Fire Safety Tips:

Pool Safety

Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chlorine products. These chemicals can combust spontaneously if contaminated by organic materials or hydrocarbons. This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous. Store and use pool chemicals according to manufacturer's recommendations. Never store them inside the home or near heat or flame sources. If a container is punctured or otherwise damaged, dispose of the chemicals properly and replace them.

Transporting Chemicals:

Keep your vehicle clean and organized.
Separate incompatible chemicals, distribute between front seat, back seat and / or trunk.
Don't purchase or carry damaged containers.
Anchor your load securely, so that it won't move around.
Ask your pool supply dealer for MSDS sheets, for your information and HAZMAT personnel in case of an accident.

Storing Pool Chemicals:

Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well ventilated area, with a locked entry. Do not set outside in the sun.
Keep out of reach of children (duh!).
Keep pool and spa chemicals separate from each other, and from other chemicals. Violent reactions such as explosion, fire or noxious gas production can occur when incompatible chemicals contact each other. Never, ever mix any chemicals together.
Do not stack chemical containers on top of one another.
Replace lids and caps firmly and immediately after opening.
Post MSDS sheets and emergency information and phone numbers nearby.

Using Pool Chemicals:

Follow label directions carefully. Read the instructions! If the label is faded or torn, don't guess what it is. Return it to your dealer.
Add chemicals to pool water, not the other way around. Chemicals should be added directly to the pool, or through a feeder especially designed for that type of chemical. Chemicals added directly to the skimmer could allow strong concentrations to harm pool equipment or swimmers. If the instructions suggest diluting with water first, use a clean, oversized bucket with water in it, then add chemicals to the water in the bucket. Read the Instructions!
Wear safety gear when handling chemicals. This may include a breathing respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes, face shield, gloves and apron.
Do Not mix chemicals...EVER! This includes direct mixing of full strength chemicals in a bucket, diluted concentrations and even adding chemicals to the same location in the pool. At the very least you may get a water quality problem, or you may endanger your life or the life of others. Chemicals can mix with each other by using containers or scoops which were previously used for other chemicals. Always use a clean bucket and scoop, designated only for that chemical.
Dispose of wastes and spills safely and properly. Immediately clean up any chemical spills. If a violent reaction has occurred, contact the fire department immediately and they will instruct you on steps to take until their arrival, if any. If the spilled chemical is a solid, carefully sweep it up using a clean broom and shovel, and place it in a clean, dry, plastic container. Avoid breathing the dust. If possible, dilute the chemical in water and add it to the pool or spa. Then test and balance the water. If this is not possible, contact the fire department for instructions on disposal. Do not place floor sweepings of chemicals back into the original container. Any foreign substance such as dust, dirt, water can cause a reaction inside the container. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to clean up spilled substances. If the spilled substance is a liquid, it should be soaked up with clean, absorbent materials and placed inside a clean plastic or plastic lined container. Flush the area with large amounts of water.
Never smoke around any chemicals. Fire or explosion could result.
Do not breath chemical fumes or dust. Wash skin if contact occurs. If chemicals splash in eyes, flush eyes for 15 minutes, and see a physician immediately.
Use ONLY a water filled fire extinguisher on a chlorine chemical fire. Never use the dry chemical type of extinguisher.
Keep posted emergency numbers for the fire department, poison control center, and MSDS sheets of all chemicals on hand.

Christmas Tree/Live Decorations Safety

Facts & figures

In 1999, Christmas trees were the first item ignited in an estimated 370 home fires, resulting in 5 deaths, 60 injuries and $15.7 million in direct property damage.
The leading heat source attributed to Christmas tree fires, civilian injuries and property damage was electrical arcing, accounting for 130 fires (34%), no civilian deaths, 20 civilian injuries and $5.9 million in direct property damage in 1999.
The leading type of equipment involved in the ignition of Christmas trees were lights and cords and plugs.

Source: NFPA's One-Stop Data Shop

Safety tips

When decorating Christmas trees, always use safe tree lights. (Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.) Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb and all lights should be listed by a testing laboratory.
Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use tree lights. Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used.
Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.
Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them when around the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet (one meter) away from any heat source and try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products. Updated: 11/03

Candle Safety

Remember that a candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any combustible nearby.

Facts and figures

During 2001, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 190 civilian deaths, 1,450 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $265 million.
Home candle fires rose 15% from 2000 to 2001 to hit their 22-year peak in 2001, the latest year for which data is available.
Candle fires accounted for an estimated 5% of all reported home fires.
Two-fifths (41%) of the home candle fires started in the bedroom.
Over the last decade, candle fires have more than tripled from the 5,500 reported in 1990.
December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month.
One-third (34%) of candle fires occurred after candles were left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled; Twenty-six percent occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle; Six percent were started by people (usually children) playing with the candle.
Eleven percent of home candle fires started after the candle user fell asleep.
Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires in 1999-2001. Second peak day was New Year's Day. Third peak day was Christmas Eve.

Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey.

Safety tips:

Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g. clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations).
Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.

Candles & children:

Keep candles up high out of reach of children.
Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

During power outages:

Try to avoid carrying a lit candle. Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.