http://www.teaneckshuls.org/SelectedPosts/FireSafety.htm
3/30/2015 (updated 9/18/2016)
http://teaneckshuls.org/files/Fire_Safety_Bergenfield_Fire_Chief_March_2015.pdf
http://teaneckshuls.org/files/Fire_Safety_Suggestions_YIT_March_2015.pdf
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/safety/fire_safety_education/2010_02/12_fire_safety_for_jewish_observance_english.pdf
http://teaneckshuls.org/files/Fire_Alarms_2015.pdf
http://www.teanecknj.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.pageDetails&id=23141&typeID=270
http://www.jewishfireprevention.org/
http://www.jewishfireprevention.org/sabbath.asp
http://www.jcrcny.org/2015/03/preventing-future-tragedies-fire-safety/
http://www.jcrcny.org/what-we-do/security-emergency-preparedness/cybersecurity-resources/
_____________
4/27/2006
Note of caution - These
posts are for the most part not from experts. If you have any doubts
about anything here, please consult an expert.
General links re Emergency
First Aid -
http://www.teaneckshuls.org/files/TeaneckLinks.htm#EmergencyFirstAid
Fire safety web links -
[work in progress]
http://www.teaneckshuls.org/files/HomeFireSafetyChecklistTeaneckFireDept.pdf
http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/firesafety.shtml
http://www.nfpa.org/
Links at http://www.wnbc.com/news/4306066/detail.html
------------------------
From: Sue Berger
Alsus131@a..
Date: Wed
Subject: [TeaneckShuls] posting of responses to fire
safety/update
Folks: I've been flooded with requests for information on the resources i have used and have recieved
several responses as well that i have reprinted in
the body of the text below. The following is the info i
collected....
Vent Cleaning: allmake appliance referred me to Advent vent cleaning
201-945-8784
Fire Escape Ladder: i simply did a search on google. i used http://www.safehomeproducts.com/ .
home depot may have this item as well.
However, someone responded to me with this: re: ladders-- "an article in
"Consumers Reports" some years ago where they tested emergency fire
ladders that you hang from windows-- As I recall, the results unfortunately
showed that the majority of such ladders were useless. As I recall, the problem
is that the "standoffs" (that keep the rungs away from the wall) are
typically spaced every 2 or 3 rungs. This means that the remaining rungs are
pushed against the outside of the wall and you cannot put your foot on them.
And most people cannot use a ladder with many unuseable
rungs. The few ladders that had standoffs on each rung were too bulky for most
people to store."
I've already ordered my ladder. Once I receive it i
will see how well it works. if i'm not happy i'll return it. Also, i will of
course show my family how the ladder works and have a drill.
Electrician:
You can use any qualified electrician. Make sure you electric is updated -
including your "panel". If you have a Federal Pacific panel - get it
replaced as soon as possible - those are prone to fires. You could contact your
town electrical inspector for advise as to how you could insptect
your wiring for defects.
Also, check the venting on the dryer, it should be metal instead of plastic.
More important than a ladder is a plan. Finally, and this seems obvious, but
have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor. Wiring that is over 50
years old needs to be inspected. Splitting of circuits is advisable if the
current usage is near the limit of the circuit breaker or fuse. (e.g. if the
circuit breaker is 15 amp and you are contantly using
12 amps, a new circuit is warranted and should be a 20 amp circuit).
That's it for now. thank you all for your inquiries and suggestions. stay safe.
------------------------
From: Sol R. solr_07666@y..
Subj: Electrical
safety Issues
Electrical Safety Issues.
Most home owners have no understanding of Electricity or Electrical Safety.
With a little time spent reading the following material and acting on the
information you can PREVENT and AVOID serious injury and damage from fires
started by unsafe Electrical conditions.
Home Electricity 101
Breaker Panels
The Breaker or Service Entrance Panel is the box in your basement or garage
that contains the circuit breakers that shut off power in the event of an
overloaded circuit.
All the outlets and switches and lamps in your house are connected to multiple
circuits that terminate in the Service Entrance Panel. A few things may be hard
wired directly to the Panel, such as Electric Stoves and Ovens, Central Air
Conditioning, Electrical Heating, Oil and Gas heating systems, saunas,
hot-tubs, whirlpools, and anything else that is electrical but you don't plug
into an outlet.
Old Breaker Panels
If you have a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel you must replace it immediately!
