IN THE KITCHEN

Unattended cooking continues to be the number one cause of fire throughout the country. In order to drastically reduce your risk of a cooking fire, follow this recipe for safety.

• Stay in the kitchen, and don’t leave cooking food unattended (stand by your pan)
• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves. Long, loose sleeves are more likely to catch fire or get caught on pot handles
• Don’t become distracted. Never cook if you are sleepy, intoxicated, or heavily medicated
• Enforce a kid-free zone of 3-feet around your stove. Turn pot handles inward facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills
• Keep the area around the stove clear of towels, papers, or anything that could burn
• Cook at indicated temperature settings rather than higher settings
• Regularly clean your cooking equipment so there are no cooking materials, food trimmings, or grease accumulation
• Have a pot lid handy to smother a pan fire. Do not attempt to pick up the pot or pan. Shut off the heat and cover the fire with a lid
• Do not use water. It will cause splashing and spread the fire
• You can also use baking soda to smother a fire, but do NOT use baking powder as baking powder can increase a fire
• Keep an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher near the kitchen
• Be careful around the sink while using electrical appliances. Electrical appliances near water could cause electrocution. Never stand in or near water while using an electrical appliance
• Check regularly for frayed or damaged cords to appliances. Plug one appliance in a receptacle at a time. If you need to plug more appliances into a receptacle than there are plugs, use a surge protector or have a professional electrician install more receptacles
• Keep appliances in proper working order. Do not use them if they are defective
• Keep appliance cords as short as possible. This helps to keep from tripping or knocking the appliance over
• If you have a fire in your microwave oven, do not open the door. Close the door to the microwave if you do open it and unplug it immediately. Do not use the microwave again until a professional has checked it
• Never put metallic materials in the microwave oven. These materials cause sparks, which may result in a fire
• Remember that steam escaping from a pan or container can cause severe burns. Open food that has been cooked in the microwave carefully
• Keep your emergency numbers near the telephone
• Always call the fire department for any fire, even if the fire has been completely extinguished
• Have a fire evacuation plan and practice it with your family!

 

ON THE GRILL

• Section 308.3.1, "Open-flame cooking devices: charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction”
• Section 308.3.1.1, "Liquified-petroleum (LP) gas-fueled cooking devices: LP-gas burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds [nominal 1 pound LP-gas capacity] shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction." Note: grilling laws DO NOT apply to one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes

Grilling Safety Tips

• Only use your grill outside. Keep a 3-feet safe zone around your grill to keep kids and pets safe
• Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire
• Never use charcoal lighter fluid on a burning fire
• Keep an ABC fire extinguisher or charged garden hose accessible
• Always shut off the valve to propane tanks when not in use
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and installation instructions
• When lighting gas grills, leave the grill hood open until ignition occurs
• Do not grill near combustible materials such as pine needles or leaves
• Keep an eye on your grill and don’t walk away from them when they are lit
• Never dispose of charcoal, wood chip or pellet ash in a combustible container

 

 

 

Extreme Heat

There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity also increases the feeling of heat.

Recognize the Signs of Heat Illness

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion

• Heat cramp signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
• Heat exhaustion signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Farenheit) taken orally
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Prepare for Extreme Heat

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses
• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls
• Cover windows with drapes or shades
• Weather-strip doors and windows
• Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside
• Add insulation to keep the heat out
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them
• If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help

Be Safe During Extreme Heat

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day
• If air conditioning is not available in your home, identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls
• Take cool showers or baths
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Use the oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home
• If outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible
• Check on family members, seniors and neighbors
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet
• If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing

 

 

 

 

Fireworks

Summer is synonymous with barbeques and parades – it’s a time for celebration and fun. One way to celebrate Independence Day is through the use of fireworks, which can be enjoyable if you remember to obey the law and follow safety recommendations.

