Safety and Prevention – Benton County Fire District 4

Back to School

As the new school year kicks off, let’s all come together to ensure the safety of our children on the roads.

Drivers – keep a watchful eye and follow these tips:

Slow down: Be extra cautious around school zones and bus stops. Obey posted speed limits.
Stop for buses: When a school bus extends its stop sign, it means kids are getting on or off. Wait until the sign is retracted and the bus starts moving again.
Watch for crosswalks: Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and be especially cautious around school zones.
Stay Alert: Kids can be hard to predict – they might run into the road unexpectedly. Stay focused, attentive, and ready to react.
Put your devices away: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Keep your phone and other distractions out of reach while behind the wheel.

Let’s drive carefully this school year and set a good example for our young and new drivers!

Candles

Candles are safe products, but unless they are used safely and watched carefully, they can lead to an accidental fire.

More than 15,000 candle fires are reported annually. According to fire experts, the bulk of candle-fire incidents are due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to the misuse of candles.

The National Candle Association urges consumers to be careful when burning candles, and to following these rules for burning candles safely.

Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.

Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.

Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping.

Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.

Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. This will also help prevent possible heat damage to counters and table surfaces and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking.

Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s use and safety instructions carefully. Don’t burn a candle longer than the manufacturer recommends.

Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents. This will help prevent rapid, uneven burning, and avoid flame flare-ups. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire.

Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room. Don’t burn too many candles in a small room or in a “tight” home where air exchange is limited.

Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or ½ inch if in a container.

Never touch a burning candle or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.

Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder. It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.

Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another. This is to make sure they don’t melt one another or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.

Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It’s the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering.

Never extinguish candles with water. The water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might cause a glass container to break.

Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure. Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet, or when fueling equipment – such as a lantern or kerosene heater.

Make sure a candle is completely extinguished, and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.

Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high. The candle isn’t burning properly, and the flame isn’t controlled. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before re-lighting.

Never use a candle as a night light

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety

The best way to protect yourself, family, and friends from carbon monoxide, is to prevent it. Follow these carbon monoxide safety tips.

Stay upwind of any carbon monoxide sources outside.

Have your appliances checked during inspection and then again, every year.
Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is placed near each fuel-burning appliance.
Look for signs of a carbon monoxide leak (soot or black residue on appliances or above a fireplace).
Replace carbon monoxide alarms approximately every 10 years (or per manufacturer recommendations).
Use generators at least 20 feet away from any buildings.
Turn your car off in the garage, never leave the engine running.
Don’t rely exclusively on carbon monoxide alarms, as they may not detect slow, lingering leaks under 30 ppm.
Do not use outdoor appliances inside or near open windows (grill, gas lantern, etc.).
Carry a carbon monoxide detector that goes to 0 ppm if you’re part of a vulnerable population.
Clear snow near your car’s exhaust in the snowy winter.
Stay upwind of any carbon monoxide sources outside.

Learn more at NFPA – Carbon monoxide alarms

Cooking

1. Keep a watchful eye on what you are cooking. Consider setting a timer to help you stay attentive.

2. Always have a lid within reach. In case of a small grease fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

4. Keep the kitchen a kid and pet free zone. Keep curious hands and paws away from the stove or oven and any areas where hot food or beverages are being prepared or carried.

CPR

Did you know? 70 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. You could be the first line of defense in saving a life.

Hands-Only CPR by a bystander has been proven to be just as effective as traditional CPR with breaths during those critical first minutes of an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.

Anyone can become a lifesaver. Hands-Only CPR is incredibly simple with just two easy steps:

1.) Call 9-1-1 immediately.

2.) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the disco song “Stayin’ Alive.”

9-1-1 operators can guide you through this straightforward process, no prior training required. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

Daylight Savings: Fall Back

Daylight savings time ends November 3. It’s time to “fall back,” set your clocks back one hour and make sure your home is safe! Now is the perfect time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Is someone in your house hard of hearing? Invest in alarms with features like strobe lights or bed shakers in case of an emergency.
You should test your alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working properly, and if your alarms use regular batteries, replace them every six months. The detector itself should be replaced at least every ten years. If you hear that ‘chirping’ sound, it’s time for new batteries!

Fall/Winter Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires happen more often during the winter months than any other time of the year. With winter on its way, we want to share a few tips to keep your home safe this heating season:

1) Have your heating system checked annually and regularly maintained.

2) Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and on every level of your home.

3) Make sure you have a carbon monoxide monitor.

4) Test alarms monthly to ensure they are working.

5) Have yearly chimney inspections and cleanings.

Fireworks

Always check for local fire danger and/or restrictions
Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
Never light them indoors
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
Never point or throw fireworks at another person
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

Generators

If you lose power and rely on a generator, please follow these safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Keep generators outdoors in a ventilated area, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors (at least 5 feet).
Never use a generator, gas-heater or grill inside your home, garage or basement.
Make sure your generator is serviced routinely (check the manual for recommendations)
Connect appliances to portable generators with heavy-duty extension cords.
Never refuel a generator when it is hot or running. Let it cool down first.
Find a place to use a generator that is out in the rain to reduce the risk of electrocution.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning like headaches, dizziness, vomiting and confusion. If signs appear, move to place with fresh air and call 9-1-1. And, if your home doesn’t already have them, please install carbon monoxide alarms.

