Safety and Prevention

very day Americans experience the tragedy of fire. Each year more than 4,500 Americans die in fires and more than 30,000 are injured. Figures show that each year about 450 people are killed and $300 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire. 

The Schererville Fire Department United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages parents to teach children at an early age about the dangers of fireplay in an effort to prevent child injuries, fire deaths, and fire-setting behavior in the future. Below are some facts about children and fire safety. 

CURIOUS KIDS SET FIRES

• Children under five are curious about fire. Often, what begins as a natural exploration of the unknown can lead to tragedy.
• Children set more than 100,000 fires every year.
• Children make up between 20% - 25% of all fire deaths.
• About 40% of the fires that kill children under five are set by children playing with fire.
• At home, children usually play with fire in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.
• Too often, child fire-setters are not given proper guidance and supervision by parents and teachers.
• Consequently, they repeat their fire-setting behavior.

PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY IN YOUR HOME 

• Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time.
• Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet.
• Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.
• Check under beds and in closets for burned matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire.
• Develop a home fire escape plan, practice it with your children and designate a meeting place outside.
• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Teach children the nature of fire. It is FAST, HOT, DARK, and DEADLY!
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help from another location.
• Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out in the case of fire.
• Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
• Install smoke detectors on every level in your home.
• Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke detector.
• Check the smoke detector each month and replace its batteries at least once a year.
• Replace the smoke detector every ten years.
• Finally, having a working smoke detector dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
• And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

1. Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them regularly. 
2. Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room. 
3. Where possible, plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room. 
4. Make certain that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke detector or hear someone shouting "FIRE", they should immediately evacuate the home. 
5. Decide on a meeting place outside your home. In case of fire, go to the meeting place. Someone should be sent to phone the fire department (9-1-1). 
6. Meet the firefighters when they arrive. 
7. Make certain that everyone in your home knows NOT TO RE-ENTER A BURNING BUILDING. Firefighters are properly equipped and trained to perform rescue operations. 

Regular practice is the way to help prevent PANIC. This is especially true for children. Be sure every family member knows what to do. 

Before opening any door on the way out, feel it. If the door is hot, do not open it. Use an alternative exit. If the windows of upper story rooms can't serve as alternate exits, open the window and shout for help. 

A properly installed and maintained smoke detector should provide enough warning to enable you to safely leave your home, even if there is no alternate exit available. 

In a smoke filled area, the cool air is down low. Practice your escape plan by crawling on your hands and knees. 

If you live in an apartment building, develop your escape plan taking into account fire escape procedures provided by the building management. 

If there is anyone in your home not able to evacuate without assistance, assign someone to assist them. 

Make sure your babysitter understands your fire escape plan.

Electric Blankets: Never fold or roll these types of blankets-heat will build up on wires, igniting blanket and rest of bed. Unplug and store flat when not in use. Don't leave a heating pad on for more than 30 minutes. Never fall asleep with it on. Set alarm clock to awaken you in 30 minutes if necessary. 

Wires, Plugs and Extension Cords: Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Keep down the number of cords in each outlet. Never run cords under rugs, behind radiators, or across doorways where they may become worn. Make sure you have broken cords, switches making hiccup sounds, and hot plugs professionally repaired. Don't mask problems with electrical tape. Use proper gauge extension cord-especially with power tools and high wattage appliances. 

Fuses and Light Bulbs: Use only the proper sized fuse or the circuit will be overloaded; wiring will overheat, deteriorate, and start a fire. If the bulb is too large, overheating can occur in the cord, shade, socket, wiring, or fixture, resulting in combustibles igniting. 

Portable Space Heaters: Use one thermostat (not just a switch) that shuts off by itself when tipped over. Plug it directly into its own outlet. Use in an area free of combustibles and well-ventilated in order for heat to escape. Never leave on overnight. 

Clothes Dryers: Never leave synthetic fabrics, plastics, rubber, or foam in the dryer for longer than manufacturer's recommended time. Clean the lint screen before and after use. Keep area free of combustibles. Dryers must be vented to outside and plugged into own outlet. 

Personal Grooming Appliances: Hair dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, and makeup mirrors must be away from combustibles while in use. Disconnect after use. Never fold/crimp cords or insulation will be ruined, exposing wires which can short out and spark. 

Vaporizers: Never leave a vaporizer unattended or near combustibles. Make sure to keep an ample amount of water inside. Check to make sure that neither the cord nor the plug is too hot. If either of them is, disconnect the vaporizer immediately. Make sure to plug the vaporizer into its own outlet or a heavy-duty extension cord.

