Is It Time For The Christmas Tree ALREADY?

It is hard to believe that we are seeing these trees going up already. It seems that they are going up earlier and earlier each year. None the less it is time to review some important safety tips. The following link has some GREAT ideas on a variety of topics which I hope you find beneficial for your home safety. http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_holiday_w002.asp

I hope you enjoy and please pass along any tips you find interesting and helpful to your family and friends.

All The Best!!

Peter Kanavas - Contents Supervisor

How To Protect Your Children From Fires

Children and Home Fires Facts

• Children make up 15%-20% of all fire deaths.


• Children younger than 5 are at greatest risk of fire deaths and injuries, with a fire death rate more than twice the national average. 


• Two thirds of fires that kill children younger than 5 are in homes that do not have a smoke alarm.


• Almost 55% of children ages 5 and under who die from home fires are asleep at the time.


• Nearly one third of children who die in fires are too young to react appropriately.


• Children set about 8,000 home fires each year.

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Turkey Fryer Safety

Turkey Fryers Facts

• Cooking fires peak on Thanksgiving Day.


• Between 1998 and 2005, the Consumer Product Safety Commission had 112 reports of fires or burns related to turkey fryers.


• Most fires from turkey fryers occur while the oil is being heated, before the turkey is added.


• Contact with hot oil can cause serious burns.

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Escape That Second Story

I've been in the fire restoration business for 16 years now. I can thankfully say that I have never been part of restoring a home where there was a loss of a life. I can't even begin to imagine the hurt that results when a family member losses their life due to a fire.It's good to keep in mind, especially when it comes to fire, that time is critical. Within 60 seconds a whole house can be engulfed in flames.

When any emergency occurs we have basically three choices: 1) Do nothing 2) Let our emotions get the best of us and act unrationally (that's like "stupid") 3) Remain calm and act with common sense and purpose

I read an article recently that reminded me of an important tool that everyone with a second or third story in their home should have - a fire escape ladder.

You can purchase one very inexpensively (especially compared to the value of a life!) at a website called www.fireescapesystems.com.

They can be purchased in several different styles, and depending on your particular needs, range from under $100 to a little over $300. Please buy one for each 2nd or 3rd story bedroom in your home.2 stp

Of course, I'd never want to suggest that these ladders could be used for any other purpose than escaping a fire. But I'm sure that some of you with some imagination will have some ideas!

Larry Banach - Construction Manager

Winter Fire Safety Quiz

1. Where do most fires start in the home?

A. The bedroom
B. The living room
C. The kitchen
D. The bathroom

The answer is C: 30% of house fires start in the kitchen.

2. In the United States, a home fire claims a life every _________.

A. 2 hours
B. 3 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours

The answer is B: In the United States, a home fire claims a life every 3 hours.

3. TRUE OR FALSE: Use a fire extinguisher if you have a grease fire on your stove.

The answer is FALSE: Never pour water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.

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Fire Safety Season--Play it Safe!

 As we've been through a cold snap some may feel that they've got this auxiliary heating thing down pat. Well let's just take minute to cover some EXCELLENT reminders:

1.) Keep space heaters at least 3' from anything combustible.

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