Prevent Molokai Fires

Community Contributed

By Fire Inspector Rick Schonely

One of the most important things you can do to prevent fires is to clear brush from vacant lots and around your house. Many Molokai residents have already done this – mahalo! The Maui County Dept. of Fire and Public Safety will continue to inspect overgrown lots year round so please continue to maintain your property.

Here are some other fire safety tips:

-Clean your garage or carport of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
-Test your smoke alarms monthly.
-To help prevent nuisance alarms, gently vacuum your smoke alarm every six months or as needed.
-Change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.
-Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
-Check your electrical box; make sure it has the proper clearance (30 inches) and the breakers are properly labeled.
-Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.
-Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed, metal containers.
-If you store gasoline, keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage. Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed safety containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel – never as a cleaning agent.
-Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight-fitting lids. Always store them at least 18 inches from appliances, heaters, pilot lights and other sources of heat or flame.
-Use outdoor barbecue grills with caution. Place in a safe area away from building, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation.
-Never use gasoline to start the fire, and don’t add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.
-Use barbecue grills outside only – not under overhangs or balconies, and away from combustibles.
-Check your propane barbecue grill hose for leaks and cracks; never store propane indoors.

If you have any questions or would like clarification on any fire safety tips, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau Molokai Office at 553-8491. Stay fire safe!