How to fight small Electrical Fires: Switch off the appliance, pull out the plug. Use a Type ABC or Type C extinguisher. Never try to cool with water because water conducts electricity and this can result in you receiving an electric shock.

If you have experienced flooding in your home please call the Lake County Department of Homeland Security/Emergency Management Agency to report damages. 219-755-3549

or

Copy and paste the link in your browser and create your report on-line. https://myoracle.in.gov/hs/damage/ia-public.do?method=form&incidentId=IA20130419121922

1. Keep objects that catch fire easily away from the cooking area & appliances in your kitchen. Don't place towels, pot holders, pizza boxes, or paper bags on the stove or near hot appliances. 
2. Clean any grease build-up from the stove, oven, and exhaust fan regularly. Cooking grease and oil ignite easily and burn rapidly. Use a lid or bigger pan to smother a small pan fire. Do not use water or flour on a grease fire. It will make the fire bigger. Do not try to carry a burning pan outside or to the sink, you could accidentally spread the fire. Keep a lid, baking soda, or an ABC fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen. 
3. Avoid reaching over the stove for anything while cooking. Store frequently needed items in other areas of the kitchen. Don't store cookies or other treats near the stove. It might tempt little children to climb on the stove. Keep young children & pets away from cooking areas entirely. 
4. Keep pot handles turned inward, out of the reach of children & pets. Keep appliance cords up on counter tops too. Check those cords regularly for frayed or broken spots. Replace damaged cords or appliances. 
5. Dress for fire safety in the kitchen. Don't wear loosing fitting clothing, like nightgowns & bathrobes while cooking. 
6. Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen for some reason, turn the heat off & take something with you to remind you that you have something cooking. 
7. Shield yourself from steam when uncovering food, especially microwave servings. Steam can cause serious burns.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS HOOSIERS TO USE SPACE HEATERS, FIREPLACES, AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE HEATING EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBLY

To cope with power outages resulting from storms, some Hoosiers have begun using alternative heating sources, such as wood stoves or space heaters, to warm their homes. Even where power is available, more Hoosiers are using alternative heating sources as winter approaches. The Indiana State Fire Marshal is encouraging these individuals to use these sources safely. 

"Every winter, firefighters across the state respond to thousands of home fires caused by heating equipment," said Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. "These types of fires can almost always be prevented by homeowners and renters who use alternative heat sources carefully and responsibly." 

Things to keep in mind when using heating equipment

Woodstoves or fireplaces:

• Use only dry, seasoned wood in a fireplace or woodstove to avoid the build-up of creosote, an oily deposit that easily catches fire.
• Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire. Do not use artificial logs in woodstoves.
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
• Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from your home.

Space heaters:

• Space heaters need space. Keep heaters away from flammable materials such as bedding, drapes, clothing, etc.
• Use the proper grade of fuel for your liquid-fueled space heater and never use gasoline in any heater not approved for gasoline use. 
• Refuel space heaters only in a well ventilated area and when the equipment is cool.
• Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity, never into an extension cord. 
• Turn off space heaters whenever the room they are in is unoccupied. 
• Turn off space heaters when you go to bed each night to avoid knocking them over in the dark.

Generators:
Knowing how to use your generator properly can protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• Never use a generator inside.
• Place emergency generators outdoors away from windows and doors to prevent fumes from entering the home.
• Have a CO detector in the house that sounds an alarm when dangerous carbon monoxide levels are found.

For more information about winter heating safety, visit www.getprepared.in.gov.
In case of a fire, it is not only crucial to have a working smoke alarm in your home, but it is also the law (IC 22-11-18-3.5). Working smoke alarms can double the chances of surviving a residence fire. By Indiana law, all dwellings must have at least one functioning smoke alarm installed outside each sleeping area, and on each level of the building.

To: Residential Property Managers
From: Joseph Kruzan, Fire Chief
Re: Grills and Other Open Flame Cooking Devices

The Schererville Fire Department wants to remind everyone that the State of Indiana has adopted the 2012 International Fire Code and implemented laws regarding the use and storage of gas and charcoal grills as well as other “open-flame” cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction. 

If the building exterior, deck, balcony, or patio is composed of combustible materials, the grill may not be used or stored within 10 feet of the combustible construction. 

Indiana Code 308.3.1 Open Flame cooking devices states: Charcoal burners and other open flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Exceptions;

1. One and two family dwellings
2. Where buildings and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 

Indiana Code 308.3.1.1 Liquefied –petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices states: LP- gas burners shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Exceptions;

1. One and two family dwellings
2. Where buildings and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 

Resident failure to comply shall result in the issuance of fire code violation citations with restitution to the Town of Schererville Town Court. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Schererville Fire Department at 219-322-2599. 

