Solomons volunteers outline fire safety

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

Firefighters from Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad gave seniors fire safety advice, discussed the importance of having a fire plan and answered questions last week at the Southern Pines Senior Center.

Firefighter R.J. Malveaux, who was well-versed in fire safety and a confident public speaker, told the group to "always keep your own safety in mind," call 911 as soon as possible, get out of a burning building and don't try to put out a fire.

Malveaux, who said they responded to a home fire in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates the night before the presentation, said 95 percent of the fires are preventable, adding that during cold weather a lot of home fires start from portable heaters, fires in fireplaces and candles.

When a senior asked about using an extinguisher on a fire, Malveaux said if the fire is small, give it a hit with the extinguisher, get out and call 911. However, he told the audience not to jeopardize safety in doing so.

He also discussed kitchen safety and told them not to try to move a burning pan off the stove because they could burn themselves or the pan could be dropped, causing flames to spread. It's better to cover it with a lid if possible or douse it with flour or baking soda, he said.

Making a fire plan

While making a fire plan, having house numbers that are visible from the street is essential for firefighters to respond quickly, because sometimes the fire cannot be seen from outside of the house, he said.

If the house has a long driveway the number should also be posted at the end of the driveway, firefighter Larry Nuse said.

"The bigger they are, the better. Make them as big and bright as you can," Nuse said.

Along with making a house number visible, Malveaux suggested placing a handicap sign in front windows if someone in the home is handicapped and an oxygen sign if someone uses oxygen. Oxygen signs are available from the company that sells the oxygen and handicapped signs are available at the Department of Motor Vehicles, he said.

Smoke detectors should also be part of a safety plan, along with carbon monoxide detectors, which need to be mounted low because it's a low lying gas, he said.

"Anything with a flame could put out carbon monoxide," Nuse said, adding smoldering fires are especially dangerous, whether from wood or propane.

Saving yourself and pets

When assessing a house, check different areas where a fire could break out and plan escape routes — whether via doors or windows — and discuss a certain point to meet outside.

It wouldn't hurt to work out a drill of the plan, said firefighter Robert Wagner.

When calling 911, after giving the address, the caller needs to tell the operator exactly what the situation is, whether there is someone who needs help to get out or if there are pets, Malveaux said.

"Your pets aren't worth risking your life. We do whatever we can do to try to get them out," he said.

Firefighters to the rescue

Gail Smith of Lusby told the group he called the fire department last year when smoke filled his house, but he did not know where it was coming from. Thirteen firefighters responded and checked in the attic, climbed on the roof and checked the chimney and pulled out a pellet stove finding the source, he said.

"They just checked anything. These guys do a tremendous job," Smith said. Smith noted that he was told that most people are killed by the smoke and not fire, and the firefighters agreed.

Another senior, who said a fire started in her microwave earlier this month, thanked the firefighters for responding, saying, "You all came to my rescue."

Busting myths

Elizabeth Latham, program director for Southern Pines Senior Center, asked what people who use oxygen should do during a fire. Malveaux said to keep using oxygen as long as they are not walking through any flames.

"It's the compressed gas that's flammable and not the oxygen," he said, adding not to store oxygen cylinders or machines next to a heat source or fireplace.

Betty Beech, who recently started using oxygen, said she was glad to hear the information because she was told she could not be near a stove or use her fireplace when using oxygen.

Malveaux also reviewed the protection gear firefighters wear as firefighter Sean Case demonstrated putting on the fire retardant pants and coat.

Firefighter Kimble Mackall demonstrated using an oxygen mask and an alarm that makes a loud sound to signal a downed firefighter who is not moving.

When asked how much a firefighter's outer wear gear costs, Nuse answered, between $3,000 and $4,000.

"It's expensive, but we need it," Malveaux said.

charvat@somdnews.com