Building Inspection | Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut ~ Official Web Site

An Office of Emergency Management Message

There are four basic steps to the emergency Management mission: Preparation, Response, Recovery and Mitigation. These are the core focal points of survival for millions of people who will be affected by a disaster in the near future.

FACTS:

At any moment, nearly 1800 thunderstorms are in progress on the earth
New England experiences 30-40 earthquakes per year
On average, 10 tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic Ocean each year. Of these, six may strengthen to hurricane magnitude. Of these, two are likely to strike the United States
More deaths from lightning strikes occur on the East coast than the West coast (150) each year)
Ice storms can down power lines causing widespread outages. Power lines falling across roads, yards and driveways are deadly

What do you do when trouble hits and the lights go out? What should you be doing to get ready for power to be restored? There are several steps that should be taken to avoid death, injury and damage to sensitive electronics. Phone service will probably not be interrupted during a power outage. The outage should be reported to the utility company that provides power in your area of the state. The number will be found in the white pages of the telephone directory.

Restoration of power is done on a priority basis, with lines leading to hospitals, water and sewage treatment plants and shelters taking precedence. Residential areas are secondary to these.

It is not advisable to drive during a storm, especially at night, unless it is absolutely necessary. Stay clear of visible downed power lines. Leaning trees and poles, cracked poles and broken tree limbs. Do not try to move or to step over a downed tree or large branch. If a power line is caught within the limbs, you may not be able to see it. A live wire does NOT always spark or appear "hot." IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TELL IF A WIRE IS LIVE WITHOUT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT. ALWAYS ASSUME A DOWNED WIRE IS LIVE.

Unplug voltage sensitive appliances such as computers, VCR's, televisions, and microwave ovens. Make sure your stove and burners are turned off. Generators must be installed by a licensed electrician. After power is restored, make sure the generator is removed from the power line. Weather radar, cellular phones, radios and teletypes connect people and allow them to share information on storm conditions and damage, but no technology can replace common sense and preparation.

Always remember that electricity can kill. Pay attention to the facts and stay alive and well.

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Safety with Smoking Materials

These TWO simple words are what correct answer to THREE separate questions?

A: What are: Smoking Materials

Right! This is your lucky day - you win!

Today's prize is important information that can save your life, your family and your home.

Q: What causes the building fires that result in the most fatalities?

Q: What is the cause of most residential fires?

Q: What causes the fires responsible for the fourth highest number of fire injuries?

You were absolutely right!

Take a look at the statistics behind the three questions and the simple two word answer.

According to a survey by the National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], in 1995 there were 153,400 structure fires caused by smoking materials in this country; 1,122 civilians died as a result. Twenty-seven thousand of these fires were residential and 1,068 of the civilian fatalities were in residential fires caused by smoking materials.

In 1995, 2,667 persons were injured in fires caused by smoking materials; 2,364 of them were injured in residential fires.

Of the 12 major causes of structure fires in the U.S. in 1995, smoking materials ranked first for civilian fire deaths and fourth for civilian fire injuries. In 1995, 95 percent of all smoking material fire deaths occurred in residential structures.

Abandoning or carelessly discarding smoking materials is the leading cause of fires in both residential and non-residential buildings. In residential structures, falling asleep while smoking is the only other major action resulting in a large number of fatal fires.

Now take your prize home and share it with your family.

Keep everyone safe from smoking-related fires.

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Lawn and Garden Care Hidden Hazards

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued remainders from time to time that hidden hazards can cause serious injuries when people forget to practice common sense safety measures. This information is designed for the public and the latest cautionary advice to come to this office for distribution is a timely reminder that avoidable yardwork and gardening accidents send about 230,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment yearly.

APPROXIMATELY 75 DEATHS AND 20,000 INJURIES on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors are reported annually. Once of every five deaths involves a child. It has been estimated that most of the deaths of children occurred wen a child was in the path of a moving mower. CPSC is responsible for making sure that lawn and garden equipment designed for consumer use is safe, but in addition, like the Division of Fire, Emergency & Building Services, CPSC informs the public about "hidden hazards" and how to avoid them.

KNOWING HOW TO OPERATE EQUIPMENT and how to handle the controls is essential. Guards or other safety devices should never be removed.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING such as sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, long pants and long sleeved shirts, eye protection, heavy gloves, and hearing protection when necessary is important. Jewelry can get caught in moving parts and should not be worn while working with equipment.

BEFORE STARTING, WALK AROUND THE AREA in which work will be done and remove sticks, glass, metal, wire and stones that could cause injury or damage equipment.

NEVER TAKE A CHILD FOR A RIDE on a garden tractor or riding mower.

KEEP CHILDREN INDOORS AND SUPERVISED at all times when outdoor power equipment is being used. Young children move quickly and are attracted to mowing activity.

NEVER ASSUME CHILDREN WILL REMAIN WHERE YOU LAST SAW THEM. Turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area. Use extra care when backing up or going around corners, shrubs, trees or other obstacles.

NEVER WORK WITH ELECTRIC POWER TOOLS IN WET OR DAMP CONDITION. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs come in several models, including a portable plug-in type.