Thank you.

cc: Schererville Building Commissioner

Schererville Fire Chief Joe Kruzan encourages all residents to take a moment to think about fire safety this winter. Statistically, more fires occur during the winter months than any other time. Taking simple precautions can prevent most fires. Follow the safety tips below to help ensure your family’s safety. Remember; fire safety starts with you. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact your Schererville Fire Department at 219-322-2599. 

Portable Heaters:

Give heaters space. Put at least 36 inches of empty space between the heater and everything else, like furniture, curtains, papers and people.

Vacuum and clean the dust and lint from all heaters. A buildup of dust and lint can cause a fire.

Check the cord on portable electric heaters. If the cord gets hot, frayed or cracked have the heater serviced or replaced. 

Never use extension cords with portable electric heaters. It is a common cause of fires.

Turn off portable heaters when family members leave the house or are sleeping.

An adult should always be present when a space heater is used around children.

Make sure your portable electric heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function.

Woodstove and Fireplace Safety:

Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks and obstructions annually. 

Place fireplace or wood stove ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns.

A flue fire can ruin your chimney or stovepipe. To prevent flue fires, burn dry, well-seasoned wood. Burn small, hot fires. Don’t burn trash.

Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping. (If children are present, use a special child-guard screen as a barrier for your woodstove.)

Alternative Heat Sources:

Kerosene heaters can emit poisonous fumes and are not recommended for home use. 

Barbecues, charcoal grills, and camp stoves are for outdoor use only. These items can produce carbon monoxide. Odorless and colorless, a build-up of carbon monoxide can be deadly. 

Generators:

If you have a portable generator, make sure you place it in a well-ventilated area. They are recommended to remain outside of a home.  Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.

Be sure generator fuel is properly and safely stored according to fire regulations. Never store fuel or flammable liquids in a basement or near an open flame. Always refuel the generator away from any ignition sources.

If you choose to have a generator permanently connected to your home’s electrical system, make sure a licensed electrician (and certified to work in Schererville) installs it and be sure you notify NIPSCO. Improperly installed generators can cause multiple types of hazards not only for you but for power company workers as well.

Flammable Liquids: Use gasoline only as a motor fuel, never as a cleaner.

Always use gasoline in a well-vented area, outside is best.

Never use gasoline to start fires.

Store gasoline in an approved well-labeled container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed. Store gasoline outside the house, in a shed, or detached garage. Store only small amounts.

Make sure all flammable liquids are stored away from ignition sources such as pilot lights, water heaters, electrical appliances and open flames.

Propane: Like many other efficient fuels, propane is highly flammable. That means it can be dangerous is not handled properly.

If using a propane fueled heater, make sure it is designed for indoor use. Read all of the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it is properly vented.

Do not use propane barbecues (or any other type of barbecue) indoors.

If you have propane fueled appliances, make sure they are properly vented and follow all manufacturers’ instructions.

If you smell gas, do not operate any switches, appliances or thermostats. A spark from one of these could ignite the gas. Get everyone outside and away from the building. Shut off the gas supply if you know how, call 911 and NIPSCO. 

Smoke Alarms and Home Escape Plans: Working smoke alarms alert you to a fire and more than double your chances of surviving a fire. In a fire, minutes could mean the difference between life and death.

Install smoke alarms in every home, on every level, outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.

Test and vacuum your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working. 

Smoke alarms ten years old or older need to be replaced with new units.

When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast!

Plan your escape. Know two ways out of every room.

Once out, stay out!

Practice your escape plan with your whole family at least twice a year.

If you need a smoke detector, please call the Schererville Fire Department Inspection Bureau at 219-865-5519, and one will be provided at no cost. 

Candles: Place candles in a sturdy fire-proof candleholder where they cannot be knocked over. 

Make sure all candles are out before going to bed or leaving the house.

Keep candles matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Keep candles away from Christmas trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, presents and wrapping paper. 

Emergency Preparedness: Put together an emergency kit. At a minimum include a flashlight, extra batteries, portable radio, canned/packaged foods, tool kit, bottled water, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, extra blankets, and clothes.

Be familiar with winter storm warning terms.

Freezing rain – Rain freezes as soon as it strikes the ground, putting a coating of ice on roads and other exposed objects.

Flood watch – Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

Winter storm watch – Severe weather may affect your area.

Winter storm warning – Severe weather conditions are definitely on the way.

Take a few moments to share these tips with every member of your family.  Talk about these subjects at dinner or at another family gathering. Taking a couple moments now may prevent a future tragedy. Most tragedies can be averted, if we all follow these guidelines.