City of Wilson :: News

Cooking Fires are a Continuing Problem

1/25/2007

Cooking Fires are a Continuing Problem, NFPA Study Finds

"Why do these fires happen? Frequently it's because people leave cooking food unattended."

"Cooking fires are also dangerous because people can easily try putting them out the wrong way... Cooking fires should be smothered - by covering a pan with a lid or by closing the oven door, for example." [As reported in Vol. 20 ~ Operation Life Safety Newsletter]

NFPA recommendations for reducing the risk of cooking fires:

Make sure combustible items, such as rags, pot holders, curtains and bags, are kept FAR from the cooking surfaces!
Don't leave cooking food on the stove top unattended and keep a close eye on food cooking in the oven.
DON'T COOK IF YOU ARE DROWSY OR FEELING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, MEDICATION OR OTHER DRUGS.
Roll up sleeves and don't wear loose-fitting clothing. If your clothes catch on fire; STOP, DROP, AND ROLL WITH YOUR HANDS COVERING YOUR FACE.
Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a three foot "KID-FREE ZONE" around stove area.

For more information and your personal life safety needs please contact: Benjamin Huston, Life Safety Educator - Wilson Fire/Rescue Services. bhuston@wilsonnc.org (252)-399-2841

Wilson's new fire rating one of the best in NC

1/25/2007

Wilson Fire/Rescue Services has earned a “Class 2” rating from ISO, a company that evaluates risk and data. Wilson’s department is one of only six in NC to be ranked Class 2, including High Point, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Hickory and Salisbury. Greensboro is the only department in NC ranked Class 1.

ISO considered several factors; everything from response times to equipment to water supply. Typically, strong fire ratings mean peace of mind and possibly lower insurance premiums.

“There are several reasons that our ISO rating has improved. The relocation of two of our stations, in 1995 improved our response times. The replacement of our older apparatus and our use of squads and quints (pumper trucks with ladders) and the fact that our firefighters train extensively to protect our citizens, have all contributed to our improved service capability” said Fire Chief Don Oliver. “The city’s improvements to the water system and supply also helped. Fire protection is difficult and dangerous work and the demands on personnel and equipment are unique. We will continue to strive to provide the best service possible to our community while improving the safety of our personnel. I sincerely appreciate the city’s administration and our elected officials’ support that have made this improvement possible. It is truly a team effort.”

Wilson Fire/Rescue Services Influences Many...

1/25/2007

In 2006 Fire Marshal, Jeff Winstead, was appointed to the South East Regional International Code Revision Committee. This committee helps maintain and update important fire and building codes for the international council. This appointment will continue to bring national notoriety to our department as well as helping the fire service to make great strides in developing safer codes and standards for our communities.