Illegal Fireworks

Certain fireworks are illegal to sell or possess in North Carolina. These include firecrackers, ground spinners, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and aerial fireworks. A simple rule of thumb; anything that explodes or is projected into the air is illegal. Also, the firing, discharging, or ignition of fireworks or other pyrotechnics (except with a permit as set forth in the Code of Ordinances, Article II, Section 18-48) requires a permit subject to the approval of the Town and Wake County Fire Marshal (Code of Ordinances, Article II, Section 18-44) and are fired, discharged or ignited at public events.

Legal Fireworks

In general, sparklers, fountains and novelty fireworks items that do not explode or are not intended to spin or to leave the ground and fly through the air, are permitted for use in North Carolina. Fireworks that are legal include:

• Snake and glow worms
• Smoke devices consisting of a tube or sphere that produce white or colored smoke
• Trick noisemakers, including party poppers, string poppers and snappers
• Wire sparklers

Age Requirements

The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department wants to remind everyone that children under the age of 16 cannot legally buy or use fireworks in North Carolina.

Injuries

In 2022, approximately 10,200 people sustained an injury from fireworks serious enough to send them to their local emergency room. The majority of the injuries were from burns. Sparklers are the most frequent cause of firework injuries to children nationwide. A lit sparkler can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees that can cause third degree burns when a child grabs the wire.

Safety Tips

The Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department offers the following safety tips:

• Only buy from reliable fireworks vendors
• Never alter fireworks or try to make your own
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Loose clothing should not be worn while handling fireworks
• Fireworks are not toys and should only be handled by responsible adults
• Have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire emergency
• Light one firework at a time and move away from it quickly, if a firework does not light the first time, do not attempt to light it again
• Ignite your fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from grass, trees and other vegetation
• Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container

 

 

 

Gasoline Storage

By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep gasoline safely stored until we're ready to use it.

• Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment
• Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked container that is labeled and approved for gasoline storage
• Make sure gasoline and all flammable liquids are well away from any heat source or flame
• Use gasoline as a motor fuel only -- never as a stain remover or for other purposes
• To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from the filling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open and drive directly to the fueling site. Take a direct route back home and never store gasoline in a vehicle
• Extinguish smoking materials before fueling and take the equipment outside well away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least 10 feet away from the fueling area to start the engine. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely

 

 

 

Halloween

Observe these Halloween safety tips and the night will be a real treat for the whole family!

 Jack-o-Lanterns and Decorations

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like lightbulbs and heaters
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing locks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working
• Teach children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them

 Costumes

• Make sure your costume fits. Baggy sleeves or billowy capes and skirts can trip you up and catch fire if they brush against jack-o-lanterns or candle flames
• Make sure your shoes fit. Big, floppy shoes (clown shoes, adult shoes) that are hard to walk in may make you fall
• Make sure all costume props are made of flexible plastic or rubber. Costume props like swords, knives, etc. can hurt you badly if you fall
• Be certain your mask fits properly and the eye holes allow you to see fully. Don’t wear a mask that is too loose; it can slip and block your vision. Even better, use face paint instead of a mask!
• Be original with a glow-in-the-dark costume. Jazz up your costume by attaching some reflective tape and stickers to ensure motorists can see you

 Trick-or-Treating

• Don’t go it alone while trick-or-treating. Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating
• Stop at street corners. Look left, right, and left again before crossing and don’t cross between parked cars
• Stay on sidewalks when possible. Walk, do not run, from house to house
• Avoid dark houses. Stick to well-lit homes in familiar neighborhoods
• Do not accept any treats that are not commercially wrapped
• Remind children to wait until home to eat candy. Adults should examine all treats first before any eats them

 Motorists

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and exercise more caution than normal for pedestrians
• Obey all traffic signs and signals
• Watch for children walking in the street, on medians, or on curbs
• Enter and exit driveways and alleyways carefully
• Teach children to enter and exit the vehicle on the curb side, away from traffic

For Kids

• Color in this sheet and get valuable safety tips

 

 

 

Heating

Nothing is cozier than a fire – as long as it stays in the fireplace! Unfortunately, they can also be deadly. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe.

 Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

• Remember that fireplaces contain open flames. It can easily ignite any combustibles nearby!
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children
• Do not burn holiday wrapping papers in the fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely
• Use only clean dry wood, do not burn trash. Use a metal container for ash removal and store it outside, away from combustibles such as a wood deck or pine needles
• Have your chimney cleaned regularly. Creosote buildup from burning wood can ignite your roof, chimney, even the whole house
• Use fireplace screens to confine sparks and embers
• Always supervise children when a fire is burning in the fireplace
• Do not allow children to light the fire

Space Heaters

• Remember space heaters need space!
• When selecting an alternative heater, look for one that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
• Read and follow the manufacturers recommendations and directions on all appliances. A good practice is to read aloud the instructions and warning labels to all members of the household to be certain that everyone understands how the heater is to be operated safely. Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to when needed
• Make sure your alternative heaters have "tip switches." These "tip switches" are designed to automatically turn off the heater if the heater gets knocked over
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters have very hot surfaces. Heaters could operate in a manner that is unsafe if children are permitted to either adjust the controls or jar the heater
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unventilated, fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for proper combustion
• Never use a space heater overnight in the room where you are sleeping. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could accumulate from fuel-fired heaters, or uncontrolled burning could cause a fire
• Never use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline) around a space heater. The flammable vapors can flow from one part of the room to another and be ignited by the open flame or by the electrical circuit of an electric heater
• Place heaters at least 3 feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire
• Never leave a burning heater unattended. Extinguish your heater if you’re leaving the room or area for more than a few minutes. Never use a space heater while you’re sleeping or bedridden
• Be sure the location you choose can be ventilated according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Do not place a heater in a doorway, hall, or walkway where it is likely to be bumped

 

 

 

Holidays

Don’t let this holiday season leave you homeless because you or your family did not practice fire safety.

Buying a Live Tree

• Natural trees should be cut at a 45-degree angle at the base and placed in water
• Check for freshness. A fresh tree is deep green in color and has a strong scent of pine. The needles of a fresh tree are hard to pull from branches and do not readily fall; also, the branches should bend easily. Finally, the trunk of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground the tree should not lose many needles

Displaying a Live Tree

• Trees should be securely fastened in the holder
• Keep the tree in an area away from a radiator, fireplace, or other heat source
• Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways
• Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Water your tree often
• When the tree becomes dry, (responsibly) discard it promptly
• Never put tree branches in a fireplace or wood-burning stove

Artificial Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree

Decorating a Tree

• Use only UL-labeled tree lights. Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards
• Do not overload outlets. Be careful how many items you plug into a receptacle. Be careful where you lay cords and lights. For added electric shock protection, plug outdoor lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. A qualified electrician can permanently install GFCIs into household circuits
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and discard damaged sets. Do not use damaged lights
• Use no more than 3 standard-sized sets of lights per single extension cord
• Do not intentionally knot or tangle the wires
• Do not leave lights on unattended. Always unplug lights before leaving the house or going to bed
• Use only lights designated for outdoor use, outdoors. Do not use indoor-only labeled lights outdoors

Outdoor Holiday Lights

• Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards
• For added electric shock protection, plug outdoor lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. A qualified electrician can permanently install GFCIs into household circuits
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples (available at hardware stores) to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks

Other Decorations

• Never use real candles on a tree or near other evergreens or decorations. Open flames from candles can often lead to fire. December is the peak month for candle fires, with nearly twice the average number of incidents
• When decorating the house with candles, always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked over by children or pets
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or unleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children
• Do not smoke near the tree or decorations
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them

