LAFD Encourages Safety as Cold Snap Continues

As temperatures drop, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases. This is why the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) are reminding the public about important safety tips to reduce the risk of CO exposure.

 Carbon Monoxide, also known as the "silent killer", is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in America. CO is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that can lead to brain damage and even death. 

CO poisoning can occur as a result of a poorly ventilated heater or a CO leak from another source. Symptoms can include nausea, headaches, paralysis and even death. Please heed the following tips to help prevent CO poisoning:

•  Never use a gas oven, portable barbecue or range for space heating.
•  Have natural gas furnaces checked at least once a year by a licensed heating contractor or SoCalGas.
•  Vacuum and clean regularly in and around the furnace, particularly around the burner compartment to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.
•  Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct airflow.
•  If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from CO poisoning, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

 

Did you know? As of July 1, 2011, the State of California requires Carbon Monoxide detectors in single family homes. (Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, had until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.) This new law is to be enforced by the City of Los Angeles, Housing Department.

 A freeze watch is in effect from late Saturday night, January 11, 2013 through Sunday morning:

 

• Low Temperature 24-37 Degrees.
• Wind Direction NE.
• Wind Speed 15-25 MPH.
• Wind Gusts 40 MPH.
• Wind Chill will vary from the low teens to the low thirties.

 This could be a dangerous situation for people and pets that are not prepared to endure several hours of bitterly cold air, especially between the hours of 3 AM and 8 AM. In addition, exposed non-insulated pipes may break or burst when temperatures drop below freezing.

Please remember: There is a Winter Shelter Program for those in need. If you, or someone you know needs social services or shelter referral, please call 2-1-1, the County’s free 24-hour information line for health and human services.

 

While our primary focus is on people, the men and women of the LAFD are fond of pets, and encourage Cold Weather Protection for Pets.

Your Los Angeles Firefighters are taking precautions too: All Officers will consider the effects of cold weather and wind chill on personnel operating at emergency incidents, training events and other outside activities such as community relations events. Officers will also monitor the public and firefighters for signs and symptoms of hypothermia and take appropriate measures to prevent such cold weather injures.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is committed to protecting the health and welfare of the Los Angeles Community. Please take the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe during this winter cold spell.
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Offers Fire Safety Tips

With changes in the weather, we all resort to different methods to warm ourselves, our loved-ones and our homes. Your Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to please exercise extreme caution and a little common sense when doing so.

As we promote the annual "Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries" Campaign, it also offers a great opportunity to remind you all, of the inherent dangers associated with fire that may result from improperly functioning alarms in your homes.

As an example of such dangers, please view the following video that illustrates how the changes in materials being used by the furniture industry have considerably decreased the amount of time individuals and families have to exit their homes during a fire. It also emphasizes the extreme importance of having a working smoke alarm.


So we remind you: when you change your clock, you should change your smoke alarm batteries as well as the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which are now required by law.

On another note of preparedness, the LAFD strongly encourages everyone to develop and practice a home safety plan. Following, are some helpful Fire Safety Tips to aid in your efforts:

Fire Safety Tips:

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Talking about fire prevention and survival with your family, and practicing your home escape plan is something that may not be able to wait for tomorrow.

• Install smoke alarms in every room of a property. Consider networked smoke alarms that are linked together so that when one alarm sounds, all of the alarms sound. This immediate response can provide early warning no matter where the fire starts, giving more time to escape.
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas. As of July 1, 2011, the State of California requires Carbon Monoxide detectors in most single family homes - and soon in every residence.
• DO NOT use grills, hibachis or portable gas camp stoves indoors, as a means to warm your homes. All are sources of poisonous carbon monoxide gases.
• Use extreme caution when using portable generators, another source of carbon monoxide.
• Test smoke alarms and CO detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Never disable alarms by removing the batteries or by covering them.
• Know two ways out of every building--your residence hall, apartment, nightclub, restaurant or movie theater. A fire escape ladder can provide an alternate exit from second- or third-floor rooms.
• Properly dispose of smoking materials in ashtrays. After parties, check chair and couch cushions for smoldering cigarettes.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it BEFORE a fire breaks out.
• Use approved extension cords and electrical appliances properly. Don't overload electrical outlets.
• Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable items. Be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Change Your Clock... and Something Else!

