THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 5, 1995 TAG: 9502020160
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NAGS HEAD LENGTH: Long : 109 lines
IN MORE THAN three decades as a firefighter, Dare County Fire Marshal Doug Remaley has seen more than his share of challenges.
But the largely volunteer forces who battle blazes on the Outer Banks face a unique set of dangerous circumstances each time they get a call.
``One of the things that makes this area different is that the wind blows pretty much all the time,'' Remaley said. ``There are times when the wind dies, but most of the time, it's constant.''
Outer Banks homes and businesses also pose some architectural problems.
``Because the water table here is so high, and because of storms, about 80 percent of the homes and businesses here are built on pilings,'' Remaley said. ``That can really cause some problems. Also, many of the houses have that `Outer Banks style' and are built with cedar shingles. In most instances, those shingles are treated with a flame-retardant chemical, but in the constant wind and water, that wears off fairly quickly.''
Residents often use the area under the homes for storage areas, or simply allow beach grass to grow under the structures. That can be dangerous.
``It's like putting kindling in a fireplace,'' Remaley said.
And with winter upon us, and with fireplaces, electric and gas furnaces, and other heating devices at peak usage, structures are at a greater risk for fire. Local firefighters say common-sense suggestions can lower the risk of fire for homes and businesses.
``In the winter, people use alternative forms of heating to warm their homes,'' said Nags Head Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Zorc. ``In the case of fireplaces, chimneys and flues need to be inspected annually. Also, they need to be sure to use good seasoned hardwoods in their fireplaces.''
Electrical fires, caused by overloaded circuits, are also a problem.
``You see more and more strip adapters being used in homes,'' said new Nags Head Fire Chief Tim Morrison. ``Users need to be careful that they don't overload those adapters. Doing that can cause an electrical fire.''
A variety of tools are on the market to assist in fire prevention, such as home fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. While manufacturers suggest a smoke detector for each room of the house, emergency personnel recommend one for each floor.
But if the home is large, detectors in the bedrooms may be a wise move. Also, residents should periodically check smoke detectors to make sure they work properly. Renters should check detectors immediately after entering a cottage.
When it comes to fire extinguishers, each member of the household should become familiar with their operation. The kitchen fire extinguisher should be kept a safe distance from the stove, where fires are likely to occur.
``If a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is placed right above the stove, and a fire breaks out, it's awfully difficult to get to the extinguisher,'' Zorc said.
Families can take some precautionary steps to ensure escape in the event of a fire. One of the most effective tools is EDITH, Exit Drills in the Home. Local fire departments can assist homeowners in planning an escape route.
``From a bedroom, there needs to be two means of egress in the event of a fire,'' Zorc said. ``Families need to plan an escape route, and also have a place where they can meet outside the home so that they can make sure everyone is accounted for.''
If occupants are renting a cottage on the Outer Banks, they need to obtain the correct address for the cottage from the landlord in the event of an emergency.
``One of the problems that we have is that so many people who come here don't know the address of the place they're staying,'' Zorc said. ``We need to know an accurate address so that we can respond quickly.''
A number of local fire departments, as well as the Fire Marshal's Office, can provide free inspections of homes and businesses. Also, there are a variety of safety training courses, including CPR instruction, fire prevention for kids and basic first aid.
Along with the rigors of fire fighting, local departments are faced with dwindling numbers of volunteers. Recent magazine reports indicate volunteerism is down 33 percent nationwide. Local fire departments have not escaped the trend.
``We always need volunteer firefighters,'' said Nags Head Deputy Fire Chief Bill Ryan. ``We don't care how old you are. As long as you're a male or female age 18 or older, we can find a way for you to help.''
In the event of a blaze, Zorc said one simple rule should apply: Call 911. MEMO: For more information on fire prevention, or to volunteer, contact your
local fire department or the Dare County Fire Marshal's Office at (919)
473-1101, Ext. 262.
FIERY FACTS
Most fatal fires start in the home, and more than half of them begin
while people are sleeping. Here are a few tips on home fire prevention:
Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, preferably near
sleeping areas. Make sure every member of the family is aware of the
sound of the detector. Install new batteries at least once a year.
Plan and practice your escape. Each member of the family should know
at least two means of exit from each room. If an exit involves an upper
story window, make sure there is a safe means of exit. Also plan for a
meeting place outside the home to make sure family members are safe.
Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy.
Keep heating sources at least three feet away from anything that can
burn. Always turn space heaters off when going to bed. Never leave
children alone near a woodstove, fireplace or space heater. Also, use a
metal screen on fireplaces, and have fireplaces inspected annually.
If you are renting a cottage, make sure you know the correct address.
Also, keep beach grass and other forms of brush away from your home. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
Nags Head deputy fire chiefs Kevin Zorc, left, and Bill Ryan say
winter is a peak season for fire hazards.
by CNB