Carbon monoxide (CO), often called “the silent killer,” is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas created when fuels (such as kerosene, gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. Carbon monoxide can result from home fuel-powered devices such as fireplaces, home and space heaters, stoves, water heaters, etc. CO can also result from fuel camping equipment, including ... (Full Story & Photos)

Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, are the leading cause of fire deaths. If you smoke in your home, you put your entire household at greater risk of fire. The same can be said for smoking in the outdoors and in public spaces. Between 2015 and 2019, fire departments responded to 651 structure fires started by cigarettes, resulting in over $15 million worth of property damage.

Smoking ... (Full Story & Photos)

Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work or school, and take part in social events. But every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some other disaster. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives and routines can be. Each disaster can have lasting effects — people may be seriously injured ... (Full Story & Photos)

Many fire departments are experiencing serious fires, injuries, and deaths as the result of compulsive hoarding behavior. The excessive accumulation of materials in homes poses a significant threat to firefighters fighting fires and responding to other emergencies in these homes and to residents and neighbors. Hoarding can hinder you from getting out of a burning home and can hinder firefighters from ... (Full Story & Photos)

Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility while at school.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average ... (Full Story & Photos)

Ridge VFD educators were asked by St. Mary’s College of Maryland to teach their new group of Resident Assistants (RAs) about fire safety and fire extinguisher use. The class was held on Thursday evening, August 15th.

A presentation on campus fire safety was held. In this, the students were taught:
• School/dorm emergency procedures and evacuation routes
• Do not delay calling 911
• Always sound the ... (Full Story & Photos)

Millions of Americans live with physical and mental disabilities. One in four American adults (61 million) live with a disability. The identity of the group of Americans with disabilities is constantly changing. This is why it is important to be familiar with fire safety practices for those with disabilities.

Quick Facts:
• Those with physical and mental disabilities are one of the highest risk groups ... (Full Story & Photos)

The U.S. fire problem is severe. Each year, home fires result in a significant number of deaths and injuries. Older adults (ages 65+) are burdened with the gravest fire risk and are consistently more threatened with injury or death by fire than any other age group. Raising awareness among older adults is the key to reducing home fires and preventing deaths.

Knowing what to do in the event of a fire ... (Full Story & Photos)