Caney Creek Fire & Rescue

Fire Safety / Prevention

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CCVFD and MCESD 9 Lowers ISO Rating!

When Montgomery County Emergency Services District (ESD) Number 9 hired a full time fire Chief approximately three years ago, one of the goals was lowering their insurance rating. The ESD at the time was funding two separate fire departments with two Volunteer Chiefs and a part time paid career staff that responded Monday thru Friday 8:00 am till 5:00 pm. Over the past three years they have accomplished that goal. The Grangerland area was a rating of 9 and the Bennette area was a 10, the worst rating possible. By consolidating both of these departments, combining man power and creating the Caney Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the ESD has lowered their rating to a 3 in areas that are within 5 miles of a fire station and a 10 if you are outside of the 5 mile range.

Over the past three years a lot of work went into basically building a new fire department says Raymond Flannelly Fire Chief and a thirty year veteran of the fire service. Flannelly, the Chief of the Caney Creek VFD says he needed three very important components to accomplish the goals of the Emergency Service District:

· The members of the volunteer fire department

· The paid firefighters

· And the trust and the commitment of the ESD board

If one of these components was not in line, the project would have not been successful. Flannelly states that homeowners should now benefit from the ISO dropping. In fact some homeowners could save up to fifty percent per year on homeowners insurance. Like shopping for a car, you need to check rates and shop around. According to Flannelly, some Insurance agents do not understand the Insurance Rating Office and how the system works. A few hours on the phone can save you hundreds of dollars per year according to Flannelly.

The Caney Creek Volunteer Fire Department covers 52 square miles, has five fire stations with 24/7 staffing by both paid and volunteer Fire Fighters, all trained in many aspects of emergency services. The residences of these communities have a lot to be proud of with their Fire Department.

–       Thank you Montgomery County Police Reporter for writing this article…

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Water in the Can: Small, but Powerful Firefighting Tool!

How much fire can your water can (fire extinguisher) put out? It has always amazed me that fire departments like FDNY have a firefighter dedicated to carrying a 2 1/2-gallon water can with them. Here is the second largest fire department in the world carrying all their equipment and always carrying the can. Why? How much fire can you put out with a can of water? You would think they would carry a hoseline, tools, or something that could knockdown more fire than a water extinguisher.extinguisher

That was my thinking before I had the chance to really get into live fire conditions with a water can and experience just how much fire you can control or hold back with it. “Wow,” was all I could say. Early on in my paid service career I had the chance to attend a live burn. Full of ambition, aggression, and eagerness we set out to doing evolutions with hose lines.  When my captain told me to grab the can and get upstairs, I was pessimistic to say the least. Positioning me outside the burn room, he instructed me to keep the fire inside the room of origin until the hose line could be stretched. “Umm, OK” was all I could think as I was planning my escape route because I just knew that the can would not hold it.

As the fire began to grow and its fingers went looking for fresh air there I was holding it back. Blast after blast he showed me that, with the proper placement of the stream, we could hold the fire in the room no problem.  I starred in amazement as the hose line made the corner and knocked down the fire, the fire that we kept contained inside the origin room with 2 1/2 gallons of water. Bam!

Then I thought, maybe these guys are on to something. Being young in the fire service it is important for us to understand the why’s and how’s of what we do.  Maybe I was like many of the new generation of firefighters, those you must show how and why  things are done. You can teach someone the reasons why we do things, but if you are given the chance to show them, it will be ingrained forever in their minds.

Let’s look at some water can tips:

      • P.A.S.S.: Pull, aim, squeeze and stop the fire
        Adding Class A foam or dish detergent can help increase firefighting output
      • Adding a shoulder strap can help with the transportation of the can
      • Practice using the can while spraying vertically to contain the fire inside the fire room
      • Always allow an egress route in case the can has a failure

A water can does put out a lot of fire and it can hold fire back until you have made your way safely to an escape route. We carry a water can for a reason, but that reason has no meaning unless you train on the use of the can. With only 2 1/2 gallons of water to use knowing how to use it properly is more important. Grab your crew members and review how to use a water extinguisher, you never know when that small amount of water can pay huge dividends like your life.

 

From: firehouse

Written by: Ryan Pennington

Created: November 26,2012

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Christmas fire safety

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 240 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires result in 21 deaths and $25.2 million in direct property damage.

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.

Christmas Trees

What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Dry Tree vs. High Moisture Tree Fire

This dramatic clip illustrates what happens when fire touches a dry tree and a properly maintained, well-watered tree.

Additional Video Formats, Transcript

Comparison of dry tree and properly maintained (high moisture) tree fires

(WMV, 8.6 MB, Windows Media Player Help)

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Don’t Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Care

Avoid Using Lit Candles

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

If You Do Use Lit Candles

Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

 

From: U.S. Fire Administration and U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA

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Dangers of a turkey fryer

Every year, people get burned or damage their property while preparing this tasty Thanksgiving treat.

There are several dangers when deep frying a turkey: overfilling the pot, tipping the pot over and overheating the oil, which can lead to combustion and large fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, any contact between the turkey fryer, hot oil and skin causes a risk of serious burns or an explosive grease fire.

“If you put in too much oil that can be bad because when you put the turkey in, it can spill over the top and cause the entire unit to be engulfed in flames,” the association said on their website.

The NFPA said never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck. Keep all propane-fired turkey fryers outdoor only.

If you are going to fry a turkey, make sure the turkey is completely thawed – because it will explode – and keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby, because we all know, oil and water don’t mix.

Deep fryer fires cause more than $15 million in property damage every year, not to mention the serious injuries people can get from hot oil spills, according to the NFPA.

“Usually what you see is burns that are either from flames that are too high or you see splash burns,” Dr. Sean Denim, an ER physician at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, TX told KLTV.

Dr. Denim said burn injuries are not to be taken lightly.

“A lot of times people think it’s not that big of a deal but it’s something that really needs to be looked at by a professional because sometimes these burns can get really bad, they can get infected and sometimes serious burns can scar, ” Dr. Denim said.

The NFPA said most fryer fires are preventable and East Texas Chef Cedric Fletcher has one other tip for people frying turkeys.

“Don’t drink and fry is what the national fire safety protection board needs to say. Alcohol can impair your judgment and deep frying a turkey is serious and can result in serious injuries,” Fletcher said to KLTV.

“We’re worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use,” said John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager of UL. “Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark.”

But if you decide to give it a fry…try… following all of these safety precautions could prevent your holiday plans from going up in smoke.

Deep Fried Turkey Do’s

  • Seasoning – Apply the rub the night before to allow it to sink in, otherwise, it will come right off.
  • Be Safe – Don’t deep fry anywhere near your house, or even deck or shed. Wear shoes, pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the oil. In case of a fire, have an extinguisher nearby, water will only make the fire worse.
  • Oil – Cooking experts recommend cooking with peanut oil and to avoid canola or other oils with a low smoke point.
  • Measurement – To prevent overflow, put the bird in the fryer, filling the fryer with water, removing the bird and marking the level with a permanent marker. Then thoroughly dry the fryer and pour the oil to below that level.
  • Heat Properly – Heat the oil to between 325 and 375 degrees. Then lower the bird in and cook it for three to four minutes per pound. In other words, a 15-pound turkey will take 45 minutes to an hour. Use a remote thermometer to check the bird’s temperature, which will reach 170 when it’s properly done.