Woodbridge Fire Dept. Gives These Safety Tips

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The Woodbridge Fire Department released the following important fire safety tips, in the wake of two devastating fatal fires in the Northeast this January: The first Jan. 5 in Philadelphia that killed 12 people and eight children, and the second Jan. 9 in the Bronx that killed 19 (including nine children), and was started by a space heater.

"With the tragic recent events that unfolded in both New York and Philadelphia, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s office issued safety tips should a fire occur," said Woodbridge Fire Chief John Golden.

The Middletown Fire Dept. released similar tips, and so far in January two homeowners said they advice actually helped when fires started in their homes — especially the tip of closing the door to the room where the fire starts. 2nd Middletown House Fire Contained After Heeding FD's Advice (Jan. 26)

Close doors behind you. As you are running out of a burning room, close the door! Know that fires can and will break out in homes. If you are unable to safely put out the fire, get out of the home quickly and call 911. However, you must close the door to the room where the fire originated. Fires feed on oxygen and open doors allow heat and oxygen to rapidly increase in a room.

Shutting a door prevents the fire from spreading.

"Should a fire occur, closing doors behind you as you exit the building can aid in slowing the fire spread," said the Woodbridge Fire Dept.

Have smoke detectors and keep fresh batteries in them: As always, ensure you have functional and reliable smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside of each separate sleeping area, and on each level of your home, including your basement.

If your smoke detectors use batteries, change the batteries every six months (an easy way to remember this is to change the batteries when you change your clocks to observe Daylight Savings Time).

If you have sealed units, replace the entire smoke detector after no more than 10 years.

If your smoke detector is chirping abnormally and changing the batteries does not resolve the issue, replace the entire smoke detector completely.

Have an escape plan: It’s imperative to have a home escape plan if a fire breaks out. Have at least two means of getting out of a home and be sure they are clear and unobstructed (from snow). The plan needs to be discussed with all the members of each household.

Pick a quiet time on a weekend or after school to discuss with your spouse and children what you all will do when there is a fire in your home. Discuss how you will all calmly follow the plan and get out safely when a fire occurs. Plan a safe meeting spot well away from the home where you can all meet. This will help firefighters know if not everyone has gotten out of the home.

Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials and objects.

Kerosene Heaters are illegal in all but one- and two-family homes in New Jersey. Use manufacturer-recommended fuel only. Store fuel and always refill outdoors. Keep heater three feet away from everything. Never move it while in use. Keep pets and small children away.

Wood & Coal Stoves: Use only seasoned wood or coal in the respective stove type. Dispose of ash in an approved covered container, outdoors and away from the home by at least 15 feet. Check flue pipes and clean all chimneys annually. DO NOT use lighter fluid or flammable liquid to light a fire. Keep stove door closed and use a fire screen.

Electric Heaters: Check for independent lab approval and a "tip switch" that would shut off the appliance if it is moved. Exposed element heaters are being phased out. Look for UL approved self-contained fluid heat transfer units. Keep heater away from flammables, including curtains, shag rug and clothing. Keep on a level hardwood or vinyl surface.

Plug an electric heater directly into an approved wall receptacle. If an extension cord is necessary,only use UL approved extension cord and monitor regularly for heat to the touch. Unplug immediately if any cord is hot to the touch.