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.

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.

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.

Advice for Homeowners: Help Make Property Less Vulnerable to Hurricane Damage

Information compiled and released by the Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction and made available through the Connecticut Office of State Building Inspector to Wethersfield's Building Official

There are ways that homes and other structures can be given "a much better chance to survive high winds and the flying missiles they create out of debris," according to the Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction (ILPLR). Many sections of the Connecticut Building Code were designed to enable structures to withstand damage from wind storms but there are areas which periodically should get special attention, particularly in one-and-two-family homes. Homeowners whose properties are close to the coastline where wind and water can cause significant damage, will be particularly interested in the advice offered by ILPLR. Some of the measures suggested to upgrade or strengthen structures so that they will be less vulnerable, follow below:

WINDOWS: Windows made of modern impact-resistant glass and properly installed frames have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm. Hurricane shutters (hinged storm shutters that close over window openings) prevent flying debris from breaking window panes.

ENTRY DOORS: Hinges, latches and dead-bolt locks should resist wind pressures. Double doors such as French doors need special attention because of the stress on the center latch. Door frames must be securely anchored to house frames.

PATIO DOORS: Sliding glass doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors. When a hurricane threatens, an easy, temporary and effective step is to cover the entire patio door with plywood shutters.

GARAGE DOORS: Because of their size, garage doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors. An installer can determine if the track system is suitable for resisting high winds. If it isn't, the installer can replace it with a stronger track. Double wide doors are most vulnerable. Permanent wood stiffeners can be installed and temporary center supports can be designed by the door manufacturer or a local installer.

ROOFS: If a roof has sustained damage from a storm and requires replacement, steps can be taken to assure that both the new roofing material and the sheathing to which it attaches, will resist damage most effectively. Your roofing contractor should remove old coverings to the bare wood sheathing; replace damaged sheathing; refasten old sheathing; install wind-resistant roofing material.

GABLES: The end wall of a gable roof must be properly braced to resist high winds. An expert can help determine if gable end walls should be strengthened.

CONNECTIONS: The points where the roof and foundation meet the walls of the house are extremely important if the house is to resist wind pressures and the loads they place on the structure. Metal hurricane clips are very effective at anchoring the roof to the walls, transferring wind forces from the roof to the walls. An expert can determine if the walls are properly anchored to the foundation or if joints need retrofitting by a qualified contractor. For houses with more than one story, the connection of levels must be properly tied together.

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.

NASFM Offers Summertime Power Outage Safety Tips

Because summer heat waves and sudden storms can cause frequent power outages, the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has issued a fire safety advisory designed to be passed on to the public. It's advice that can help to prepare for potential outages.

Use candles with great caution: keep candles away from upholstered furniture, draperies and other combustible items.
Use flashlights instead of candles when possible.
Never leave lit candles unattended.
Candles or any open flame should be kept away from highly combustible objects, including draperies, loose clothing, furniture, newspapers, etc.
Check smoke detectors; replace batteries in smoke detectors and test them to be sure they are functioning properly.
If your smoke detectors are powered by your house electricity, make sure there is a backup power source or install an additional battery-powered smoke detector near the sleeping area.

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.