Fires In Southern California August 31, 2009 - Fire Safety

Posted by Arnold Yu September 13, 2009.

With all the fires raging across Southern California, such as the Station Fire and the Morris Fire, it’s more important than ever to be well informed about how forest fires affect your health and what you can do to protect your and your loved ones.

First of all, it’s imperative to stay away from the fumes of the fire. Forest fire smoke contains soot, chemicals, carbon monoxide, and other harmful materials that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Intense fumes can also cause shortness of breath, which is particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with asthma. Individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular problems and pregnant mothers should remain away from smoke at all costs.

The immediate effects of being exposed to forest fire smoke are sore eyes, a cough, and runny nose. After prolonged exposure, however, one can experience dizziness, nausea, and decreased brain function, in which cases the victim should be rushed to a hospital immediately to be checked for high carbon monoxide levels in the body.

If you are in a neighborhood that is prone to forest fires, there are a couple practical precautions you can take. First and foremost, have an emergency fire safety escape route and plan for your family members, and make sure they’ve all memorized it. In a time of panic, the best thing you can do is remain calm and know exactly what you need to do to get yourself to safety. You can also try installing a Hepa filter in the home, which may help filter out dangerous fumes. Some homeowners also install a fire hose, although we recommend that you allow professional firefighters to handle any fire threats.

Of course, the threat of a fire doesn’t always come in the form of a forest fire. Make sure your own home is free of fire hazards. Check your electrical wiring, make sure your gas stove and appliances are working correctly, and always remember to unplug your appliances safely. Most household fires are caused by cooking fires or space heater accidents!

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