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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | September 2016 | 15 September's Tip: Preparedness and Safety is really everybody's business, and one of the most important home safety areas is dealing with fires. As a reminder, fires require three elements: fuel to burn, a source of heat great enough to cause the fuel to combust, and sufficient oxygen to support the combustion. Our homes are filled with potential fuel, and there is generally enough "air-space" to provide enough oxygen. So the element we can have the most effect on is the heat source. The most obvious source of heat is any open flame like gas stoves/ovens, gas water heaters, BBQ's, and candles. Less obvious are electrical appliances, hot cooking oil, exposed light bulbs, and hot auto engines when we put our cars in the garage. Even less obvious are possible sources of spontaneous combustion like piles of solvent soaked rags or even compost piles! And, of course, there is the potential fire danger caused by smoldering coals or cigarettes. All of these require care and safety on our part. We can mitigate the fuel element by keeping the more flammable items away from extreme heat sources. Builders have helped here typically by encasing wooden materials in sheet rock, so what we need to do is be cognizant about what kinds of things we have added to our homes and where we keep them. Choosing flame resistant decoration materials and taking great care when using flammable materials when cleaning or repairing things is a must. Highly flammable materials (sometimes referred to as accelerants in crime shows) like gasoline, lighter fluid, propane, and petroleum-based solvents and cleaners require special care and mindful storage. They should not be stored in areas that have poor ventilation (allowing vapors to collect), and they should be kept away from exposed flames. Keeping them in the garage with the doors closed and during the heat of summer, and where most people have gas water heaters, could be a recipe for disaster! And not just the obvious cans of liquids, but the mowers, edgers, generators, and pressure washers that have gas tanks as well! The last area of safety preparation includes warning devices and fire extinguishers. Smoke alarms are one of the best early warnings we can have — but only if they are maintained and have good batteries. As for fire extinguishers, they must be rated for fighting fires typical to homes — electrical and chemical. They too must be current and properly maintained. Also, their number and placement are critical. The most common areas for fires to start are the kitchen, the garage, BBQ's and bathrooms. Therefore at least two should be on hand. Make sure that they are convenient, but not next to a fire source (like a stove or water- heater). If a fire breaks out, you do not want to have to reach through flames to get to the extinguisher! It is very important that you know how to EFFECTIVELY use the extinguisher. Always aim discharge at the base of the fire nearest you and work with horizontal "sweeping" motions towards the center of the fire. And, in the lyrics of The Gambler: "You've got to know when to walk away, and know when to run!" With extreme heat, smoke, or fire expansion — get out and notify the fire department and neighbors. Remember — no water on electrical or grease based fires! Do NOT throw flour on a grease fire — have you ever heard of grain elevator fires/explosions? If you can, safely "cover to smother" with a non-flammable item such as a pan lid or cookie sheet, not a towel or rag! Fires can be a part of many other types of emergencies, including: earthquakes, vehicle accidents, windstorms, and bad cooking techniques. For more information on fire safety, please attend our monthly Preparedness and Safety Meetings. Our CERT members have begun preparing for this year's "Great Shakeout" which will be held at 10:20 am on Oct. 20. If you are interested in learning more about this-- and perhaps joining in, please see below for our meeting details. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. And finally, "If you see something, say something!" When you do, call BOTH Security Roving Patrol (951) 202-4603 and the Hemet Police Department (951) 765-2400. For more information and training, our meetings are held at the Lodge on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Emergency Preparedness Committee

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