BE SURE THAT EXTENSION CORDS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

UNPLUG ELECTRIC TOOLS AND DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRES on gasoline-powered tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts.

BE SURE THAT POWER TOOLS ARE TURNED OFF AND MADE INOPERABLE if they must be left unattended. This helps to prevent use by children.

NEVER FILL GAS TANKS WHILE MACHINERY IS OPERATING or when equipment is still hot. Wipe up spills. Store gas in an approved container away from the house. NEVER smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline.

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Electrical Safety

Don't take it for granted! Here are some important tips about electrical safety.

The State of Connecticut requires that ALL electrical work must be done by state-licensed electricians. The only exception is work done by the owner in a single-family, owner-occupied home. A permit is required and can be obtained from Wethersfield's Building Official.

Do NOT use frayed or cracked electrical cords.
Do NOT try to repair worn cords with electrical tape. They can be professionally repaired.
ALL electrical equipment should be checked frequently to ensure that it is functioning properly. Stereos, TVs, VCRs and other similar items require proper ventilation to keep them from overheating and possibly causing a fire.
Do NOT place electrical cords under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
Do NOT overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
Do NOT use electrical cords near a sink or range. If an electrical appliance must be used in a bathroom or kitchen never touch it when your hands are wet or when you are standing on a wet floor. Place appliances such as hair dryers, radios, etc. away from wet surfaces and where they cannot fall into water.
Do NOT tamper with fuses or fuse boxes.
Make sure all fuses in the fuse box are the correct size.
Make sure that all outlets have cover plates and that wiring is NOT exposed.
Do NOT store flammable liquids near ignition sources.
Do NOT place flammable materials such as furniture, clothes, curtains, towels, etc. within three (3) feet of heaters, stoves, or other sources of high heat, such as halogen lamps.
Unplug all kitchen appliances such as toasters, electric broiler ovens, grills or coffee makers when not in use. Unplug immediately any electrical appliance that smokes or has an unusual smell. Check for faulty wiring or call a professional service man to check. Electrical fires can smolder for days behind walls before erupting into full fledged fires. If the wiring is not faulty, have the appliance serviced before using it again.
When working near power lines or electrical equipment use a dry wood or fiber glass ladder. Metal ladders, metal boat masts, tree trimmers and TV and CB antennas can conduct electricity.

If you have questions or concerns about the electrical system in your home direct them to the Building Official.

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Restore Electrical Power Safely After a Disaster

Before restoring electric power after a flood, hurricane or other disaster, take no chances that equipment may have been damaged.

Make sure the power is off before working on any equipment.
Replace any that has visible damage.
Electrical equipment that has been submerged must be replaced or reconditioned by trained factory service personnel.
Seek professional advice from a local building official, electrical utility or qualified electrician before restoring electrical power.
Select and apply electrical equipment in accordance with ratings, nameplates, wiring diagrams, instructions and warnings for that equipment.

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Protecting Your Roof Against Potential Failure Caused by Snow Load

A series of winter storms could place a heavy load of snow and ice on buildings. The weight of snow and ice, subjected to below-freezing temperatures might weaken or buckle roof structures. Even if temperatures moderate, snow can sponge up rainwater, adding to the weight problem.

After a severe winter storm, the Wethersfield Building Inspection Division recommends that all owners and managers of buildings, particularly those with large, flat roof areas, INSPECT THEM and OPEN ROOF DRAINS to relieve stress. Inspections should include procedures to search thoroughly for signs of strain and sagging beams.

BE ALERT for large ACCUMULATING SNOW BUILDUP or snow drifting on roofs of both residential and commercial buildings.
IF ROOF SNOW IS REMOVED WITH THE USE OF A SNOW RAKE, remember that roof shingles are brittle when temperatures are low.
TAKE ALL POSSIBLE PRECAUTIONS IF IT IS NECESSARY TO WORK OFF LADDERS. Keep in mind that ladder rungs may ice up and snow and ice easily collect on boot soles. LADDERS AND SNOW RAKES CONDUCT ELECTRICITY AND SHOULD NOT BE PLACED NEAR OVERHEAD WIRES.
FLAT ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAR to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of heavy rainfall.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN BREAKING LARGE ICICLES that are overhanging walkways. Be careful not to damage gutters or siding. Large icicles do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring.

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A Christmas Recipe for Electrical Safety

A five-day 'menu' with recipes for electrical safety was released in October 1997 by the National Electrical Safety Foundation. Designed for distribution during National Consumers Week, it offers ingredients and directions for five 'dishes', all of which are appropriate for use throughout the year. One, however, a recipe for holiday decorations and safety, is particularly fitting for use in December.

Preparation time: Varies

Directions: Decorative lights should be checked for frayed wiring and loose connections. Check label to ensure lights are being used for the purpose intended, indoor or outdoor. Avoid use of multiple extension cords. Do not place extension cords under rugs.

Electrical lights, toys and appliances should bear the seal of a nationally recognized testing agency. Electrical toys should not be used near water. Send warranty information to the manufacturer so you can be notified if there is a recall.

This smorgasbord of ingredients and precautions should be followed so that you can cook up a recipe to save lives.

Serves: Everyone

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