Heat Lamps

If you are using a heat lamp outdoors this winter, please keep these safety tips in mind:
Do not plug extension cords together. This creates a fire hazard. Instead purchase an extension cord in the correct length for your heat lamp needs.
Check your extension cord for damage and check the wattage limit.
Keep heat lamps away from combustible fuels
Make sure that your lamp is safe for indoor use before using it inside of buildings.
Ensure that your lamp is secured into place and cannot be knocked over by animals or pets.

Lifejackets

LIFEJACKET LOANER PROGRAM: Benton County Fire District 4 is one of several agencies that offer loaner lifejackets. Please call (509) 967-2945 to arrange a pick-up time/location.

Lighters and Matches

We all know that curiosity is a natural part of a child’s growth journey, and sometimes that curiosity might lead them to explore objects like lighters and matches. Here are some essential tips to keep your little ones safe around fire-related items.

Make sure lighters and matches are stored high up and out of your child’s sight and reach. A locked cabinet is a great option to prevent access.
Invest in childproofing tools to secure areas where you store lighters and matches.

Teach your kids about fire safety from a young age. Lighters and matches are not toys. Explain that these items are tools for adults only.
Lastly, teach your children what to do in case of a fire emergency. Help them understand that fire is not a toy, and knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial. Let’s keep those curious minds safe and sound.

Smoke Alarms

Operational smoke alarms are your family’s first line of defense in case of fire. Benton County Fire District #4 encourages residents to purchase and install smoke alarms with 10-year Lithium 9V batteries. Take a few minutes today to ensure your home has the appropriate number of smoke alarms and that they are properly located, regularly tested and maintained.

Don’t wait for an emergency to remind you – it’s time to check those batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regular maintenance is key to ensure these life-saving devices are ready when you need them most. Here are some essential tips:

Test Monthly: Press the “test” button on your detectors to make sure they’re working correctly. A loud beep means they are functioning as expected.
Replace batteries: Check the lifespan of your batteries and replace as needed.
Clean Regularly: Dust and debris can interfere with sensors. Vacuum or dust to keep them clean. Check your manufacturer’s manual for additional information.
Placement Matters: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in sleeping areas. Place carbon monoxide monitors 5 feet from the floor and on each level of your home. Install carbon monoxide monitors in basements and in rooms above attached garages, which house the most common CO producers in your home.
Replace Every 10 Years: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan. Check the date of manufacture and replace them every decade.

The fire district will change batteries and install new smoke alarms if a homeowner is unable to do so. Our ability to visit is limited due to the pandemic; however, your safety is our priority. Please contact Kevin Gaidos for more information about this program at (509) 967-2945 or [email protected].

Learn how to change batteries, smoke alarms, and troubleshooting for chirping detectors.

Spring Cleaning

Inside

Vacuum dust from your home’s some and carbon monoxide alarms.
Clean debris from your dryer’s lint trap and exhaust duct.
Inspect electrical appliances for damage or frayed chords.
Only store flammable chemicals in small containers away from the home.

Outside

Clean your garage of stored paper or other rubbish that can fuel a fire.
Check propane grills for hose leaks and cracks, and never store them indoors.
Create a fire escape plan with a meeting place a safe distance from your home.
Remove dead leaves from decks, porches, and foundations.

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SLIP AND FALL PREVENTION

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one-third of adults over 65 years of age fall each year. Falls can lead to hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults – and they are mostly preventable. That’s why Benton County Fire District 4 has launched a program to reduce injury from slips and falls.

Firefighter/EMTs will now visit residents’ homes at their request and perform a comprehensive evaluation of the property exterior and interior. The inspections take approximately an hour. Once the survey is complete the Firefighter/EMT will sit down with the homeowner and review a list of recommendations to reduce the risk of injury from a fall. This initiative is the first step to Benton County Fire District 4 launching its own medical emergency prevention program called “FD Cares” (Fire Department Community Assistance, Referral and Educational Services) to reduce calls to 911 and lower health care costs. Historically, the fire district was simply there to put out fires. Now, a large part of what it does is prevention-related including safety inspections, educating the community about fire prevention through local schools, homes and area businesses, and now reducing injuries.

If you would like to schedule a complimentary fall prevention inspection, please contact Lieutenant Gaidos at (509) 967-2945 or [email protected].

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SMOKE ALARMS

Test Monthly: Press the “test” button on your detectors to make sure they’re working correctly. A loud beep means they are functioning as expected.
Replace batteries: Check the lifespan of your batteries and replace as needed.
Clean Regularly: Dust and debris can interfere with sensors. Vacuum or dust to keep them clean. Check your manufacturer’s manual for additional information.
Placement Matters: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in sleeping areas. Place carbon monoxide monitors 5 feet from the floor and on each level of your home. Install carbon monoxide monitors in basements and in rooms above attached garages, which house the most common CO producers in your home.
Replace Every 10 Years: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan. Check the date of manufacture and replace them every decade.

