monitoring fire safety

1. Monitoring Fire Safety Homes are inspected annually Use Rule checklist and Fire Safety Checklist Review fire safety plan Review drill records Proctor agency is responsible for conducting and reviewing fire safety in proctor homes. Inspection occurs with initial visit, and annually thereafter Both the proctor rule and the AFH-DD Fire Inspection Checklist are used A floor plan showing evacuation routes and safety equipment is required Fire drill records are reviewed at annul re-inspection Film �Getting Out Alive� is available from CDDP,all counties given at least two copies of film.Proctor agency is responsible for conducting and reviewing fire safety in proctor homes. Inspection occurs with initial visit, and annually thereafter Both the proctor rule and the AFH-DD Fire Inspection Checklist are used A floor plan showing evacuation routes and safety equipment is required Fire drill records are reviewed at annul re-inspection Film �Getting Out Alive� is available from CDDP,all counties given at least two copies of film.

2. The video gives a very vivid picture of what conditions are like during a fire. There are steps you can take to increase your ability to survive a fire. Inspection will look at: Assessing the environment Knowing who you serve and their issues Things to consider when developing a plan The need for drills The video gives a very vivid picture of what conditions are like during a fire. There are steps you can take to increase your ability to survive a fire. Inspection will look at: Assessing the environment Knowing who you serve and their issues Things to consider when developing a plan The need for drills

3. Where do fires start? Un-maintained areas Unattended heat sources Abandoned burning materials Statistics from the State Fire Marshal�s office indicate the three primary sources of house fires: Un-maintained areas and failure to clean involves: piled up materials around furnaces and water heaters Cooking areas and range hoods Furnace filters Dust/lint in wall Heaters and dryer vents Unattended Heat Source includes: Brush, Trash and Debris fires not properly extinguished Candles left burning Abandoned Materials include: Smoldering cigarettes Fireplace or barbeque ashes that are bagged and thrown out NOTE: Abandoned and discarded materials accounted for the highest known cause of fatal fires. You can surmise that the reason for this is that the material is assumed to have been extinguished, and probably re-ignited much later than when it was abandoned. Statistics from the State Fire Marshal�s office indicate the three primary sources of house fires: Un-maintained areas and failure to clean involves: piled up materials around furnaces and water heaters Cooking areas and range hoods Furnace filters Dust/lint in wall Heaters and dryer vents Unattended Heat Source includes: Brush, Trash and Debris fires not properly extinguished Candles left burning Abandoned Materials include: Smoldering cigarettes Fireplace or barbeque ashes that are bagged and thrown out NOTE: Abandoned and discarded materials accounted for the highest known cause of fatal fires. You can surmise that the reason for this is that the material is assumed to have been extinguished, and probably re-ignited much later than when it was abandoned.

4. Identifying Hazards Looking for the obvious Hand out materials: Fire Safety checklist, Foster rule sections for fire safety and drill records Always be observant for possible hazards, whether on a license or general visit Check General cleanliness and repair Electric appliances and use of extension cords and power strips Check Storage of chemicals and cleaning supplies Smoking areas Woodstoves, fireplaces and heating devices General physical plant If you are not sure, CALL FOR HELP Hand out materials: Fire Safety checklist, Foster rule sections for fire safety and drill records Always be observant for possible hazards, whether on a license or general visit Check General cleanliness and repair Electric appliances and use of extension cords and power strips Check Storage of chemicals and cleaning supplies Smoking areas Woodstoves, fireplaces and heating devices General physical plant If you are not sure, CALL FOR HELP

5. Know who you serve What abilities What issues What barriers Rules for all comprehensive services call for an assessment of fire safety upon entry into the program It is important to know if there are limitations or issues, so you can plan accordingly People with limited ability to exit, or who need more support should be closer to exits People cannot be on second floors unless they have ability to independently respond to a fire signal, both during the day and at night People with hearing and visual impairments may require adaptive alarms such as strobe lights, bed shakers, and hand rails People who need walkers and wheel chairs may need more space to evacuate Only simple latching hardware is allowed on doors if used as an exit. No keyed deadbolts, chains or sliding latches Rules for all comprehensive services call for an assessment of fire safety upon entry into the program It is important to know if there are limitations or issues, so you can plan accordingly People with limited ability to exit, or who need more support should be closer to exits People cannot be on second floors unless they have ability to independently respond to a fire signal, both during the day and at night People with hearing and visual impairments may require adaptive alarms such as strobe lights, bed shakers, and hand rails People who need walkers and wheel chairs may need more space to evacuate Only simple latching hardware is allowed on doors if used as an exit. No keyed deadbolts, chains or sliding latches