Fireplaces

• Hang those stockings with care! You can hang your stockings from the mantle on your fireplace, but only do so when there is no fire lit. No matter what, don’t allow any type of decoration to hang from the mantle if there is a fire lit in the fireplace. Hanging decorations are extremely flammable and can ignite just from the heat that your fireplace puts out
• When you remove decorations from your mantle to light a fire in your fireplace, observe the 3-foot rule before lighting a fire in the fireplace. Hang up the stockings, garland, or whatever other decorations you have on your fireplace mantle around other areas of your house, such as on a stairway banister. Just make sure they’re at least 3 feet away from an open flame!
• After opening gifts, do not burn used wrapping paper in the fireplace. Wrapping paper creates hot embers that can easily float to the air and land on an object. As a result, this could cause something in your house to catch fire
• A great way to prevent fireplace holiday decorations from catching fire is to have your fireplace cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. Not only does this help to ensure fireplace safety, but it also helps to reduce other fire causing threats such as glaze, soot, and creosote
• Even if you follow the above tips, there’s still a chance your holiday decorations could accidentally catch fire if there’s an open flame. To prevent a fire from getting out of hand and potentially damaging your entire house, keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible for you to grab. Also make sure that the fire extinguisher is operational, is not past its expiration date, and everyone in your home understands how to use the fire extinguisher

 

 

 

Hot Car

Children dying from heatstroke in cars, either because they were left or became trapped, has increased in recent years. In 2018 and 2019, a record 53 children died of vehicular heatstroke each year. In 2020, during the public health emergency, 25 children lost their lives in hot cars, and in 2021, 17 children died.

Heatstroke Facts

The majority of hot car deaths — 53 percent — happen because someone forgets a child in a car. You may be asking yourself: How does this happen? Families who lost a loved one thought the same thing at one point, but then the tragedy happened to them. In 2019, we saw the highest number of deaths, 53, because children were forgotten since 1998. Among the trends discovered over the years:

• About 46 percent of the time when a child was forgotten, the caregiver meant to drop the child off at a daycare or preschool
• Thursdays and Fridays — the end of the workweek — have had the highest deaths
• Nearly 75 percent of children who are forgotten and die are under 2 years old

Everyone Should Keep Their Car Locked

Vehicular heatstroke deaths don’t just happen when a child is forgotten. The second leading cause —26 percent — of such deaths are children getting into unattended vehicles. Get in the habit of always locking your car doors and trunk, year-round. The temperature inside a car can reach over 115 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is just 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Never Leave a Child Alone

While all types of vehicular heatstroke deaths are preventable, the third leading cause of these deaths — knowingly leaving a child — is the most preventable. Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on. A child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s. 

 

See a Child Alone in a Vehicle?

If you see a child alone in a vehicle, make sure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 9-1-1 immediately.

• If the child appears to be okay, attempt to locate the parents; if at a public place, have the facility page the car owner over an intercom system
• If the child is not responsive and appears to be in distress, attempt to get into the car to assist the child—even if that means breaking a window. The North Carolina Good Samaritan law states that any person who renders first aid or emergency assistance at the scene of an accident to any person injured as a result of the accident cannot be liable in civil action for their acts or omissions unless there was wanton conduct or intentional wrongdoing

Remember: Kids and hot cars can be a deadly combination. Don’t take the chance. Always look in the front and back of the vehicle before locking the door and walking away.

 

 

 

Open Water

Observe these tips when visiting oceans, lakes, and rivers.

• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Appoint a designated "water watcher," taking turns with other adults
• Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4, typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore
• Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming
• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather
• Do not let kids operate personal watercrafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training
• Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface of the water
• Learn infant and child CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency

 Boating

• Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water or participating in water sports. The life jacket should fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through the neck opening
• Take a boating education course to learn safe boating practices
• Get a vessel safety check every year for free from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. For more information go to U.S. Coast Guard Boating Resources and click "get a free safety check."
• Never drink alcoholic beverages while boating

 

 

 

Outdoor Fires

Recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces/fire pits, stationary outdoor fireplaces and stationary outdoor fire pits are regulated by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and do NOT require an open-burning operational permit. Fire safety is still the responsibility of anyone setting a fire regardless to whether a permit is required or not.