These panels and their breakers are notoriously unreliable and are old. You can
easily recognize this type of panel, because the breaker tips are RED. You
should have any other Breaker Panel thats more than
40 years old replaced as well. Replacing a Service Entrance Panel costs about
$1000, and can be done in one day by a Licensed Electrician. Do not allow a
handyman to do this job! At the same time you can upgrade the amount of current
supplying your house to todays recommended 200AMPS.
This is all done at the same time, except that PSEG has to come and drop a new
line from the Utility Pole to your house.
Upgrading Circuit Breakers
In the last few years a new type of circuit breaker has been introduced and is
required in all new bedroom construction. This breaker is called an Arc Fault
Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and detects erratic current flow, such as is
presented when arcing (sparking) occurs. Homes with older wiring can benefit
from upgrading existing breakers to an AFCI. A more detailed discussion is
available on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission web site or by
downloading a document on AFCI.
Overloading
Overloaded circuits allow heat to build up in the wires and anything attached
to them to the point of igniting surrounding flammable materials. The breakers
protect the wiring preventing them from heating up by opening or breaking the
circuit when the current flowing through them exceeds the rating of the
Breaker. Most breakers in your panel are rated 15 or 20 Amps are marked as such
on the breaker itself.
Other breakers, such as for Electric Stove, Electric Drier, and Central Air are
usually in the 30 70 AMP range. The Main Breaker that shuts off all power to
your house will be in the 100-200 AMP range. Thus, if your breakers fail to
trip, you will have a fire! You need to have your breakers tested for proper
operation.
However, it's still possible to have a fire created by other conditions.
Overheating
An appliance or lighting circuit usually has multiple outlets and lighting
fixtures controlled by switches. All residential circuits are protected by
either 15 or 20 AMP breakers, depending on the thickness of the wire in the
circuit. These circuits are safe to be continuously loaded to 80% of their
rated capacity.
As long as the total simultaneous load on the circuit ( add up the current draw
of every device attached to the circuit) does not exceed its rated capacity,
the breaker will not trip.
Determining Load
How do I determine the load created by a particular device?
Every electrical device that you plug in to an outlet has a Rating Label with
the UL seal from Underwrites Laboratory. This label tells you the require
voltage and current load required by the device. The label is usually found on
the outside of the device, but in some cases is on the inside, such as
appliances like Refrigerators, Freezers, Washing Machines. Electronics such as
computers, tvs, stereos, etc., usually have these
labels on the outside back or bottom of the device.
The rating may be listed in several formats. The Voltage required is listed
first, then the Current load, then the Frequency of the AC supply. The number
with the letter A after it is the number you are looking for.
115 V ~ 3A 60hz The load here is 3 AMPS
110-240V ~ 1.8A 50-60Hz The load here is 1.8 AMPS
Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, toasters, microwaves, portable heaters, window
air conditioners are all high load devices and typically draw at least 10 AMPS.
If you have old outlets and loose connections anywhere along the same circuit
from the Panel to a particular outlet, you will have a significant increase in
heating of the outlet and the connections along the way under such heavy
continuous loads. This heating can and does cause fires, without actually
creating an overload condition that will trip the breaker!
If you have breakers that trip frequently, you have too much stuff on the same
circuit, and the circuit must be split. That means you have to run a new
circuit from the Panel to supply some of the outlets that were on the old
circuit. The only alternative is to not use some of the device at the same time
on this circuit.
Problem: You plug in your hair dryer and the breaker trips. At the same time,
someone was using the vacuum.
Solution: don't use both of these devices at the same time, or, have a licensed
electrician split the circuits to give you more capacity in this part of the
house.
Things to Check
Things to check for that are easy
Outlets
1. If your outlets do not have 3 pins, they are most likely more than 40 years
old, are worn out and should be replaced.
2. Check for outlets that do not hold plugs tightly. It should require some
effort to push and pull a plug out of a good outlet. It the plug is loose in
the outlet, it can overheat and lead to fire. This is particularly true of
vacuum cleaners.
3. Replace any missing or broken wall plates.
4. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible
to children.
Appliance and Lamp Cords
1. Make sure cords are in good conditionnot frayed,
cracked or dried out.
2. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas.
3. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another
object.
4. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.
5. Check the rating of the cord. Each cord comes with a label defining the
maximum load is can supply.
Extension Cords
1. Check to see that cords are not overloaded. Check the current rating of the
cord before you plug in any high load device.
2. Do not use zip cord (flat brown, white or black plastic extension) with vaccum cleaners, hair dryers, toasters, heating plates,
laundry irons, portable heaters. You must use an extension rated at 15 AMPs for these devices.
3. Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they
are not intended as permanent household wiring.
4. Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young
children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.
Plugs
1. Make sure your plugs fit your outlets.
2. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong fit a
two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock.
3. Don't use 2 pin - 3 pin adapters which defeat the purpose of the ground pin.
Have the outlet replaced!
4. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT.
5. Plugs should fit securely into outlets.
6. Do not use inexpensive rubber molded multiple outlet adapters. Always look
for the current rating on the adapter.
7. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.
More Info
For more information check the following links
Electrical Safety Foundation International
Home Electrical Safety Tips http://www.nesf.org/hs/isub.php?l0=hs&l1=hest
Home Safety FAQ http://www.nesf.org/hs/isub.php?l0=hs&l1=faq#stats
US Consumer Product Safety Commission / Electrical Safety http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/elec_sfy.html
For Teaching Kids about Electrical Saftey
A Fun tutorial for kids and parents on Electrical Safety. http://www.smud.org/safety/world/index.html
When they complete all the sections you can print the following certificate! http://www.smud.org/safety/world/certificate/index.html
Things not to do! http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/frankenstein/safety.html
------------------------
From: Caleb davenlater@o..
Date: Thu,
To: crshulman@a..
.... According to a fire
inspector I spoke with, using a stove cover (a Blech)
to cover a flame reduces the amount of oxygen the flame needs to burn properly
and when that happens, it produces carbon monoxide. It is therefore especially
important to install Carbon Monoxide detectors in a house with a Shabbos blech covering the flames
on a stove.
The fire inspector mentioned that people who use a belch and also recently
installed siding with Tyvek Home Wrap (insulation)
are even more susceptible because the new insulation does a great job of
sealing your home from drafts--sealing your house of fresh air--that would
otherwise helped to reduce Carbon Monoxide levels.
Carbon Monoxide (known as
"CO") is Produced by INCOMPLETE BURNING of Fossil Fuels. Fossil Fuels
include Wood, Charcoal, Coal, Oil and Gases such as Natural Gas, Butane, and
Propane.
The entire household is at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning when the CO level
gets to high. Those with respiratory problems, the elderly, children, and
pregnant women are more susceptible to nervous system damage or worse from
inhaling small amounts of Carbon Monoxide over long periods of time or large
amounts of Carbon Monoxide over short periods of time.
If you detect a problem, immediately open as many windows as possible, call the
fire department and get out of the house. The Fire Department can come over
with CO meters and determine what is causing the problem.
The best detector that a homeowner can buy are units that come with a display
that will register the parts per million of CO. One such model is The Nighthawk
which features both a display and a test button along with a "peak
level" indicator showing the highest detected level of CO.
These units are sold at Home Depot and are very easy to install as you simply
plug the device directly into an electrical outlet. Also, most alarm companies
now install these devices incorporated into the alarm system. If you detect CO
on the display, it's time to check the chimney, hot water heater and furnace
vents. You cannot smell carbon monoxide in a home that is why you need a
detector.
One note of caution, these
units are extremely LOUD! So if you install it in a kitchen near a blech, and if what I am told is true, the detector will
sound over Shabbos. Do a test during the week before
you use it for the first time on Shabbos.
------------------------
From: Sue Alsus131@a.. ...
Date: Thu,
the following point is from
ellen ...
i've gotten many different responses on this
issue. sue
When my electrician rewired my whole house which dates to 1926, he said unless
people start updating their wiring, there will be a lot of fires... Most of our
older homes have the old fashioned insulation on the wire which is a cloth
insulation. If that begins to fray and a spark from the wire ignites it, it
will create a massive fire in the wall. In the process of construction all our
walls were ripped open after we discovered this exact problem in our walls. We
noticed a wall was hot after we smelled smoke, but we didn't see the smoke. we
ended up kicking a plug out of an outlet on Shabbos.
When the electrician followed up that Monday he showed us the the charred cloth insulation...we were on our way to a fire
but b/c we noticed it we were able to stop it.
Another point, we installed the fire code fire and carbon dioxide detectors.
The fire detectors are linked one to the other. If a fire starts on one floor
all the detectors go off so you can get out.
------------------------
From: Asher Forst bsui@b...
Sent:
Subject: Re: Posting Responses to Fire Safety/Update
I noticed your e-mail
before and this one and would like to add some things to your information. As a
member of the Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, I have witnessed many
problems in people's homes and the lack of knowledge people have regarding fire
prevention and safety should a fire happen.
