Fire... A Major Safty Hazard
Fire is one of the greatest threats to Fire Island. We operate with a volunteer fire department and access to water is limited. In June 2017, a house caught fire in the Pines and ignited three neighboring houses, completely obliterating them all.
Please read and follow these guidelines at all times when you are in the Pines. To prevent a disaster, you must be vigilant. For more information fipfd.org
Fire Causes
COOKING Keep eyes on all food being heated and wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. If a grease fire occurs, remember to put a lid on it and/or toss baking soda on the flames. Never carry a burning pan and do not use water — it could cause the fire to splatter.
BBQ GRILLS Do not leave a lit BBQ unattended. Wet down the BBQ area before lighting up and make sure to have a garden hose or water can readily available. And turn off the gas cylinder after each use. Never have live fire pits or ignite fireworks.
SMOKING Quit!! Or if you choose to smoke, please have house rules. Never smoke in bed. Use large, heavy non-tip ashtrays. And never, ever throw a lit cigarette off boardwalks.
ELECTRICAL Do not run cords under carpeting, bedding, or other combustible materials, or across doorways or frequently traveled areas. Do not overload outlets or use extension cords instead of outlets. Be sure plugs fit snugly into outlets to prevent shock or excess heat. Position lamps away from open windows where strong breezes could blow draperies onto light bulbs.
CANDLES Place candles on stable furniture where children and pets cannot knock them over. Never go to sleep while candles are burning. Keep candles away from flammable materials. Do not leave the house with candles burning. In a power outage, use a battery operated light; if you must use a candle, DO NOT WALK HOLDING A LIT CANDLE.
CHIMNEYS Have your chimney cleaned frequently by your service provider.
Protection
SMOKE / CO ALARMS Install new batteries when you open your house for the season and test all units on a monthly basis.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Make sure that extinguishers are easily visible and accessible, not hidden in closets or cabinets. Extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols or letters:
A - Paper, wood, ordinary combustibles
B - Flammable liquids
C - Energized electrical equipment
An extinguisher labeled A, B, or C can be used on all three classes of fires. Review extinguisher operation and check expiration dates. Only use extinguishers if you are confident and the fire is small and contained.
PLAN A SAFE ESCAPE - Plan two ways out of every room and establish a meeting place outside. Know your emergency number: 911. Once you have escaped and reported to your meeting place, have one house member call 911 from a cell or your neighbor’s phone — do not stay in the house to make the call. Practice and have fire drills regularly. Help firefighters find you by displaying house numbers in large numerals. If clothing catches on fire — STOP, DROP, and ROLL.
WHEN REPORTING ANY EMERGENCY - Dial 911, give walk, house number, and nearest walk intersection. Go outside and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
Resources
Fire Safety Guide - Important and easy-to-understand tips to keep you, your neighbors, and your tenants safe.
Expired Fire Extinguisher Disposal Tips
Volunteer to join the Fire Island Pines Fire Department