The Fire Safety Coordinator is responsible for providing fire and life safety education to the public.

When fire strikes, every second counts! Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can mean the difference between life and death. That's what escape planning is all about. The Santa Monica Fire Department would like to encourage everyone to practice a fire escape plan in your home or business. Use the links below to learn about fire escape planning, create a fire escape floor plan, and take the fire safety quiz to test your knowledge in fire safety. Kids can also click the Sparky link and visit Sparky the Fire Dog's web page to learn more about fire safety.

Helpful Links to Fire and Life Safety Resources:

Safe Kids, USA

USFA Kids
(U.S. Fire Administration for Kids)

Drowning Prevention

Too often people say, "I only turned my back for a few seconds." Unfortunately, a few seconds is all it takes for a child to drown.

Drowning is the nation's number one killer of children under the age of five; it's the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for ages 1 to 14. The majority of these accidents occur in residential swimming pools and spas. Barrier fencing is the only effective means to protect a child.

What to do if you find a person in trouble in a swimming pool:

1. Yell for help and get the person out of the pool.

2. Call 9-1-1 immediately and follow instructions.

3. Begin CPR if you're trained.

4. Follow telephone instructions from the 911 operator until help arrives.

Water Hazards in the Home:

BATHROOM

§ Keep toilet seats and lids down.

§ Keep bathroom doors closed.

§ Empty buckets and other containers of all liquids immediately after use.

§ Drain sinks and tubs immediately after use.

§ Bathtubs should have non-slip surface.

KITCHEN

§ Keep kitchen doors closed.

§ Empty buckets and other containers of all liquids immediately after use.

§ Drain sinks immediately after use.

GARAGE

§ Empty buckets and other containers of all liquids immediately after use.

§ Drain sinks immediately after use.

§ Keep clothes washer (and dryer) lids and doors closed.

Learn CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) contact the American Heart Association

(213) 291-7000 or the American Red Cross, Santa Monica Chapter (310) 310-394-3773

Children Drown Without A Sound...

Learn the ABC's of Pool Safety

A = Adult Supervision

Maintain constant eye-to-eye supervision with children in and around the swimming

pool.

Assign an adult to supervise children around the pool, especially at parties.

Floaties or other inflatable flotation devices are NOT life jackets and should NEVER be

substituted for adult supervision.

B = Barriers

Have an isolation fence that separates your pool from the house, play yard, and front

yard.

Make sure ALL gates in isolation and yard fence are self-closing and self-latching.

Keep all doors and windows leading to the pool area locked or install alarm devices.

Eliminate spaces where a child could get into the pool, such as squeezing through a hole in the fence.

Maintain a clear view (no trees, bushes or other obstacles) from the house to the pool.

Move chairs and tables away from pool fences, so a child cannot unlatch or climb over the fence.

C = Classes

Learn and know how to perform CPR.

Enroll your child in swimming lessons.

You can also visit www.ABCpoolsafety.org for more information.

§ In 2005, gas and charcoal grills caused 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $137 million.

§ Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for two-fifths (41%) of the gas grill structure and outdoor fires.

§ Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 2,800 home structure fires and 4,400 home outdoor fires in 2005.

§ Charcoal grills have a higher risk than gas grills of death due to unvented carbon monoxide; most of these deaths do not involve fire.

§ Charcoal-fueled or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 500 home outdoor fires in 2005.

§ Placing combustibles too close to heat is the leading cause for charcoal grill home fires.

§ Over one-third (35%) of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.

§ Flammable or combustible gas or liquid, including gas fuel, is the leading item first ignited for home gas grill fires.

§ Structural member or framing and exterior wall covering or finish, are the leading items first ignited for home structure charcoal grill fires

§ Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

§ Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

§ Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.

§ Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.

§ Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping

§ Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

§ Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.

§ Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:

-If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.