1. I believe that it would
be in the best interests of all your synagogues and organizations to contact
your local fire department and EMS and have a meeting in your shul or wherever your organization meets to advise you on
what you should look for in your homes that could be problematic and how to
handle certain emergencies that do arise and be or be prepared for them. I have
helped many of these for organizations as well as taught CPR and First Aid and
I find that many people never knew about certain problems that they have in
their homes and never thought about keeping certain emergency equipment in
their homes should a particular emergency occur.
2. It should be a standard
message in all shuls and bulletins that people should
check their smoke alarms and CO Alarms, replace batteries regularly, and to
make sure that they are in areas where smoke is most likely to start.
3. While having a ladder
may be helpful, if it can't be put outside your window fast enough or properly
fitted so that it doesn't fall, it will be useless. And if a person can't crawl
out their window easily without falling it will still be useless. Remember that
most people that die in fires are quickly overcome by smoke and pass out. There
usually isn't time to get a ladder out a window properly and get everyone out
in time.
4. Many times the lights
are out and cannot be turned on due to loss of electricity due to the fire. In
order to find your way out people need to keep flashlights with charged
batteries within easy reach at all times.
5. Most of the homes I have
been in do not have any fire extinguishers and if they have any, it may be too
small or not the proper rating for the type of fire.
6. If you want to keep good
equipment in your house in case of fire, you should look into the helmets that
have filters so that your eyes are smoke free and you can breathe properly in
order to get out. Each person on the house should have one by there bed. I am
attaching a web site that shows this device and you should be able to find a
company in the area that can get them for you. http://www.safelincs.ie/product.php?xProd=32
7. One of the last things I
would like you to see is the following web site on Fire Safety which answers
many questions and I'm sure most of the people in your shul
and organizations don't know what they should. http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/ .
It should be stressed to everyone to look at this site, especially the fire
safety tab, read the information and understand it and implement it in their
homes ... The first line of safety is prevention.
This is just the tip of
what every family should be doing to protect themselves and loved ones from the
dangers of fire and other harmful problems. If you have any questions about
this or would like to discuss how to get classes and meetings setup with the
proper people in order to teach your community how to prevent tragedies such as
the one that just occurred, you can e-mail me at asher@bsu-inc.com . I hope
that people will take their and their families safety much more seriously then
they have in the past and that the future will prove to never have to endure
another tragedy ...
From: Asher Forst bsui@b..
one other thing.....people should stop adding so many power strips to one
outlet and adding so many appliances to those power strips on one outlet.
People should use other outlets, not overload them and turn off what they are
not using, computers, tv's, space heaters, fans,
etc...especially when not home.....I always unplug things i'm
not using. If they don't know how much they can put on one outlet or if they
need more outlets they should call an electrician and they can tell how much
one outlet should have and how much the main circuit can take from all outlets
on it. As much as an electrician might charge to make the outlets safer
for use, it is better then the alternative. ...
----------
From: Shmuel
Herman <shmuelherman@y..>
One most important subject is some homes have double sided dead bolts on there door.
This is against fire code, if there is a fire you should be able to escape not
look for a key. for more info go to fire safety at www.locksmiths.org
----------
From: Arijacobson@a..
My vision is for a defined list of safety measures that people should do, e.g.:
- fire extinguisher in kitchen and basement
- 2x yearly checks of smoke detectors
- an unrolling window ladder on the 2nd floor
- shabbas candles that burn only 3 hours, not 6, so
they'll be out before people go to sleep
A sticker for people to place in their front window declaring that they do
these steps. Let this sticker be as basic as a mezzuza
on the front door.
----------
From: Alan Sohn [alansohn@w..]
Sent: March 24, 2005
To: TeaneckInfo@Y..
Subject: Record 3/24: Preventing Electrical Fires
Today's Record included an article addressing practical measures that
homeowners can take to prevent electrical fires. See http://tinyurl.com/5gmyr for the
complete article at http://www.Bergen.com web site (registration required).
Homeowners can act to prevent electrical fires
...
* * *
Electrical safety tips
Experts say people can protect their homes in several ways:
# Have older homes inspected yearly by a qualified inspector or electrician,
and fix problems immediately.
# Don't overload electrical circuits by plugging in too many appliances.
# Avoid attaching a two-prong adapter to a three-prong plug, and inserting it
into an outlet that's not grounded.
# Watch for loose, unattached wires hanging from the ceiling or suspended from
the walls. Such wires indicate shoddy workmanship.
