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Home Fire Safety
Learn about the City of Carlsbad Fire Department's free smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm programs in this video.
Types
- Ionization detectors - contain radioactive material that ionizes the air, completing an electric circuit. Smoke molecules attach themselves to the ions causing a change in current flow that triggers an alarm. The radioactive, synthetic metallic element is called Americium. The amount is very small and not harmful.
- Photo-electric detectors - contain a light source (usually a bulb) and a photocell, which is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles activating the photocell that triggers the alarm.
Home placement
- One in each sleeping area
- One in a short hallway outside the bedroom.
- Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one at each end.
- Keep the alarm away from fireplaces, wood stoves and the kitchen to avoid false alarms.
- One at the top of each stairwell; smoke rises easily through stairwells.
- If putting a smoke alarm in the kitchen, be sure to keep it away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.
Mounting
- If mounted on the ceiling, keep it at least 18 inches away from dead air space near walls and corners.
- If mounted on the wall, place it six to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners.
- Keep smoke detectors high because smoke rises.
- Never place them any closer than three feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke.
- Do not place near doorways or windows where drafts could impair the detector’s operation.
- Do not place on an uninsulated exterior wall or ceiling. Temperature extremes can affect the batteries.
- People often feel safe in their homes, but about two-thirds of the nation's fire deaths happen in the victim's own home. The home environment poses the greatest risk and requires the most precautions.
Smoke alarms mounted on the wall or ceiling automatically sound a warning when they sense smoke or other products of combustion. A Johns Hopkins University study found that 75 percent of residential fire deaths and 84 percent of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke alarms. More than 90 percent of fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are likely to be asleep. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.
Maintenance
- Keeping smoke alarms in good condition very important and very easy. Follow these helpful tips to keep smoke alarms in good working condition.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace the batteries every year or as needed. Most models will make a chirping, popping or beeping sound when the battery is losing its charge. When this sound is heard, install a fresh battery, preferably an alkaline type.
- Replacing smoke alarms over 10 years old is recommended.
- Replace bulbs every three years or as needed. Keep extras handy.
- Check alarm every 30 days by releasing smoke or pushing the test button.
- Clean the alarm face and grillwork often to remove dust and grease.
- Never paint a smoke alarm as paint will hamper its function.
- Check the alarm if no one has been home for a long period of time.
Seven people die each day in U.S. home fires on average, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Residents are more likely to survive a home fire if the home has a properly functioning smoke alarm, and the city is here to help.
The City of Carlsbad Fire Department will install a free smoke alarm in Carlsbad residents’ homes and share important fire safety information.
Sign up
Call 442-339-2665 or email us to sign up.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is known as the “invisible killer” and poses a threat to people and pets. Installing and maintaining a carbon monoxide alarm at your home provides an early warning and reduces the risk of serious injury and death from carbon monoxide.
The City of Carlsbad Fire Department is partnering with the Burn Institute to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of older adults in Carlsbad. Eligible homes are occupied by residents aged 62 or older and lack a properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm.
Sign up
Call 442-339-2665 or email us to sign up.
What is a fire extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one that has reached the ceiling, endangers the user, (i.e. no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Please call 9-1-1 if there is a fire that cannot be controlled with a fire extinguisher.
Who needs one?
Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher and it is advisable to have one in every room that poses a fire danger (such as the kitchen or garage). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends at least one fire extinguisher for every 600 square feet of living area. A fire extinguisher should be mounted on a wall, 36 to 44 inches off the floor and away from any potential fire hazards, and placed near an exit door or escape route from the room.
What type of fire extinguisher is needed?
Fire extinguishers are divided into three categories:
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Class A - Ordinary combustible fires, such as wood, paper or fabric
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Class B - Liquid fires, such as grease, gasoline and oil
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Class C - Electrically energized fires
The number that precedes the A, B, or C rating on a fire extinguisher determines how large a fire the extinguisher is designed to put out. The larger the number the more capacity the fire extinguisher has to extinguish fires. A typical general purpose residential fire extinguisher would have a rating of "1-A: 10-BC."
The best fire extinguisher for the home is one rated for multiple purpose use. They usually contain a dry chemical that meets the requirements to extinguish A, B and C class fires.
How to use
The quick way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is to use the acronym PASS.
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Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
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Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.
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Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.
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Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire from approximately eight feet away.
