Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are in widespread use in consumer electronics. Lithium batteries have become the industry standard for rechargeable...
Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose a Fire Risk?
read more
SVFD News
Recent Articles
2023 Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week
Each year, starting with the Martin Luther King holiday, fire departments around the nation support a weeklong campaign to educate communities about...
Call for Pro and Con Committee to Review Levy
Pro and Con Committees Spokane Valley Fire Department is placing before the voters on the February 14, 2023 ballot a proposition authorizing a maintenance and operations excess levy.
SUMMER SAFETY
Let’s keep friends and family safe during summer activities and outings by following these guidelines for campfires, barbecues, boats, and more. While you’re enjoying fun in the sun, being safety-minded can prevent property damage, wildfires, burns, serious injuries, or even death. Keep you and your group out of danger this summer.
POP QUIZ! Check your summer fire-prevention and safety knowledge. Can you answer these six questions correctly? Find the answers in the downloadable flyers or check your answers at the bottom of this posting.
- At least how many feet from shrubs, tents or other flammable materials should campfires be built? Always check with local authorities for burn restrictions before you start a fire. [See the 7/22/2020 burn restriction notice from SVFD.]
- Is it safe to use a grill on a porch or balcony?
- Should the lid of a gas barbecue be opened before igniting?
- Would it be smart to have your arms covered with long sleeves while tending to a grill?
- When providing first aid for a burn, is it recommended to place the injured area under cool water?
- TRUE or FALSE: If you are sleeping aboard a boat, it’s safe to operate a portable heater if it’s set to low.
BONUS QUESTION: You may not be an electrician, so how would you know how to inspect a boat’s wiring?
Thank you for giving these questions some thought. Most of these fire-safety tips are about squashing the fire risk before the fun even starts. For example, the 3’ safe zone / space left around a fire or barbeque is critical and makes tremendous difference. And, with boating, much of the fire risk is eliminated by making sure the electrical and cooling/exhaust systems are free from damage. Now, check your answers below to see how you did on the quiz.
QUIZ ANSWERS:
- 25 feet. 2. No. Grills should not even be stored on a porch or balcony. 3. Yes, open the lid to prevent a possible explosion from flammable gas that may be collected under the lid. 4. Roll up any long sleeves to prevent clothing from catching fire. Long sleeves may discourage bug bites and sunburn but they can cause quick, painful and serious injury at the grill. 5. Yes, place the burned area under cool water for 3 to 5 minutes. If the burned area is larger than your palm, seek a doctor for medical care. 6. FALSE. Turn off all heaters when you are asleep or away from the boat to prevent fire. BONUS: Study the wires and determine if they are of good quality and are secured at both ends. Check that the wire coating is intact and no exposed wires are crossed. Or, take your boat to a mechanic for a safety inspection. Loose or damaged wires could cause a fire aboard the boat.
Did you Know?
- You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.
- You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
- Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.
- We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.
