By USAG Stuttgart Fire Department
It’s fire prevention week and the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Fire Department is urging community members to brush up on simple everyday habits that prevent fires and save lives. This year’s theme is, “Charge into Fire Safety,” emphasizing safe handling and charging practices for lithium-ion battery powered devices like phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and more.
Whether living in barracks, family housing on post or private residences off post, community members can significantly lower fire risks by following key safety standards.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters
More and more lithium-ion battery fires have been happening due to overheating, damaged battery cells, electrical malfunctions and improper charging.
To minimize fire risks, make sure to follow these on-post regulations:
- Store devices outside: Do not store e-bikes, e-scooters or their detached batteries inside garrison facilities or living quarters. On post, devices must be parked and stored at least 10 feet away from installation buildings.
- Avoid temperature extremes: Keep batteries and charging units in cool, dry areas. Do not leave them in direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
- Stay street legal: Ensure all equipment has working headlights, taillights and reflectors. Riders must wear safety helmets whenever riding on post.
Kitchen safety
Cooking remains the leading cause of residential fires. Keep your kitchen secure with these simple rules:
- Stay in the kitchen: Never leave active pots or pans unattended. If you need to step away from the kitchen, turn the burner off.
- Clear the stovetop area: Keep oven mitts, dishtowels, napkins and curtains well away from heat sources.
- Never use water on grease: Water splashes burning grease and spreads the fire instantly. Keep a fitted lid nearby when cooking with oil; if a pan catches fire, gently slide the lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the burner.
- Test smoke alarms: Check that smoke detectors are working properly by testing them at least once a month.
Space heaters
While practical, space heaters pose significant fire dangers when used incorrectly.
- Give them space: Maintain at least three feet of clear distance between heaters and combustible materials, including blankets, sofas and curtains.
- Plug directly into the wall: Never run a space heater through an extension cord or power strip. The heavy electrical draw can cause power strips to melt or ignite.
- Turn them off: Turn space heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Select the right model: Use only modern units equipped with an automatic tip-over shut-off feature.
Electrical hazards and home fire prevention
Damaged cords, overloaded outlets and overlooked appliances create hidden fire traps in homes and workplaces.
- Avoid outlet overload: Do not daisy-chain power strips or create “octopus connections” where multiple high-draw devices crowd one receptacle.
- Inspect cords regularly: Check electrical cords for cracking, fraying or exposed wires. Replace damaged cords immediately.
- Unplug after use: Disconnect small countertop appliances, such as toasters and hair styling tools, after using them.
- Check gas lines: If using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks, routinely check valves and hoses for leaks.
- Keep paths clear: Keep stairwells, entryways and hallways clear at all times. On post, stairways serve as primary emergency evacuation routes.
- Prepare a go-bag: Keep an emergency bag packed with essential medications, important documents, water and basic supplies in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Extinguisher Basics: Remember P.A.S.S.
Portable fire extinguishers can stop a minor fire from becoming catastrophic, but only when operated correctly. Use the four-step P.A.S.S. method:
- Pull the safety pin located on the extinguisher handle.
- Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames above.
- Squeeze the handle lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle smoothly from side to side across the base of the fire until it goes out.
Note: Only attempt to fight a fire if it is small, contained and producing manageable smoke. If a fire spreads rapidly or fills the room with heavy smoke, evacuate immediately, close doors behind you and call for emergency assistance.
Emergency Response: Know the 5 Ws
Remain calm and give exact details when reporting an incident, this helps dispatchers send the right responders without delay. Remember the 5 Ws:
- Where did the emergency happen? (Building number, street address or landmark)
- Who is calling? (State your name and phone number)
- What is happening? (Vehicle fire, kitchen blaze, injured person)
- When did the incident occur?
- How many people are hurt or trapped?
Note: Do not hang up until the emergency dispatcher tells you to do so. They may need additional details or provide life-saving instructions while crews are en route.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Save these emergency phone numbers in your mobile device:
- On-Post Emergencies (Cell Phone / Military Police & Fire Desk): 0611-143-539-3473
- Off-Post Emergencies (German Fire & Medical Dispatch): 112
- Off-Post Police: 110