Heating malfunction, electrical failure and lack of maintenance are major contributing factors in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The loss of life and property resulting from heating fires can be prevented by being able to identify potential hazards and following the safety tips contained in this section.
Heating Systems
- Cold weather means many residents will turn on heating systems that have not been used since the previous spring.
- Before turning on that heating system, check it for proper operation and safety. A family member can do this, but remember to read and follow all instructions carefully.
- Manufacturer’s instructions are usually located on the inside door cover near the pilot light.
- If the instructions cannot be found or there are questions about what should be done, call a professional service person or someone qualified to ensure the job is done correctly.
- Filters should be changed at the beginning of the season and then checked monthly to make sure they are not clogged or blocking air flow.
- Most furnace fires begin in the cold hours before dawn when the furnace must work the hardest.
Heaters
Wall Heaters
- Wall heaters should be checked for proper ignition and ventilation. Soot or black marks on the wall can mean that the burner jets are dirty or not adjusted to burn the fuel properly. This means higher amounts of carbon monoxide are being created.
- Without ventilation to the outside, carbon monoxide fumes accumulate inside the home. A flushed face or a slight headache can be the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If this happens, get everyone out of the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone.
Portable Heaters
- Space heaters need at least three feet of space between the heater and combustibles like drapes, furniture and beds.
- Make sure small children cannot get near space heaters. Touching them can cause skin burns.
- As with any electrical appliance, check the cord to make sure it is not frayed or worn.
- Never touch an electric space heater with wet hands when in contact with water.
- Never leave a space heater on when sleeping or when the house is vacant. Turn off when you leave the room.
- Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory
- Place on a solid flat surface
- Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn heater off if it tips over
- Never block an exit
- Plug heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord
- Make sure small children cannot get near space heaters. Touching them can cause skin burns.
- As with any electrical appliance, check the cord to make sure it is not frayed or worn.
- Never touch an electric space heater with wet hands when in contact with water.
Kerosene Heaters
- The City of Carlsbad Fire Department does not recommend the use of kerosene heaters in homes.
- If a kerosene heater is used, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Use only the manufacturer's approved fuel. Store the fuel outside the house and always let the heater cool before filling it outside the home.
- Kerosene heaters must have adequate ventilation because they use up oxygen inside a room as they operate.
Fireplaces
- It is important to have gas and wood burning fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually.
- Chimneys can have build up of dirt, dust, ash and creosote and nesting material from animals
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be present in any room with a fir place and along with smoke detectors, should be tested monthly
Charcoal Briquettes & Barbecues
Charcoal briquettes and barbecues never should be used for cooking or heating inside the home or any other enclosed area, as they can quickly fill a closed space with deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
Please read below for some important safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season. You may also refer to the National Fire Protection Association website for more tips.
Decorate safely
If you’re taking your holiday decorations to new heights, be sure to check out our safety tips before stepping foot on a ladder.
- Use ladders on a steady surface
- Always have three points of contact (two feet and one hand)
- Never reach while on a ladder
- Wear appropriate footware
- Avoid using metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment
- An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend 3’ft above the point of support
Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires:
- Do not overload electrical outlets this holiday season
- Check lighting instructions for the maximum light strands to connect (usually no more than three)
- Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
- All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet
- Only plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
- Relying heavily on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets
December is the peak month for home candle fires. More than one third of home candle fires start in the bedroom and three out of five candle fires start when flammable items are too close to the candle. Candles are pretty to look at, but it is so important to handle candles with care. Follow these simple steps before lighting up your home:
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Keep candles away from kids and pets
- Keep candles away from flammable items
- Place candles at least 3 inches apart
- Never leave candles burning over night
Holiday tree fires are rare but serious. One out of four of these fires is caused by a heat source too close to the tree and/or an electrical malfunction. As you deck the halls this holiday season, be sure you are fire smart:
- When choosing a tree, look for ones that are green with pliable needles. If you have an artificial tree make sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
- Cut one to two inches off the end of the trunk and score the base. This will allow the tree to absorb more water. Water frequently.
- Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source and make sure it is not blocking an exit.
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. It is also important to note if the lights are for indoor or outdoor use.
- When stringing the lights on the tree, be careful of placement. Keep all bulbs turned away from gifts and paper ornaments. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations at the end of the night or when leaving the home. A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire.
- Keep children away from light sets and electrical decorations. All lights present a hazard for curious kids.