# Conduct self-tests, such as resetting circuit breakers, to make sure they'll
function properly.
# Install "firestops," or wooden beams or
platform frames, inside balloon-frame walls to impede the progress of a fire.
# Ensure access to fire escapes through a window.
# Know your electrical circuit. Know which outlets and products are connected
to each circuit.
# Immediately disconnect any electrical product if problems develop and have it
examined by a competent professional.
# Follow manufacturer's instructions on what types of electrical connections
are needed for all electrical appliances.
...
----------
From: Alan Sohn [mailto:alansohn@w..
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2005 1
To: TeaneckInfo@YahooGroups.com
Subject: Electrical Hazards and How to Correct Them
Electrical Hazards and How
to Correct Them
1. Extension cords are typically smaller than the amperage rating of the permanent
wiring that they extend. This can cause the wire to heat up long before the
fuse blows or circuit breaker is tripped. Extension cords should not be put
below carpeting, because they could be damaged by the staples, etc. This feel
of "permanence" could create an atmosphere where it could be used for
appliances that will overload the wire. Extension cords should not be installed
through floors or walls because of their vulnerability to damage.
2. Wire splices should only be installed in prescribed boxes and mechanically
secured. Exposed splices may become loose and cause arcing and excessive heat
and deterioration.
3. Service entrance cables with deteriorated outer coverings will allow water
to enter and may follow the cables into the meter socket and possibly into the
main panel box. This will cause corrosion. It may also cause circuit breakers
to freeze in the "closed" or "on" position. This is a
significant fire hazard. The service entrance cable should be replaced when the
outer covering is deteriorated.
4. Broken or loose switches and outlets should be replaced because their
dependability is suspect and the occupants may be exposed to shock. Breaking or
cutting off of the ground prong of a three-prong plug may not affect the
operation of the appliance. However, it does compromise the safety of the user.
5. Dimmer switches should be checked for excessive heat. The rating of the
dimmer should always be higher than the total wattage of the bulbs it serves.
Dimmers with ratings 50 percent to 100 percent above the total bulb wattage are
desirable.
6. Light fixtures and related shades and covers can deteriorate quickly if the
bulbs used in the fixture are larger than the fixture rating. Fires can result.
7. Circuit breakers that will not trip or are "buzzing" are a
problem. It may be related to moisture, corrosion, or inexpensive or
incompatible equipment, but it must be corrected as soon as possible.
8. Electrical equipment, wiring, panels and fixtures should never be installed
in areas with excessive relative humidity unless the equipment is designed for
this use. These situations are a significant safety hazard and should be
addressed as soon as possible.
9. Incandescent lighting close to clothes or other combustibles in closets may
create a fire hazard. Bulbs should have covers and should be a minimum of
12" from combustible material.
10. Fuses and circuit breakers only purpose is to protect the wire they are
attached to by keeping it from overheating. Oversized fuses or circuit breakers
do not enhance the electric circuitry or the equipment they serve.
Fourteen-gauge wire is rated for 15 amps. Use no more than a 15-amp circuit
breaker or fuse. Twelve-gauge wire is rated 20 amps. Ten-gauge wire is rated 30
amps. Some people may be under the impression that the larger fuse/circuit
breaker will allow that line to hold more. The integrity of the wire is
compromised from overheating.
A slight overload in an electrical circuit, a burned out refrigerator motor, a
defective circuit breaker, windows blocked by air conditioners and a dresser
and attic windows that were too small for fire egress are suspected to all have
contributed to the deaths of the four children in a recent fire in
Teaneck, New Jersey.
----------
From: Heather <okbenji@h.. >
Subj: Fire Safety Children's Products!!
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2005
I found a reputable catalogue/internet site that sells several fire safety
products:
1. Fire/heat proof escape blankets
2. Record the parent's voice smoke alarms (children often don't awake to the
sirens, but do tend to wake up to their parents' voices)
3. Tot finder stickers for the children's windows.
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/28199/313775/118.html
----------
From: likemyname@a..
Subject: Federal Pacific Electrical
Panels
My electrician (nameless, he is NOT
looking for business) asked me to post a
warning about Federal Pacific Electrical Panels. He says that they are dangerous (the company went out of business
some time ago) and should be
replaced. Contact your own
electricians for more information.
[See http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm
]
From: pgeralnik@p..
Re: Federal Pacific Electrical
Panels
To follow up on this, my electrician
also mentioned a problem with these panels and said most insurance companies
will pay to replace them.
----------
Send any additional
comments to crshulman@aol.com