fire safety: I Set Fire to My Kitchen Today - 11/08/10 04:24 PM
No this isn't a creative blog title, this isn't a tall tale, I literally had a fire in my kitchen just a few short hours ago. I now feel the way anyone would feel in this situation--how could I have been so careless? Thank goodness I caught it when I did, and then I imagined the alternatives and sadly chided myself.
So what happened? Well it so happens that I am pregnant with my second, and that means that I get the hankering for odd snacks throughout the day. Late this morning, it was a scrambled egg. It was probably about … (17 comments)

fire safety: Where Should I Place My Carbon Monoxide Detector? - 10/22/10 10:44 AM
Yesterday we discussed Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention and why having a Carbon Monoxide detector is so important. Today let's talk about the proper placement and installation of those detectors. Remember, if you have any fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, you must have a CO detector/alarm.Before purchasing a CO detector, know what your state or municipal government requires. Usually a search of the state’s website or call to local building division will get you headed in the right direction. The basis for these requirements evolved, in part, from recommendations by the 2005 edition of the National Fire … (8 comments)

fire safety: What's Wrong with this Picture?? - 10/22/10 09:22 AM

ANSWER: Disconnected Flue Pipe The venting system of this gas fired water heater is obviously not performing as designed. If this home is occupied, the occupants are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning!The venting system should include a secured draft hood immediately located at the exhaust exit point at the top of the water heater. This draft hood then funnels combustion gases into a flue pipe, which is configured to travel to the exterior, where the gases are released harmlessly into the atmosphere. Flue pipes should have an upward pitch of ¼ inch per foot minimum from the heater to … (8 comments)

fire safety: Do you have a furnace, fireplace, oven, or car? Then you need to read this - 10/21/10 11:46 AM
I've been covering fire safety all month long for National Fire Prevention Month, and no discussion of fire safety would be complete without acknowledging the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible, and poisonous gas resulting from combustion of fossil fuels such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil; the very fuels that power our furnaces, fireplaces, ranges, automobiles, and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 400-500 persons die each year due to fatal encounters with CO gas. Preventing this all too common tragedy should be first on every homeowner’s list … (8 comments)

fire safety: Fire Prevention Checklist - 10/18/10 02:29 PM

Tip of the Week: Fire Prevention Checklist. All this month I'm dedicating a percentage of my blog posts to Fire Prevention Safety. The thrust being no stone left unturned when it comes to residential Fire Safety Awareness.
In doing my research, I recently came across this Home Fire Safety Checklist:(www.ou.edu/oupd/fireprev.htm). It speaks directly to many of the issues and preparedness we’ve been addressing this month. I've made it available as a PDF so you can print it out, use it in your own home or share it with friends or clients. (Click on the checklist image below to get the … (4 comments)

fire safety: Do you have a Family Fire Escape Plan?? (And if so, do you practice it?) - 10/15/10 02:17 PM
As part of my continued coverage of National Fire Prevention Month, here is my Tip of the Week!
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Tip of the Week: Family Fire Escape Plan. Each year millions of dollars in property are lost due to residential fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over 350,000 homes are affected by its devastation annually. Worse than the financial cost of this tragedy is the loss of life to pets and family members.Take a moment to think of all the ways in which your home may be vulnerable to this deadly menace. Do you own a charcoal grill? Do … (6 comments)

fire safety: Common Household Fire Hazards - 10/14/10 12:05 PM
As part of our continued recognition of National Fire Prevention Month, the following is a guest post brought to us by Sally Wills of FireScienceDegrees.com.
Posted By: Chrissy Doremus, U.S. Inspect Blog
We all know that fire is dangerous and destructive and that the most hazardous aspect of this element is that it can occur within the blink of an eye and threaten both human lives and livelihoods in an instant. What we may not know is that some objects that we use regularly in our homes can be fire hazards. We don’t consider such objects as prone to fire, and … (12 comments)

fire safety: What's Wrong with this Picture? - 10/11/10 03:43 PM

ANSWER: Smoke Detector/Alarm in Need of Replacement or Battery Submitted By: Eric Runge, U.S. Inspect Las Vegas Inspector. "Believe it or not, the most common fire hazard I see during inspections is old, damaged, or inoperable smoke detectors! My advice? If there is any question, replace them. Even if they are operating normally, once they reach about ten years old they should be replaced. Batteries also should be replaced at least once a year (preferably twice)."
Posted By: Chrissy Doremus, U.S. Inspect Blog
… (4 comments)

fire safety: Chimney and Fireplace Safety - 10/07/10 02:09 PM
In order to keep your family and home safe, it is important to always practice fireplace and chimney safety. Follow the three-foot rule. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire so keep material at least 36" away from the hearth. Below, find more helpful information about fireplaces and chimneys.How often should I have my chimney cleaned? The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and … (15 comments)

fire safety: What Does the Chicago Water Tower Have to Do With Fire Prevention Month? - 10/05/10 01:38 PM

In honor of National Fire Prevention Month, I've decided to highlight unique properties that are also related to fire and fire-safety. (I feature unique properties throughout the month just for some fun real estate trivia). Today I am featuring the Chicago Water Tower. What, you ask, does this property have to do with Fire Prevention Month and why is it unique?
Well, the Tower is the only public structure to survive the Great Chicago Fire. According to Wikipedia, while some incorrectly believe that the tower was the only building to survive the fire, a few other buildings in the burned … (1 comments)

fire safety: National Fire Prevention Month Starts Today! - 10/01/10 02:27 PM

October is National Fire Prevention Month! I will be recognizing this important national event all month long on my blog. Stay-tuned for fire safety tips, pictures of common fire hazards, chimney and fire safety posts and more.
According to the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), most Americans underestimate their risk for fire, and many either lack emergency response plans – or fail to practice them with fire drills. I hope that through spreading awareness, we can change that and keep our readers and their families safe! I hope everyone will be encouraged to take the steps … (3 comments)