Recreational Fires

Recreational fires are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as fires three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Recreational fires are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit.

• Recreational fires shall be at least 25 feet from a structure or combustible material
• Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish, yard waste, or burn material contained in an incinerator
• Outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, and barbecue pits are not considered recreational fires

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces/Fire Pits

• Portable outdoor fireplaces/fire pits are defined by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top
• Portable outdoor fireplaces are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit
• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings
• Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste

Per the two exceptions above, there is no separation requirement between a portable outdoor fireplaces/fire pits and a one- or two-family dwelling.

Stationary Outdoor Fireplaces

Stationary outdoor fireplaces are site constructed, permanent in nature, solid fuel-burning, and may be constructed of stone, brick, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material. A stationary outdoor fireplace will normally have a hearth, fire box, and chimney or stack. Stationary outdoor fireplaces are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit.

• Stationary outdoor fireplaces must be at least 5 feet from property lines and require a building permit for construction and may be subject to additional planning and zoning regulations if it is located less than 10 feet from any building or property line. If located within a Homeowners Association (HOA), it is likely subject to covenant restrictions
• If the fireplace is within 10 feet of any building or roofed structure, the chimney of the fireplace must extend at least two feet above the building or roofed structure
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste

Stationary Outdoor Fire Pits

Stationary outdoor fire pits are site constructed, permanent in nature, solid-fuel-burning and may be constructed of stone, brick, concrete, metal, or other noncombustible material. The stationary outdoor fire pit may be dug in the ground or above ground and is designed to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading.

• Stationary outdoor fire pits are NOT considered open burning and do not require an open burning operational permit
• Stationary outdoor fire pits must be at least 5 feet from property lines
• At least 15 feet from structures to include decks
• Shall not be used to burn rubbish or yard waste

Open Burning

Open burning in the Town of Morrisville is regulated by the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and the Town of Morrisville Code of Ordinances and is prohibited unless an open-burning operational permit is issued by the Town's Fire Prevention Division.

• The North Carolina Fire Prevention Code defines open burning as the burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber.
• For the purpose of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open.

Land Clearing

• Outdoor burning for land clearing activities due to site development in the Town of Morrisville jurisdiction is regulated by the Town of Morrisville Code of Ordinances (Chapter 22, Article III, Section 22-82) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
• Outdoor burning for the purpose of land clearing is considered open burning and requires an open burning operational permit.
•  Open burning for land clearing requires 1,000-feet separation to any structure, and a minimum of 250 feet from any public road

 

 

 

Preventing Poisoning

In 2015, America’s 55 poison control centers received 1,319,044 calls after a child got into a potential poison. That’s over 3,600 calls a day – 150 every hour. These prevention tips can help you or your loved ones avoid poisonings. Put the poison help number, 1-800-222-1222 on or near every telephone and save it on your mobile phone. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What To Do If A Poisoning Occurs

- Remain calm
- Call 9-1-1 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial 1-800-222-1222. Try to have this information ready:

• The victim’s age and weight
• The container or bottle of the poison (if available)
• The time of the poison exposure
• The address where the poisoning occurred

- Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center.

Drugs and Medicines

- Only take prescription medications that are prescribed to you by a healthcare professional. Misusing or abusing prescription or over-the-counter medications is not a safe alternative to illicit substance abuse.
- Never take larger or more frequent doses of your medications, particularly prescription pain medications, to try to get faster or more powerful effects.
- Never share or sell your prescription drugs. Keep all prescription medicines (especially prescription painkillers, such as those containing methadone, hydrocodone, or oxycodone), over-the-counter medicines (including pain or fever relievers and cough and cold medicines), vitamins and herbals in a safe place that can be reached only by people who take or give them.
- Follow directions on the label when you give or take medicines. Read all warning labels. Some medicines cannot be taken safely when you take other medicines or drink alcohol.
- Turn on a light when you give or take medicines at night so you know you have the correct amount of the right medicine.
- Keep medicines in their original bottles or containers.
- Properly dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs. The Town of Morrisville Police Department offers a medication drop-off for safe disposal at 260-C Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560. This location is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Household Chemicals

