Turkey Fryer Fires

Turkey fryers are becoming an increasingly popular choice to cook the Thanksgiving turkey and can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. If your plans include using a turkey fryer, I urge residents to follow all manufacturer directions closely and to review the following safety tips:

Safety Tips:

· Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil within the cooking pot.

· A small amount of cooking oil coming into contact with the burner can cause a large fire.

· Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.

· Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.

· Do not overfill the fryer.

· If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.

· Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too, may result in an extensive fire.

· With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion. Never leave the tryer unattended.

· The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

· Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.

· Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.

Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates and reduce injuries dramatically. Have a Happy, and SAFE, Thanksgiving!

Bill D.

The Power of Fire

Back in 1986 our friends at the National Fire Protection Association produced an award winning video entitled “Fire Power.”  It was really breathtaking as it took you through the initial ignition of the fire through it burning up a whole room and most of a house.  The video really gave the viewer a deep appreciation of the destructive force of fire.

The below is an update and worth watching.  It is just a little over 7 minutes and worth every minute of your time to view. 

As you will see in the video, and please remember, home fire sprinklers save lives and property.

Moving On Up! Department Promotions Announced

Fire Chief Richie Bowers is pleased to announce the following promotions:

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief:

• David Polikoff

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant:

• Marcelo D. Ramos

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• David W. Hensley
• Diarra E. Branch
• Kenneth M. Diffenderfer
• Marvin J. Robinson
• Robert J. Faas Jr
• Steven C. Laughman
• Timothy L. Anderson

Congratulations to all!

What’s Invisible, Has No Smell, But Can Kill You? Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of death by poison in the United States, killing more than 500 people every year. It is one of the most dangerous poisons because often people don't know it is present until it is too late. The best way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to buy a carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) detector for your home. A properly working carbon monoxide detector can provide an early warning before deadly gases build up to dangerous levels. If you live in a home that is two stories or more, you might want to install two.

For more information, see the "Is it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?" page.

Pictograph from our partners in Safety at Kidde.com

If you notice these symptoms and suspect that carbon monoxide is the cause, leave the area immediately and get outside to fresh air. Call 9-1-1 and seek medical help.

Be reminded: Installing a carbon monoxide detector does not eliminate the need to have a smoke alarm in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect smoke and smoke alarms do not sense carbon monoxide.

CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control)

Facts

• ·         CO is a produced anytime a fuel is burned. Potential sources include gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, generators and car exhaust fumes.
• ·         Every year more than 10,000 people die or seek medical attention due to CO poisoning from home-related products. (Source:  Consumer Product Safety Commission)
• ·         More than two-thirds of Americans use gas, wood, kerosene or another fuel as their home's major heat source.
• ·         65% of CO poisoning deaths from consumer products are due to heating systems.
• ·         Only 27% of homes in America have carbon monoxide alarms, according to recent industry research.
• ·         An idling vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can produce concentrated amounts of CO that can enter your home through the garage door or nearby windows.
• ·         CO poisoning deaths from portable generators have doubled for the past two years, and many of these deaths occurred in the winter months and during power outages.
• ·         A poorly maintained gas stove can give off twice the amount of CO than one in good working order.

Prevention

• ·         Install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• ·         Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• ·         Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• ·         Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
• ·         Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
• ·         Do not leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
• ·         Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• ·         Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• ·         Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the most accurate sensing technology? Do they need new batteries?

Replace CO alarms every five to seven years in order to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

Chief Bowers Welcomes Back Maryland Task Force 1

Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1) is home after nine days in storm-ravaged New York following last week’s Superstorm. MD-TF1was activatd by the Federal Emergency Mangement Agency (FEMA) as an Urban Search and Rescue Team on October 28, 2012. The 80-person task force team consists of firefighters, paramedics, search and rescue specialists, physicians, structural engineers, hazardous materials specialists, logistics and planning personnel as well as a canine team and their handler.