Keep the Wreath Green

The Town of Superior Fire Department is once again trying to spread the message about holiday fire safety by using the 'Keep the Wreath Green Campaign'. The campaign is designed to make people aware of the fires associated with holiday season. The wreath is on our fire hall is lit with Green holiday lights bulbs. We will run this event from Dec. 1, 2012 through Jan 2, 2013. If a fire occurs during the Holiday Season in Douglas County, one of the green bulbs will change to Red. This will include preventable fires such as cooking, smoking, space heaters, candles, etc. It will serve as a reminder of the safety precautions that should be taken during this Holiday Season and throughout the year. The goal is to keep the wreath green. The wreath will remain lit through January 2, 2013.

Fire Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

Decorations / Lights

Check all your illuminated decorations to make sure they are in good condition. Light strands that have frayed or cracked wires should be thrown away and replaced with UL approved devices. Do not place indoor cords under carpets or throw rugs. Outside lights should be approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outside. Never use more than the listed amount of light sets per extension cord. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and do not use more than the number of light sets recommended in one circuit. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. Always turn off decorative lights when leaving your home.

Trees

Artificial trees should have a listing label. Some unlabeled plastic trees can burn extremely fast. If using a live tree, keep it watered frequently. The needles should not come off in your hand. The tree should be deep green in color and the trunk should be sticky with sap. Place your tree away from heat sources like fire places.

Candles

When using candles always make sure candles are not close to combustible materials such as curtains. Make sure all candles are out before leaving the house.

Fireplaces Make sure your fireplace is in good working order and the chimney is free from creosote build- up. Christmas wrappings and tree branches should not be burned in the fireplace. Their intense and rapid burning can cause chimney fires and flames to extend out of the firebox into your home.

Space Heaters

Never use heaters around water. Water increases the chances of electric shock. Unplug your heater when it is not in use. Don't use your heater as a dryer. Keep clothing and other combustible materials at least 3 feet from your heater. Don't place a heater in a doorway, hall or walkway where it is likely to get bumped. Don't leave space heaters unattended.

Smoke Alarms

As always, check your smoke alarms and make sure they are in good working order. Change your batteries twice a year.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season If you have any questions Please contact you local Fire Department or visit www.usfa.fema.gov/ for more helpful fire prevention tips.

Darryl Fiegle Asst. Fire Chief
Town of Superior Fire Department

The Town of Superior Fire/Rescue Department is made up of hard working citizens of the Town of Superior, Village of Oliver and City of Superior. We have 24 Certified Firefighters, 5 EMTs, and 9 Emergency Medical Responders (EMR's) formally known as 1st responders . TSFD is licensed by the State of Wisconsin at EMR level with advanced skills that include the use of EPI Pens , Automatic External Defibrillation and Spinal Immobilization. We also have support members that fill in different non line duties of the department. TSFD operates a fleet of 5 Emergency Vehicles and responds to all manner of emergencies. On average each member completes 52 hours per year in training in various fire, rescue and medical disciplines.

FIRE SAFE AND SECURE: More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires, and more than 25,000 are injured. Security bars may help keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly fire!The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), encourages individuals to use the following tips to help reduce the number of fire injuries and deaths associated with security bars on windows and doors preventing fire escape.

PLAN TWO EXITS OUT OF EACH ROOM: The best escape plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary exit is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.

DESIGNATE A MEETING PLACE OUTSIDE AND TAKE ATTENDANCE: Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree, at the end of the driveway, or on the front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.

ONCE OUT, STAY OUT: Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Finally, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.

CALL 911! Here is information from Douglas County about our 911 system.

RURAL FIRE PREVENTION CHECKLIST: A Fact sheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
Self-reliance is the rule for fire safety for many people. If you live in an area where the local fire department is more than a few minutes away because of travel time or distance, or if you are outside the limits of the nearest town, be sure you know how to be self-reliant in a fire emergency. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to use this fire safety checklist to help you protect yourself, your home and its surroundings from fire. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!

FIRE NUMBER SIGNS   Please keep your Fire Number sign on good condition, visible from the road and clear of any vegetation, snow or other objects. This is important for emergency responders to locate the correct address during an emergency.   If  you need a new address sign call click on this link to get an application and instruction on placement.

Application for Fire Number can be found here.

MAINTAIN HOME HEATING SYSTEMS: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist. Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. Extend the chimney at least three feet above the roof. Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney. Have A Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Practice fire escape and evacuation plans. Mark the entrance to your property with signs that are clearly visible. Know which local emergency services are available and have those numbers posted. Provide emergency vehicle access through roads and driveways at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space. Make Your Home Fire-Resistant

Use fire-resistant and protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection. Keep roofs and eaves clear of debris. Cover all exterior vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters. Install multipane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat. Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection. Keep tools for fire protection nearby: 100 foot garden hose, shovel, rake, ladder and buckets. Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department. Let Your Landscape Defend Your Property.

Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100 feet surrounding your home. Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home. Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches. Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly. Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures. Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home, at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

FOLLOW LOCAL BURNING LAWS: Do not burn trash or other debris without proper knowledge of local burning laws, techniques and the safest times of day and year to burn. Before burning debris in a wooded area, make sure you notify local authorities and obtain a burning permit. Use an approved incinerator with a safety lid or covering with holes no larger than 3/4 inches. Create at least a 10 foot clearing around the incinerator before burning debris.