6. General repair and Cleanliness Clean Chemical storage Oxygen storage Clear exit routes Kitchens Surfaces Remodels General clutter around heat sources Check the lint trap on the dryer to assure that there is no build up of lint, and that the dryer is vented to the out of doors Flammable and combustible liquids and hazardous materials need to be in their original or properly labeled safety containers and stored in areas to prevent tampering by residents. Oxygen needs to be secured so there is no danger of being tipped over No oxygen should be stored near the smoking area. Exit routes need to be kept clear and unobstructed. This includes window area. An obstructed window effectively cuts down the effective area Kitchen grease fires are a leading fire hazard. Check cooking areas. Recommend that the fire extinguisher is located in or near the kitchen, but accessible. It does no good to have fire extinguisher located between a potential operator and fire source, such as across the cooking range and on the wall. NOTE Fire extinguisher must be rated at minimum, 2A10BC. FLAME SPREAD: Basic wood lath and plaster, or gypsum board (dry wall) construction is not going to be a problem. Concern is for acoustical tile and/or wood paneling that exceeds 10% of surface area. Such material needs to be treated with intumescent surface coating. An exception would be buildings with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Chair boards and wains-coating are generally acceptable. Intumescent paint is designed to bubble and blister, but not be immediately combustible. The paint must be applied according to manufactures recommendations. The paint generally has a �shelf-life� of 3 to 5 years. Again, manufactures instructions need to be followed for maintenance of effectiveness. Any remodeling work needs to be done under a permit, and be inspected and approved.General clutter around heat sources Check the lint trap on the dryer to assure that there is no build up of lint, and that the dryer is vented to the out of doors Flammable and combustible liquids and hazardous materials need to be in their original or properly labeled safety containers and stored in areas to prevent tampering by residents. Oxygen needs to be secured so there is no danger of being tipped over No oxygen should be stored near the smoking area. Exit routes need to be kept clear and unobstructed. This includes window area. An obstructed window effectively cuts down the effective area Kitchen grease fires are a leading fire hazard. Check cooking areas. Recommend that the fire extinguisher is located in or near the kitchen, but accessible. It does no good to have fire extinguisher located between a potential operator and fire source, such as across the cooking range and on the wall. NOTE Fire extinguisher must be rated at minimum, 2A10BC. FLAME SPREAD: Basic wood lath and plaster, or gypsum board (dry wall) construction is not going to be a problem. Concern is for acoustical tile and/or wood paneling that exceeds 10% of surface area. Such material needs to be treated with intumescent surface coating. An exception would be buildings with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Chair boards and wains-coating are generally acceptable. Intumescent paint is designed to bubble and blister, but not be immediately combustible. The paint must be applied according to manufactures recommendations. The paint generally has a �shelf-life� of 3 to 5 years. Again, manufactures instructions need to be followed for maintenance of effectiveness. Any remodeling work needs to be done under a permit, and be inspected and approved.

7. Electrical Issues Cords and plugs in good repair Extension Cords not used for permanent fixtures or heaters No wiring without inspection Approved multi plug adapters Appliance cords need to be checked for signs of fraying, cuts, brittleness, or other deterioration Note: Electric blanket fire Extension cords only for temporary use. No heaters are to be plugged in using an extension cord. Rule of thumb: The extension cord should appear to be the same size or larger than the appliance that is plugged into it No internal wiring should be done without having the work inspected Fatal fire in DD home attributed to faulty wiring done by provider New construction done under a permit, and inspection records maintained Multi plug adapters must have circuit breaker protection. Note: Surge protectors are not necessarily circuit breaker protected. Surge protectors deteriorate over time, and when they do, the surge protection circuitry may overheat. Surge protectors should not be placed on top of, or underneath combustibles. Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) recommended for outlets within 6� of water source in kitchens and bathrooms and on outside circuits. The ground fault Interrupter may be the first outlet in a circuit series, or even at the panel.Appliance cords need to be checked for signs of fraying, cuts, brittleness, or other deterioration Note: Electric blanket fire Extension cords only for temporary use. No heaters are to be plugged in using an extension cord. Rule of thumb: The extension cord should appear to be the same size or larger than the appliance that is plugged into it No internal wiring should be done without having the work inspected Fatal fire in DD home attributed to faulty wiring done by provider New construction done under a permit, and inspection records maintained Multi plug adapters must have circuit breaker protection. Note: Surge protectors are not necessarily circuit breaker protected. Surge protectors deteriorate over time, and when they do, the surge protection circuitry may overheat. Surge protectors should not be placed on top of, or underneath combustibles. Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) recommended for outlets within 6� of water source in kitchens and bathrooms and on outside circuits. The ground fault Interrupter may be the first outlet in a circuit series, or even at the panel.

