California American Water Offers Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Utility partners with Rincon Fire Department to help keep Larkfield residents safe.


SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 24  /PRNewswire/ -- California American Water has partnered with the Rincon Valley Fire Protection District (RVFPD) to help keep families safe this holiday season. California American Water provided a grant of approximately $2,000 to help underwrite the cost of the fire safety brochure designed to remind area residents of the increased fire danger to homes during the winter.

"California American Water is pleased to assist Rincon Valley Fire with their customer education program," said Andrew Soule, general manager of California American Water.  "I'd like this partnership to continue as a yearly tradition of working together to keep our residents and customers safe throughout the season."

Nearly one-third of all home fires occur between December and February with roughly eight people dying in home fires everyday, according to the RVFPD. That is because people use cooking and heating equipment within their homes much more during the holiday season, which significantly heightens fire risk.

"Home fire safety is especially critical this time of year, "said Rincon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Doug Williams. "We are very grateful to California American Water for giving us this grant to produce this very helpful brochure, which will surely help get the word out on what people can do to make their homes safer during the holidays."

The RVFPD Fire Safety brochures are available in the Larkfield area at Home Depot, Molsberry's Market, Larkfield True Value Hardware, Wal-Mart, Kringle's Trees, and the Wells Fargo Center.

In addition, California American Water, which works closely with all fire departments in its service areas, is reminding area residents to take appropriate precautions this holiday season.

Please take time to review a few simple steps that will greatly reduce fire risk to your home this winter:

  --  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside sleeping
      areas & in every bedroom. Check batteries every month & change them
      twice a year. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years.
  --  Know two ways out of every room & practice your escape plan. Set up
      your meeting spot & make sure everyone knows where to go.
  --  Never leave cooking food unattended & be sure to turn pot handles
      toward the back of the stove.
  --  Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls, sofas &
      anything that can burn.
  --  Have your chimney inspected & cleaned every 12 months.
  --  Be sure you have a sturdy screen to catch sparks. Dispose of ashes
      once they have cooled in a metal container with a lid.
  --  Have your heating system professionally inspected or serviced every 12
      months.
  --  Install a carbon monoxide detector outside each sleeping area.
  --  Make sure electrical cords are in good condition & not frayed or
      cracked. Avoid running cords under rugs.
  --  Place matches & lighters out of reach of little ones.
  --  Smokers should smoke outside & dispose of their cigarettes in a deep
      sturdy ashtray.
  --  Use candle holders that are sturdy & won't tip over easily.
  --  Never leave candles unattended.
  --  Keep open flame away from curtains, holiday decorations & Christmas
      trees.
  --  Keep Christmas trees away from heaters, fireplaces, candles & exits.
      Be sure your tree has a constant supply of water.
  --  Once the tree dries out remove it from your home promptly.
  --  Equip your home with fire extinguishers & check them regularly.
  --  Leave fireworks to the professionals. Even "safe and sane" fireworks
      are dangerous and account for most burn injuries related to fireworks.
  --  Prepare an emergency supply kit for your family. This should contain
      supplies to last at least three days. Visit http://www.ready.gov/ for more
      information on fire prevention tips around your home.




Whenever possible call 9-1-1 from a land-line. Calls from a cell phone can delay the dispatch process in some communities. If you need an alternative to 9-1-1, please use the following emergency numbers:

  Fire or Medical Emergencies [phone]
  Law Enforcement Emergencies in the Unincorporated Areas [phone]




Be prepared to stay on the line until the dispatcher has received all the pertinent information about your emergency. Dispatchers are trained to deliver life-saving directions to callers, so try to remain calm and follow the directions the dispatcher is giving.

The following non-emergency numbers in Sonoma County are provided for reference:

  Rincon Valley Fire Administration [phone]
  Santa Rosa Fire Administration [phone]
  Windsor Fire Administration [phone]




California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people.  Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting http://www.amwater.com/. 

DATASOURCE: California American Water



CONTACT:  Evan Jacobs of American Water, [phone],





Web Site:  http://www.amwater.com/ 

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