa.dhs.gov
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