Do Your Part and Be Fire-Safety Smart
Novi firefighter/EMT Zahi Kassab.
By Crystal Kassab Jabiro
October is recognized as Fire Prevention Month to raise awareness about fire safety and to promote practices that prevent fires. The observance dates back to 1922 when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the first Fire Prevention Week to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that began on October 8. The three-day blaze resulted in over 250 deaths, left around 100,000 people homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings and 2,000 acres of land.
In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, noting that fires were a major cause of waste and destruction that could be prevented. Over time, the week-long observance evolved into a month-long campaign.
Novi firefighter/EMT Zahi Kassab claims the most common runs he goes on are caused by negligence and are 100% preventable. First of all, careless cooking happens quite often because people are constantly multi-tasking. Sometimes they are simply tending to the typical needs of children, or they are working from home and on a conference call, but people forget they have food on the stove. Some people even leave the house to run errands while food is still cooking, a serious mistake that should never happen, he said.
There is no shortage of turkey fryer incidents this time of year either. It is important to remember not to fill the fryer with too much oil because when the bird is inserted, it can overflow and leak on the side not only onto the heating element, but also the wood deck. The smoke point will burn the wood, and the stain or paint is flammable, causing the fire to spread quickly. Kassab suggests putting the turkey fryer on cement or brick pavers, and 10-15 feet away from the house and other combustibles, like an outdoor couch or plastic chairs.
Secondly, Kassab noted careless smoking as one of the most reckless doings. Whether people smoke in or out of the house, they have to properly extinguish their cigarettes and cigars. The best way to do that is to use a fireproof container, like a deep, sturdy ashtray or a metal can filled with water or sand.
“Douse your cigarette butts with water and dispose of them safely,” said Kassab, 45. “And don’t throw butts on the ground. This can ignite dry leaves, grass, mulch, or other flammable debris, especially in dry weather conditions.”
He also noted that leaving a lit cigarette unattended is more common than one would think. He insists that smokers never place an ashtray on the arm of a couch or chair, or even in a bed. A forgotten cigarette can burn through the ashtray and ignite the upholstery and the sheets. If you are tired, have taken medication, or have been drinking, do not smoke, he said. Falling asleep with a lit cigarette is a deadly fire hazard.
Another reckless oversight Kassab has noticed is people leaving candles burning unattended. Whether they are lit for religious worship or for the smell and ambiance, they have caused big and small fires. He maintains it is important to blow out the candles when not in the room and to keep small children and animals away from them. They could accidentally knock them over and get injured or start a fire.
While technology is constantly evolving, lithium batteries are becoming more prevalent. NFPA’s theme this year, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” revolves around the electronics found in homes. Kassab noted an uptick in electric cars, like Teslas, catching fire while charging.
“When those batteries are getting charged, they use a lot of heat to excite the electrons so the battery can charge,” Kassab explained. “When thermal runaways occur, they will cause a fire. With those kinds of fires, they burn fast and very hot, because of fuel, heat, and air, so you have to use more and more water on them, which is why it takes longer to extinguish.”
Kassab has even seen cars melting. He recommends that electric car owners park the car outside and charge it outside. He posits that people typically do not have smoke detectors in the garage, so the element of detection is not there, and the homeowner will not immediately know there is a fire.
Lithium batteries can also be found in power tools, smartphones, and tablets. Though rare, these batteries can leak or burst, and that may cause not only a fire, but the release of toxic gases could also cause unconsciousness and asphyxiation. Unplugging them after a full charge is one way to prevent that from happening.
Kassab, a graduate of Schoolcraft Fire Academy in 2001, fulfills his daily duties by three tenets of the fire service- protecting people, property, and the environment. He believes that with awareness and common sense, people can enjoy activities with safety and ease.
“The citizens also have to do their part in keeping themselves and their neighbors safe,” he began. “When we know better, we do better.”
Firefighter Z’s Fire Prevention and Safety Planning for the People
Hookah - Make sure to dispose of the charcoal briquets in a metal container with water or sand. Don’t toss them on the grass. Not only could people step on them and burn their feet, but they could also start fires in the grass and spread, just like cigarette butts do.
Bonfires - Usually, cities have ordinances on what can be burned. Follow your city ordinance by going to the website and searching for it. As a general rule of thumb, the bonfire should be limited to a receptacle that is meant for it. Have a cover for it because it keeps ash and embers contained. Always be in attendance, watching it and enjoying it. And always have a means of extinguishment, like a hose or fire extinguisher.
BBQing - A barbeque grill should be at least 10-15 feet away from the house. It is important to clean the grill because grease falls on the heat tent element, and then the grease catches fire. The heat from the propane will generate fire and catch other things on fire. It is never acceptable to grill in the garage. If it is stored properly in the garage during the winter months, it can be pulled 10-15 feet away from the house on the driveway for a sporadic barbecue, as long as you make sure it is cooled down before you return it to the garage. Never barbecue on a balcony because it is way too close to the building.
Smoke Detectors - Change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year or better yet, every six months to make sure they are working. You should have one on each floor, including the basement. Some newer homes even have smoke detectors in the bedrooms. Interconnected smoke detectors are a great idea because they let you know if there is a fire somewhere in your house where you are not present. It is also a great idea to have smoke detectors hooked up to an alarm company in case you are not home. Video doorbells have been helpful to firefighters who get called when people are away. Apartments are typically not connected to an alarm company, which is why it is important for every household to have an ABC fire extinguisher.
Exit Doors - Know where the exits are wherever you are! Not just a fire exit, but an emergency exit in case of fire, an active shooter, or a car crash into the building. Know how to get out and teach your kids how to crawl out of the house and give them a meeting place outside. In many places now, you will see low-level exit signs towards the bottom of the door, which are also for firefighters to find their way.