Autumn Fire Safety

     With summer behind us and shorter days ahead, one might believe
the threat of fire has diminished. The varied fire safety challenges of
the approaching seasons present hazards equal to, if not potentially
more destructive than the summer months. While many regions of the
country are entering the wet season, Southern California is entering
what is typically the most destructive period for wild fires.  The
current dry spell, which has brought very little rain since February,
has created critically low moisture content in the vegetative fuels
covering our mountains and with the coming months, the threat of strong,
dry east winds often referred to as Santa Ana Winds will likely compound
the hazard.  Along with the rest of Southern California, the fire danger
in the Tehachapi Mountains often becomes critical due to the influence
of the east winds gaining strength while funneling through the pass.  It
is, therefore, very important for property owners and residents to
maintain clearance of hazardous vegetation and other materials that will
burn when exposed to fire.  Adequate clearance around dwellings and
other structures will provide a “Defensible Space” and will greatly
increase the protection level of your property and your family.  To
learn more about Defensible Space and how local fire agencies and your
neighbors are preparing, attend meetings of your local Fire Safe
Council, Frazier Park, Tehachapi and Lake Isabella.

     With the cold, wet weather of winter, comes the need for warmth
and comfort, resulting in the increased potential for fires in our
homes.  Gas and wood burning appliances require regular maintenance and
now is the time to prepare for the chill that will surely come.  Have
your heating appliances inspected by a qualified person before it is
time to use them.  Change furnace filters regularly and be sure
combustible items are removed from hot surfaces.  Wood burning stoves
require regular cleaning and inspection to ensure that dangerous
combustible deposits are removed from flue pipes and chimneys and that
all parts are properly intact.  Candles add a significant risk of fire.
With the increased use of candles, the incidence of fires started by the
improper use of candles has been on the rise.  Candles should be used
with care or not at all.  
 
QUICK SAFETY TIP CHECKLIST
●    Test smoke alarms monthly; replace batteries when you change the
time on your clocks. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years.
●    Smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom and in areas
directly outside of bedrooms.
●    Install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is a
colorless, odorless deadly gas that is produced as a result of
combustion. If heating equipment is not properly operating the gas may
be fed into living spaces instead of being vented through chimneys.
***more***
●    Have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen and know how to use
it.
●    Practice escape routes with children. Make sure you and all your
family know two safe ways out of every room in your home and have a safe
meeting place familiar to all.
●    Never leave cooking food unattended.
●    Use candles safely. Burning candles should be kept two feet away
from anything that can burn, never leave candles un-attended, pay
particular attention to curtains and draperies near candles.
●    If you have a fireplace in your home make sure the chimney is
clean.
●    If you have a fireplace always place a screen in front of it
when in use.
●    Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before
placing on the bed.
●    Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from
heaters.
●    When using your clothes dryer make sure you clean the lint
filter each and every time you use it.
●    Only use one appliance per power outlet and switch off when not
in use.
●    Store matches or lighters in a secure place not accessible to
young children.
●    Clean out basements, garages and attics. Remove old paints,
thinners and other hazardous waste products that may have accumulated
over timeRemove fuel from lawn mowers before storing them for winter.
●    Reduce the use of extension cords.
●    Post your address so it is clearly visible from the street at
night.
For additional safety tips and advice visit your local Kern County fire
station or go to the following web sites.
www.firewise.org
www.firesafecouncil.org
www.nfpa.org
www.redcross.org
www.fema.gov
www.cpsc.gov

Inspector Tony Diffenbaugh
Kern County Fire department


For news and information about the Kern County Fire Department visit:
www.kerncountyfire.org 



Sean Collins
Public Information Officer
Kern County Fire Department, CA
Cell: (661) 364-2230
P.I.O. Cell: (661) 330-0133
Office: (661) 391-7072
Fax: (661) 391-8578
E-mail: scollins@co.kern.ca.us