Firefighters know the importance of home fire safety. That's why the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department urge you to change all of your smoke alarm batteries as well as the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors when you change your clocks back to Standard Time this weekend.

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. this Sunday, November 6, 2011 and clocks should be set back one hour.

OK. So you know about the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign, but firefighters also have a question:

Do you know when your smoke alarms should be retired?

Yes, we said "retired." Think about it. Your smoke alarms work every minute of every day. After millions of sensing cycles, they should be retired. To learn more about the service life of smoke alarms and more ways to keep your family safe from fire, please visit:

firesafehome.org

Submitted by Matt Spence & Brian Humphrey, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Warns Residents of Home Inspection Scam

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) would like to warn Los Angeles residents to be aware of individuals impersonating firefighters and offering home inspections of everything from hazardous materials and mold to exit ways and fire alarm systems.

Fraudulent letters have been received by residents through the mail, informing them of upcoming inspections. The falsified letter simulates City of Los Angeles letterhead, but identifies former Mayor James K. Hahn as a current office holder and contains the forged signature of retired Fire Chief William Bamattre.

Below is an example of one such letter:



The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has been notified and they are currently taking steps to investigate and identify the perpetrators of this scam.

If anyone comes to your home claiming to be a representative and/or a member of the LAFD in order to conduct an inspection, please do not allow them in, and kindly ask them to leave your property. Then, immediately call the LAPD by dialing 9-1-1.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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SoCal Firefighters Bristle at Carbon Monoxide Detector Solicitations

The Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments have been made aware of a possible scam by a private company offering the sale of "approved" Carbon Monoxide detectors for a fee of $126.00 - "or face fines or penalties per California Senate Bill 183 (SB183)".

While SB 183 does mandate the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in California single family homes, no Federal, State or local government agency (including Fire, Law Enforcement or Health) are soliciting the purchase of carbon monoxide detectors. Consumers should investigate all mail and in-person solicitations and respond cautiously.

The Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments fully support SB 183 and recommend that all residents install carbon monoxide detectors as required by law.

Your Fire Department urges you to take the necessary steps to ensure proper ventilation around any appliance that may generate this toxic gas, and purchase your CO detectors at any home improvement center or large retail outlets for approximately $20. Remember, once installed, these alarms should be tested monthly, just as with your (already installed) smoke alarms. It is important to note, these do not replace your traditional smoke alarms! There are, however, some units available that will serve a dual function and provide protection against both.

For more information and some helpful tips on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide, please visit fire.lacounty.gov or lafd.org to read the recent post on our blog:

"Carbon Monoxide, the Silent Killer"

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Safe, Affordable and Now...The Law!

That's right, the Los Angeles Fire Department has often warned of the dangers of "the silent killer", Carbon Monoxide (CO).

Now, we are here to tell you that as of July 1, 2011, the State of California requires Carbon Monoxide detectors in most single family homes - and soon in every residence. This new law is to be enforced by the City of Los Angeles, Housing Department.

Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in America, claiming more than 400 lives each year. CO is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that can lead to brain damage and even death. CO is produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned - and can be produced by common household appliances. Sources of CO poisoning can include:

· Gas water heaters
· Home heating systems
· Kerosene space heaters
· Grills, hibachis or portable gas camp stoves
· Idling motor vehicles
· Cigarette smoke
· Propane-fueled forklifts
· Gas-powered concrete saws
· Indoor tractor pulls
· Swimming behind a motorboat
· Spray paint, solvents, degreasers, and paint removers
· Portable Generators

It is not uncommon for your firefighters to respond to accidents that involve CO poisoning during the winter months, as people often burn various fuels and use appliances as a source of heat. However, we often respond to these accidents during the summer months as well.

There is some good news...these accidents are preventable. Please take the necessary steps to ensure proper ventilation around any appliance that may generate this toxic gas, use a little common sense and get your CO detectors today. Remember, once installed, these alarms should be tested monthly, just as with your (already installed) smoke alarms. It is important to note, these do not replace your traditional smoke alarms! There are, however, some units available that will serve a dual function and provide protection against both.

Carbon Monoxide detectors are affordable, widely available at most home improvement/hardware stores and now... in California they are required by law!



For more information and some helpful tips on preventing the dangers of Carbon Monoxide, read a previous post on our blog: "Carbon Monoxide, the 'Silent Killer".

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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