- Always read the label before using a product that may be poisonous.
- Keep chemical products in their original bottles or containers. Do not use food containers such as cups, bottles, or jars to store chemical products such as cleaning products or beauty products.
- Never mix household products together. For example, mixing bleach and ammonia can result in toxic gases.
- Wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes) if you spray pesticides or other chemicals.
- Turn on the fan and open windows when using chemical products such as household cleaners.

Keep Young Children Safe From Poisoning

- Store all medicines and household products up and away and out of sight in a cabinet where a child cannot reach them.
- When taking or giving medicines or using household products:

• Do not put your next dose on the counter or table where children can reach them – it only takes seconds for a child to get them.
• If you have to do something else while taking medicine, such as answer the phone, take any young children with you.
• Secure the child safety cap completely every time you use a medicine.
• After using them do not leave medicines or household products out. As soon as you are done with them, put them away in a cabinet where a child cannot reach them.
• Be aware of any legal or illegal drugs that guests may bring into your home. Ask guests to store drugs where children cannot find them. Children can easily get into pillboxes, purses, backpacks, or coat pockets.

Other Tips

- Do not call medicine “candy.”
- Identify poisonous plants in your house and yard and place them out of reach of children or remove them.

Other Resources

Safe Kids
American Association of Poison Control Centers
National Capital Poison Center

 

 

 

Smoke Alarms

Do Smoke Alarms Really Save Lives?

Most fatal home fires occur at night, while people are asleep. Poisonous gases and smoke from a fire in your home can numb the senses in a very short time. Every home needs a device that can wake people up in time to escape from a fire. The sound of a smoke detector can do that and cut your chances of dying in a fire by 50 percent! Currently, 39 states have laws requiring smoke detectors in homes.

How Do I Choose a Smoke Alarm?

There are many brands of smoke alarms available, but it is important to buy only "labeled" units: those bearing the mark of an organization that tests and evaluates products. Any labeled smoke alarm offers adequate protection, but it's vital that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance.

How Many Do I Need?

According to the widely accepted Standard on Household Fire Warning Equipment, minimum protection requires smoke alarms outside each bedroom and on each additional level of the home - including the basement. For extra protection, the National Fire Protection Association recommends you also install alarms in the dining room, furnace room, utility room and hallways. If your family sleeps with bedroom doors closed, you might also install detectors inside the bedrooms. Smoke alarms are not usually recommended for kitchens because of false alarms from cooking; or for garages, where exhaust fumes might cause false alarms, or for attics or other unheated spaces, where extremes of temperature or humidity might affect the operation of smoke alarms.

How Do I Install?

To install most smoke alarms, all you need is a screwdriver and a drill. Most smoke alarms operate on batteries or household current. An alarm plugged into a wall outlet must have a restraining device so it cannot accidentally be pulled from the outlet. Alarms can also be hard-wired into the electrical system. Never hard-wire an alarm to a circuit that can be turned off at a wall switch.

Because smoke rises, mount the alarm high on a wall or on the ceiling to detect the first traces of smoke. For a wall-mounted unit, the top of the alarm should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling-mounted alarm should be placed at least 4 inches from any wall. In a room with a high-pitched ceiling, mount the alarm on or near the ceiling's highest point.

Most home fires start in living areas - the den, family room or living room. On a floor with no bedrooms, install the required alarm in or near the living area. If a stairway leads to an upper story, install the alarm in the path where smoke would travel up the stairs.