Learn how to change batteries, smoke alarms, and troubleshooting for chirping detectors.

Summer Safety

As we gear up for the summer heat, we want to keep pool safety on our minds. Before you jump into the pool, take a moment to read these important tips:

Always supervise children when they’re in or near the pool. Never leave them unattended, even for a moment.
Keep electrical devices away from the pool area. Never use electronic devices, such as radios or phones, while in the pool.
In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. If someone is in trouble, throw them a floatation device or use a long stick to pull them to safety.

Remember, pool safety is everyone’s responsibility. Stay safe and stay cool!

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FIREWORKS

Always check for local fire danger and/or restrictions
Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
Never light them indoors
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
Never point or throw fireworks at another person
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

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LIFEJACKETS

LIFEJACKET LOANER PROGRAM: Benton County Fire District 4 is one of several agencies that offer loaner lifejackets. Please call (509) 967-2945 to arrange a pick-up time/location.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SLIP AND FALL PREVENTION

If you would like to schedule a complimentary fall prevention inspection, please contact Lieutenant Gaidos at (509) 967-2945 or [email protected].

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SMOKE ALARMS

Test Monthly: Press the “test” button on your detectors to make sure they’re working correctly. A loud beep means they are functioning as expected.
Replace batteries: Check the lifespan of your batteries and replace as needed.
Clean Regularly: Dust and debris can interfere with sensors. Vacuum or dust to keep them clean. Check your manufacturer’s manual for additional information.
Placement Matters: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in sleeping areas. Place carbon monoxide monitors 5 feet from the floor and on each level of your home. Install carbon monoxide monitors in basements and in rooms above attached garages, which house the most common CO producers in your home.
Replace Every 10 Years: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan. Check the date of manufacture and replace them every decade.

Learn how to change batteries, smoke alarms, and troubleshooting for chirping detectors.

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SWIMMING SAFETY

Never swim alone. Always swim with a friend even if you are a good swimmer.

Avoid areas with swift currents, sudden drops, and other underwater obstacles.

Always wear a life jackets.

Drink water and wear sun protection. Sunburns can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous when swimming.

Turkey Fryers

Thinking about frying your turkey this Thanksgiving? If so, please follow these tips to do so as safely as possible:

1.) OUTDOOR ONLY: Set up your turkey frying station away from the house, deck, garage, and any flammable materials.

2.) STABLE GROUND: Place your fryer on a flat and stable surface to prevent accidental tipping.

3.) THAW COMPLETELY: Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying. Ice + hot oil = Danger

4.) CHECK OIL LEVEL: Overflow accidents can be avoided by doing some measuring before heating your oil. Place your turkey in the fryer and fill it with water. Remove the turkey and mark the water line. Replace the water with the perfect amount of oil.

5.) USE PROPER ATTIRE: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin from potential splatters.

6.) KEEP KIDS AND PETS AWAY: Create a safe zone around the fryer and keep curious little ones and furry friends at least 3 feet away.

7.) HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY: Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher nearby in case an emergency.

Water Safety

As we gear up for the summer heat, we want to keep pool safety on our minds. Before you jump into the pool, take a moment to read these important tips:

Always supervise children when they’re in or near the pool. Never leave them unattended, even for a moment.
Keep electrical devices away from the pool area. Never use electronic devices, such as radios or phones, while in the pool.
In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. If someone is in trouble, throw them a floatation device or use a long stick to pull them to safety.

Remember, pool safety is everyone’s responsibility. Stay safe and stay cool!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LIFEJACKETS

LIFEJACKET LOANER PROGRAM: Benton County Fire District 4 is one of several agencies that offer loaner lifejackets. Please call (509) 967-2945 to arrange a pick-up time/location.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SWIMMING SAFETY

Never swim alone. Always swim with a friend even if you are a good swimmer.

Avoid areas with swift currents, sudden drops, and other underwater obstacles.

Always wear a life jackets.

Drink water and wear sun protection. Sunburns can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous when swimming.

Wildland Fire Season

Wildfire season is here, and it’s crucial to take steps to protect your property and promote a fire-safe environment. Here are some key tips to help you prepare now:

Create defensible space: Clear out any dry vegetation, debris, and dead plants around your property. Maintain a buffer zone of at least 30 feet between structures and flammable vegetation.
- Note! It’s too dry to safely burn yard waste piles.
Trim trees and shrubs: Regularly prune tree branches, ensuring a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from chimneys, roofs, and power lines. Remove any low-hanging branches near the ground.
Clean your roof and gutters: Clear leaves, needles, and debris from gutters and roofs. These can easily ignite and contribute to the spread of fire.
⭐⭐⭐ Fortify your roof! Install or replace your roof with a Class A-rated roof with noncombustible coverings.
In the event of fire, have a plan to access water: Purchase and install external sprinkler systems with dedicated power sources or a water tank, if no water source is available. Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.

Protect your property from wildfire, by FEMA

Firewise Communities – https://www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness
Washington State Department of Natural Resources – https://www.dnr.wa.gov
National Interagency Fire Center – https://www.nifc.gov