8. Fireplaces and Woodstoves Fireplace screens Safety Barrier Woodstove installation and inspection No portable fuel consuming heaters Electric Heaters with tip over shut off Fireplaces to have glass or mesh screen attached at top and bottom Combustible material must be at least 36� away from the front, sides, and rear of fireplaces and woodstoves Note: A rail or protective barrier may be required for the safety of persons with ambulatory or disorientation issues Woodstoves must be installed under a permit, be inspected and maintained. If no original inspection is available an inspection may be conducted by: A qualified inspector Certified Chimney sweep Association member or Oregon Hearth Products Association member Un-vented portable oil, gas, or kerosene heaters are prohibited. Sealed electric heaters or electric space heaters with tip over shut off capability may be used when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. CALL SPD If YOU ARE NOT SURE Fireplaces to have glass or mesh screen attached at top and bottom Combustible material must be at least 36� away from the front, sides, and rear of fireplaces and woodstoves Note: A rail or protective barrier may be required for the safety of persons with ambulatory or disorientation issues Woodstoves must be installed under a permit, be inspected and maintained. If no original inspection is available an inspection may be conducted by: A qualified inspector Certified Chimney sweep Association member or Oregon Hearth Products Association member Un-vented portable oil, gas, or kerosene heaters are prohibited. Sealed electric heaters or electric space heaters with tip over shut off capability may be used when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. CALL SPD If YOU ARE NOT SURE

9. Smoking Designated smoking area Ashtrays No smoking in any bedrooms No oxygen storage near smoking area Smoking area must be identified Ideally, floor areas and tables should be hard surfaces. Rugs underneath smokers table can be a potential fire source for a hidden dropped smoldering but About cigarettes: Cigarette paper is designed to smolder and not go out They can smolder without detection Ashtrays need to be heavy bottom so they don�t tip over Ashtrays need to be cleaned regularly, extinguished butts going to a proper receptacle Ideally, a water filled pail or bucket Smoking in bedrooms or other areas not designated as a smoking area is prohibited. This includes the provider/care giver living areas.Smoking area must be identified Ideally, floor areas and tables should be hard surfaces. Rugs underneath smokers table can be a potential fire source for a hidden dropped smoldering but About cigarettes: Cigarette paper is designed to smolder and not go out They can smolder without detection Ashtrays need to be heavy bottom so they don�t tip over Ashtrays need to be cleaned regularly, extinguished butts going to a proper receptacle Ideally, a water filled pail or bucket Smoking in bedrooms or other areas not designated as a smoking area is prohibited. This includes the provider/care giver living areas.

10. Manufactured Homes Must have been built since 1976 Must be built to HUD standards Must be a home Mobile homes must have been built since 1976. Units must have a manufacture�s label, permanently affixed to the unit which states that it meets requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Label will read as follows: �A evidence by this label No. ABC000001, the manufacturer certifies to the best of the manufacturer�s knowledge that this mobile home has been inspected in accordance with requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is constructed in conformance with the Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards in effect on the date of manufacture. See date plate.� If no label is evident, and the provider feels the unit meets the required specifications, then the provider must provide verification of compliance from the manufacture. Mobile homes must be designed for use as a home, not a travel trailerMobile homes must have been built since 1976. Units must have a manufacture�s label, permanently affixed to the unit which states that it meets requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Label will read as follows: �A evidence by this label No. ABC000001, the manufacturer certifies to the best of the manufacturer�s knowledge that this mobile home has been inspected in accordance with requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is constructed in conformance with the Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards in effect on the date of manufacture. See date plate.� If no label is evident, and the provider feels the unit meets the required specifications, then the provider must provide verification of compliance from the manufacture. Mobile homes must be designed for use as a home, not a travel trailer

