Prevention



RICHMOND FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE

"Fire Safety Tips"



HAVE A MERRY AND FIRE-SAFE CHRISTMAS
  1. Each year thousands suffer injury burns and death due to holiday decorations and carelessness. Trees, lights, ornament; and fireplaces produce extra hazards in our homes at a time when the hectic season may distract us from “FIRE SAFETY”. Enjoy the holiday season. The Richmond Fire Department offers the following advice for a happy holiday.
  2. If you were to buy a natural, cut tree, check for freshness. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree and a serious hazard. Fresh needles won't break when bent. Once the tree is home, keep it outside until you can decorate it. Cut off the base, one to two inches, and place it in a stable holder. Keep the holder filled with water and keep the tree away from heat.
  3. Place your tree away from heaters and out of the exit ways. Check all lighting for safety. Look for frayed or broken areas where wires are exposed. Damaged sets should be thrown out. Do not chance repairing. Keep bulbs away from curtains and flammable materials and do not use candles anywhere on the tree.
  4. No more than three sets of lights should be on an extension cord. Overloading cords can start a fire. Keep connections away from the water base and use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed cords of the correct size.
  5. Use weatherproof lights and cords for outdoors. These sets are not for prolonged exposure, so take them down as soon as the season is over.
  6. Unplug all lights and blow out all candles before leaving the house or going to sleep. Do not use real candles in the windows; use electric ones listed by UL. Keep all ornaments, candles and cords away from children and pets.
  7. Dry trees can burn like a torch and spread the fire. Remove them as soon as large amounts of needles fall.
  8. Do not burn trees, decorations or wrapping paper in your fireplace. Wrappings and evergreens burn rapidly and throw sparks which can set the roof on fire.


EXTENSION CORDS...DEADLY CONVENIENCES

Most people use extension cords for their convenience without knowing how dangerous they can be. The Richmond Fire Department warns that using the wrong size cord or misusing/abusing extension cords causes hundreds of devastating home fires annually. Follow these safety rules:
  1. Use extension cords as temporary, not permanent, wiring.
  2. Match the extension cord to the number of amps or watts of electricity used by the appliance. Using too small or too long a cord can start fires. Check the label when purchasing cords to see how many amps or watts they can handle.
  3. Never hang cords over nails. Don't run cords under rugs where people walk or through doorways or windows. Do not staple cords to walls or baseboards. Never put a cord anywhere it might be smashed, cut or split. Damaged, frayed or worn cords can start fires.
  4. Use cords approved for outside use with outdoor appliances.
  5. Avoid coiling cords to prevent overheating.
  6. Use only 3-wire extension cords for 3-prong plugs. Never remove the third prong.
  7. Inspect cords frequently for worn or frayed areas and for cuts or splits. Check behind furniture. Replace damaged cords.
  8. Use special heavy duty cords for high wattage appliances, such as air conditioners and freezers.
  9. Buy cords with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or FM (Factory Mutual) labels, indicating that they have passed certain safety tests.


For more information about Fire Safety contact the Richmond Fire Department (281) 232-6871


RICHMOND FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE

"Fire Safety for Kids"

The Richmond Fire Department is dedicated to teaching the community how to take steps to prevent tragedies and to educate individuals on how to survive an unfortunate incident.

For fire prevention materials, tips, and safety information visit the following page:

NFPA Safety Information

The Richmond Fire Department also provides educational information in Fire Safety, Water Safety, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, and Natural Gas Safety. For more information on these subject, please use the links to the left.

A Fire Safety Class or Station Tour is also offered to the community through elementary schools, organizations, and events. To schedule a Fire Safety Class or Tour, contact Dawn Engeling at (281) 232-6871 with the following information:
  • Type of class you are looking for
  • Date and time of the class/tour
  • Location of the class
  • Number and ages of students/attendees
  • Name and phone number for a contact person hosting the class/tour
  • Organization/Event name