Safety Source

Mother's Day gift...the fire safe way

I was looking for some Mother's Day projects for sparky.org  when I came across this one. Yikes. I found it on Pinterest, so keep in mind that it is out of context. It is just a picture with no explanation. I am hoping that this is geared towards adults giving this to their mothers.  Never the less, putting a lit candle on a rug next to curtains is not a good idea.

 The sentiment is sweet, and the words are a wonderful message to mom, but let's throw some fire safety into it. If you are an adult, and you are giving this gift to your mom, remember candles are open flames and they can easily ignite anything that can burn. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. When you wrap the candle and matches, include this tip sheet on candle safety for mom.
 
As a child's project, get a flameless candle (don't have children give matches) and include the same great message. I bought some battery-operated flameless candles from Target recently. They are vanilla scented and have a built-in timer so they turn off after four hours.

This is a great alternative to the "real" candle…and much safer. Check back in a few days for some great Mother's Day ideas on Sparky.org.

Read the new issue of NFPA's public education newsletter

The April 2013 issue of NFPA's public education newsletter, Safety Source, is now available. This issue  features our new parent tip sheet for children playing with fire, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm urges others to learn from her grilling accident, a free printable: 10 Ways to have fun this Spring (which includes some great fire-safety ideas to get kids involved), and an overview on NFPA's review on fire safety messaging for preschool-age children.

You'll also find the latest estimates on major fire cause, the Educator of the Year winner and information on applying inclusive emergency preparedness to wildfire mitigation planning.

If you aren't signed up already, today is the day! Get the latest public education news for your family, business, community and classroom delivered right to your in-box.

 

10 Ways to Have Fun this Spring

It doesn't feel like Spring in New England. In fact, it was 32 degrees this morning. That being said, I am thinking positive that the weather will start to get warmer. This month, Sparky.org is all about getting outside and celebrating Spring. I am always looking for fun activities to do with my kids. This month's free printable gives you 10  Ways to Have Fun this Spring as a family. Of course, a few of the ideas include fire safety. We are NFPA after all. 

As my children get older, activities like this mean even more to me, and them. This piece is not only a great family project but can also be used for after school programs, classrooms, Scout troops and as handouts from the fire department. Let me know if you use it, and how the kids like it.

 

Ashley Greene's condominium destroyed by fire

I use candles in my home. However, I have one candle, it is in a sturdy container, I keep it on top of my stovetop and blow it out when I leave the room. Candles bring a positive, cozy mood to my home. I use them, but I understand that a candle is an open flame and extra precautions need to be taken.

I was saddened to learn of the fire last Friday morning in the West Hollywood apartment of Ashley Greene. Everyone knows Ashley from “Twilight”.  A USA Today article indicated the cause of the fire was a candle left burning which ignited a sofa. Fortunately Ashley, her boyfriend and brother were able to get out of the apartment safely. However, Ashley lost one of her dogs in the blaze.

Help me spread the important candle safety information NFPA has created to help consumers use candles safely.  Our candle safety tips sheet has the information you need to prevent candle fires. Once you find our safety tips page, scroll down to the second line of tip sheets where you will find candle safety.

I imagine the outcome of this fire would have been different if the condominium had a fire sprinkler system. A home fire sprinkler system responds quickly to a nearby fire. In fact, sprinklers may contain and even extinguish a home fire in less time than it typically takes the fire department to arrive. If you are building or remodeling your home or choosing an apartment or condominium, consider a home fire sprinkler system for your safety.

Sparky's cootie catcher game; fun for all

Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out Sparky's cootie catcher. Print, fold and play. It is that easy.

Get your fortune, jokes and since it is Sparky's cootie catcher, you might just find some fire-safety messages included. The cootie catcher is great for getting kids engaged. You can use for school visits, open houses, scout troops, after school programs and even parties.

Let us know what you think and how you use the game.

Testing CO alarms is important

Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. Like smoke alarms, CO alarms also need to tested once a month. Add them to your monthly routine. When you test smoke alarms, test your CO alarms. too. Learn more about CO safety.

Help send Sparky the Fire Dog® around the world with the Flat Sparky activity

Help send Sparky the Fire Dog® around the world!  Color, decorate and cut out Flat Sparky, take a picture of him on an adventure and share it with us.  You can post the photo to Sparky's Facebook page, or pin it to Pinterest and mention @NFPA in your caption! 

A Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Lesson

It’s so easy to put laundry in the dryer and continue on with household activities. I just heard about a clothes dryer fire that I have to share with you.

A family in Utah is safe because of the quick action of a boy named Jake. The clothes dryer was on and the family was at home watching television. Jake smelled smoke and went to investigate the laundry room. To his surprise, he found smoke from the clothes dryer. He immediately turned off the
dryer and the fire went out. Mike who is Jake’s dad, an NFPA member and a former paramedic fire fighter, inspected the situation and determined the fire was out and the family was not in danger. Mike moved the dryer and was shocked to see the amount of lint that had built up under the dryer. Mike and his family want to remind home owners to be sure to clean the lint filter of your dryer after
every use. He also encourages everyone to inspect and clean inside, behind and under the dryer where lint can accumulate. In addition, be sure to clean out the vent pipe at least once a year. Dryer lint removal services are available if a homeowner does not feel comfortable cleaning out the lint.

Mike told me that in the past, his family has put a load of clothes in the dryer at night and gone to bed. If the family had done that, this may have been a very different story. The family has committed to never running the dryer when they go to bed and always staying home when the dryer is running.

I’m glad Mike shared his story. Let’s remember to keep our dryers clean. I’d also like to remind everyone to be sure you have working smoke alarms in your home. Smoke alarms should be located inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect the alarms so when one sounds they all sound. Test smoke alarms monthly.

Thanks Mike and I am happy your family and home are safe!

Candles in a Classroom?

When I was a kindergarten teacher, candles were not allowed in my classroom. Luckily, this school was equipped with a fire sprinkler system which extinguished the fire. An unattended candle on a teacher’s desk caught the desk on fire while the class was at an assembly. I’m curious; do schools in your community allow lit candles in the classroom?

New issue of NFPA's public education newsletter

Have you seen the December issue of Safety Source? It is packed with all things holiday fire safety. Get the latest on resources for your community, activities for the kids, tip sheets and more. We are also accepting applications for Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year and the Rolf Jensen Award.