11. Holiday Safety Choose a fresh tree UL approved Lights Non-combustible trimmings No trees in resident rooms Trees Choose a fresh tree with a natural, deep-green color and flexible needles. Cut off about two inches of the tree trunk at an angle to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Water the tree every day. An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the tree, a seal will form on the cut and the tree will not be able to absorb any more water. Keep the tree away from all sources of heat to preserve its freshness. Miniature lights are a better decoration choice than standard sized lights. The cooler miniature lights do not dry the tree needles as quickly. When the needles get brittle or dull and begin to fall from the tree, it is time for the tree to go back outside. Lights Use only lights that are UL approved. Check every set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections before using. Throw away anything that is not in perfect condition. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and cause electrocution. Use colored spotlights as an alternative. Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension. Follow the manufacturer�s instructions for the number of light strings in one circuit. Always turn off all tree lights and decorations before you go to bed or leave your home. � � Trimmings Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials. 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; and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them! HAND OUT Trees Choose a fresh tree with a natural, deep-green color and flexible needles. Cut off about two inches of the tree trunk at an angle to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Water the tree every day. An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the tree, a seal will form on the cut and the tree will not be able to absorb any more water. Keep the tree away from all sources of heat to preserve its freshness. Miniature lights are a better decoration choice than standard sized lights. The cooler miniature lights do not dry the tree needles as quickly. When the needles get brittle or dull and begin to fall from the tree, it is time for the tree to go back outside. Lights Use only lights that are UL approved. Check every set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections before using. Throw away anything that is not in perfect condition. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and cause electrocution. Use colored spotlights as an alternative. Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension. Follow the manufacturer�s instructions for the number of light strings in one circuit. Always turn off all tree lights and decorations before you go to bed or leave your home. � � Trimmings Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials. 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; and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them! HAND OUT

12. Practice Practice No �buts� Make it real Do what you need to do Everyone should participate in drills. Requirements in 24 hour and foster homes are required quarterly, with one drill during hours of sleep If people are to fragile or have severe issues that preclude participation, support persons need to practice for the possibility of having to provide significant support. A drill needs to be serious Evidence that people were teased with smoke detector beeps at home with fatality Teach people to respond to alarm signal Night drills are more valid if care giver participating in drill has to respond without knowledge of drill You can reward people for getting to the right spot Be prepared to do whatever is necessary to get people out.Everyone should participate in drills. Requirements in 24 hour and foster homes are required quarterly, with one drill during hours of sleep If people are to fragile or have severe issues that preclude participation, support persons need to practice for the possibility of having to provide significant support. A drill needs to be serious Evidence that people were teased with smoke detector beeps at home with fatality Teach people to respond to alarm signal Night drills are more valid if care giver participating in drill has to respond without knowledge of drill You can reward people for getting to the right spot Be prepared to do whatever is necessary to get people out.

13. Document and Review Keep drill records All people need to participate What do you know Drill records vary by service element but all contain: Use last names of participants Identify those who either need support or Require more than three minutes to get to safe area or actual time of evacuation. (note: not one after another) Signature of person conducting the drill Location of simulated fire Require varied routes in response to simulated fire Persons who do not actually evacuate need to be accounted for in terms of staff support Don�t conduct drills when people are absent, if possible Use drill records to evaluate overall efficiency of plan. If people do not get to where they need to be, ask why. Adjust accordingly Drill records vary by service element but all contain: Use last names of participants Identify those who either need support or Require more than three minutes to get to safe area or actual time of evacuation. (note: not one after another) Signature of person conducting the drill Location of simulated fire Require varied routes in response to simulated fire Persons who do not actually evacuate need to be accounted for in terms of staff support Don�t conduct drills when people are absent, if possible Use drill records to evaluate overall efficiency of plan. If people do not get to where they need to be, ask why. Adjust accordingly