Don't install an alarm near a window, door or air register where drafts could impair the alarm operation. Locate a basement smoke alarm close to the stairway leading to the floor above. But don't install the alarm at the top of the basement stairs; dead air space near the door may prevent smoke from reaching the alarm.

How Do I Maintain?

It's extremely important to test and clean all alarms regularly according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Change the batteries in your smoke alarm twice a year. An easy way to remember when to change your batteries is to do it the same time daylight savings time begins and ends. Vacuum or blow out (with compressed air) your smoke alarm when changing your batteries. A dusty smoke alarm is the #1 cause of false activations. When you move into a new home, install new batteries in every smoke alarm. Never paint a smoke alarm.

What Happens When the Fire Alarm Sounds?

Make sure everyone knows what your smoke alarm sounds like. Plan at least two ways out from each room...especially the bedrooms. Set a place to meet outside your home so you'll know everyone is out. Have everyone practice the plan at least twice a year.

In case of a real fire, get out of the building immediately. Once at the meeting place, have one person go to a neighbor's phone to call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher your name and address, and the exact location of anyone who is still in the building. Stay on the phone until you have answered all the dispatcher's questions.

 

 

 

Smoking

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke alarms, smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents. Here are some steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe from creating a fire by smoking materials.

• Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside
• Put cigarettes out all the way – every time. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are really out before you put them in the trash
• Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired. You may not be able to prevent or escape from a fire if you are sleepy or have taken medicine that makes you tired
• Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire
• Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette. Replace mattresses made prior to the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard
• Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use large, deep ashtrays with wide lips. While smaller ashtrays may be more attractive, they are not safe. Cigarettes can roll off the edge, and the ashes can easily be blown away
• Do not put ashtrays on the arms of sofas or chairs
• Do not leave cigarettes, cigars, or pipes unattended. Put out all smoking materials before you walk away
• Close a matchbook before striking and hold it away from your body. Set your cigarette lighter on "low" flame to prevent burns
• If friends or relatives who smoke have paid you a visit, be sure to check on the floor and around chair cushions for ashes that may have been dropped accidentally
• Store matches and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet
• Do not put ashtrays in a location where children or pets could knock them over

 

 

 

Turkey Fryer

The latest trend in preparing a turkey is deep frying. It takes only 45 minutes rather than several hours. However, if you don't take precautions, you may end up with an injury or fire. Last year, turkey fryers were responsible for over 50 fires in the United States. “UL considers turkey fryers to be dangerous to use presenting numerous safety hazards to consumers. Based on their test findings, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with their trusted UL Mark.”

There are risks involved with frying a turkey:

• Turkey fryers can easily tip over spilling hot oil across a large area
• An overfilled pot will cause oil to spill over when the turkey is put inside
• A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter when put in the pot
• Without thermostat controls, turkey fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles can get dangerously hot

 

We recommend following these turkey fryer safety tips:

• Follow your fryer's instructions
• Use oils with high smoke points such as peanut, canola and safflower. Peanut oil adds flavor, but it can be a concern if guests have peanut allergies
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at least 10 feet away from buildings and any other material that can burn. Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks, under eaves, in the garage or on combustible surfaces
• Make sure fryers are used on a flat, dry surface to reduce accidental tipping. Do not move it once in use, and never leave the fryer unattended
• Keep all children or pets at least 3 feet away from the fryer when in use
• Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use. To avoid a spill, do not overfill the fryer
• Use leather gloves, well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried by patting with paper towels before putting it into hot oil. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends thawing turkeys 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds
• If your turkey fryer does not have a thermostat, use a kitchen thermometer that attaches to the side of the pot
• Test the amount of oil needed by filling your fryer with water. Place the turkey in the pot making sure the water covers the turkey by about 1/2 inch. Remove and dry the turkey. Mark the water level. Dump water, dry the pot and fill with oil to the marked level
• Keep an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire
• If a fire occurs, evacuate and call 9-1-1 for help