Special Weather Information

Earthquakes
Flood
Summer Storm
Tornado & Hurricane
Winter Storm

Earthquakes Fire Safety Factsheet

SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Appliances, furniture, and household products can shift, fall, and spill.
Gas, chemical and electrical hazards may be present.
Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks could explode or ignite.
Pools of water or even appliances can be electrically charged.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look for flammable liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled.
Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

If you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
Look for items that might have jarred loose during the earthquake.
Appliances or power connectors could create a fire hazard.
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GAS SAFETY

Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

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Floods Fire Safety Factsheet

TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A FLOOD

Generators are often used during power outages. Unless generators are properly used and maintained, they can be very hazardous.
Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
Leaking above ground gas lines, damaged or leaking gas or propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged. This can result in a dangerous electrical fire.
Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
Remove standing water, wet carpets and furnishings. Air dry your home with good ventilation before restoring power.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
Always refuel generators outdoors.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

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Summer Storms Fire Safety Factsheet

SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A SUMMER STORM

Lightning associated with thunderstorms generates a variety of fire hazards. The power of lightning's electrical charge and intense heat can electrocute on contact, splitting trees and causing fires.
Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
Remove standing water, wet carpets and furnishings. Air dry your home with good ventilation before restoring power.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GAS SAFETY

Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

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Tornado or Hurricane Fire Safety Factsheet

SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A TORNADO OR HURRICANE

Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Debris can easily ignite, especially if electrical wires are severed.
Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.
Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled.
Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GAS SAFETY

Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

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SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A WINTER STORM

Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards.
Damaged or downed utility lines can present a fire and life safety hazard.
Water damaged appliances and utilities can be electrically charged.
Frozen water pipes can burst and cause safety hazards.
Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

GAS SAFETY

Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

HEATING SAFETY

Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

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