After the holidays
- Dispose of the tree as soon as it begins to drop needles. Dried-out trees create a serious fire danger and should not be left inside the home or garage, or left outside, against the home. Check the City of Carlsbad home page for information on tree recycling.
Halloween safety
- Ensure proper costume fit to prevent tripping and falling.
- Purchase only flame retardant costumes and masks.
- When trick-or-treating, wear something reflective, carry a flashlight or glowstick, and travel in groups.
- Check all treats carefully before eating them. Throw away unwrapped candy and fruit.
- Do not use a candle to light a jack-o-lantern. It is safest to use a flashlight or battery operated candle.
- Never use combustible materials in a haunted house, especially styrofoam or other plastics, gauze like materials and other loose flammables such as leaves and papers. These materials can quickly cause the spread of fire.
Fourth of July
The City of Carlsbad explicitly prohibits the sale or use of any fireworks. Only those people who have special licenses are allowed "Controlled" fireworks displays. Please consult the newspaper or local activity calendar for approved, licensed fireworks displays in and around the City of Carlsbad. Residents can report illegal use of fireworks by calling 9-1-1.
Garage
- Gas-fired water heaters should be 18" off the garage floor and strapped to the wall with easy access to gas shut off.
- Do not hang or store flammable materials on or near a gas-fired water heater.
- Store flammable and combustible liquids and gases away from heat or spark producing equipment.
- If needed, store gasoline in an approved safety can.
- Do not overload electrical cords or circuits.
- Never use frayed or damaged extension cords.
- Use only the proper gauge extension cord for the job. (12 or 14 gauge for heavy duty use)
- Safely store pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents and building supplies on level and secure shelving. Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep a fire extinguisher inside the garage near an exit.
- Keep dryer and dryer vent clean and free from excess lint.
- Check your garage door(s) operation and safety features often.
Kitchen
- Keep stove, oven and hood vent free of grease and dirt buildup.
- Don't use the stove top for added counter space.
- Turn cooking handles away from the front of the cook top to keep out of the reach of children and avoid accidental spills.
- When cooking always have the lid of the pot close at hand. The lid can smother a food or grease fire.
- Properly store all cleaning agents, check label for health hazard and flammability and store accordingly.
- Do not leave kitchen appliances on when no one is home.
- Always use a timer when using the oven.
- Install a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Living areas
- When possible, replace extension cords with surge suppressing power strips that are equipped with a circuit breaker.
- Secure furniture and entertainment equipment to wall or floor to prevent damage or injury.
- Keep a fireplace in good working condition.
- Burn only dry seasoned wood or commercial fire logs in fireplace.
- Do not burn garbage, plastics, grass or Christmas tree trimmings in fireplace.
- Keep all combustible material at least 36" away from fireplace opening.
- Keep matches out of the reach of children.
- Make sure all exits from the home are clear and not blocked by stored items or furniture.
Bedrooms & hallways
- A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.
- Do not smoke in bed!
- Dispose of smoking materials in a metal container - not in a waste basket.
- Keep at least one smoke alarm on every level of a home.
- Install a smoke alarm in all hallways that lead to sleeping areas and in each bedroom.
- Smoke alarms checked each month and the batteries replaced annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Doors and windows should be in good working condition. A door can be used to slow fire and smoke spread. Windows can be used as a means of escape in the event of severe fire and smoke conditions.
Escape
- Create at least two different escape routes for each family member. Practice them with the entire family.
- When practicing the escape, close the doors. Closed doors slow the spread of fire.
- Remember to practice crouching down low to avoid breathing in smoke.
- Make sure children understand and recognize a smoke alarm signal.
- Have a designated meeting place outside.
- When all members are outside, STAY OUTSIDE. Under no circumstance should anyone go back into a burning home.
- Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house.
Practice Your Escape Plan
- National Fire Protection Association recommends you should be able to escape your home in less than 2 minutes.
- Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit.
- Draw a map and designate a safe place for all family members to meet.
- Once you get out, stay out.
- Know two ways out of every room. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
- Close doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape.
Research shows that only 29% of people close their bedroom doors when they sleep, but a closed door can mean the difference between 1,000 degrees and 100 degrees during a fire. Additionally, a closed door can keep carbon monoxide levels at 1,000 PPM verses 10,000 PPM when a door is left open.
Having working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside every sleeping room. Have an escape plan and know how to get out quickly. If you can’t get out quickly, having a closed door between you and the fire is critical to your survival. If you don't do this already, start today. "Close before you doze"- it can save your life.