May is National Electrical Safety Month and E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety wants to raise the public’s awareness about potential electrical home hazards and the importance of electrical safety. Practicing fire safety is especially important with more people staying home during Michigan’s Stay Home-Stay Safe executive order. Home fires have claimed the lives of 57 Michiganders since January 1st (a 46% increase over the same period – Jan 1 – May 1, 2019).
Listen to this morning’s live interview on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, Founder and President of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.
Look around for electrical hazards in your home and correct them. Items such as electrical cords under rugs or pinched behind furniture, overloaded outlets, and laptops and phones charging on beds or sofas can expose you and your family to the risk of fire.
According to the United States Fire Administration, electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) research indicates there are approximately 45,000 home electrical fires each year throughout the United States. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Half of all home electrical fires involve lighting equipment or home electrical wiring and most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom. Home electrical fire deaths peak between midnight and 8:00 a.m.
The following are tips to assist you in preventing electrical fires:
- Have a licensed electrician examine your electrical system every ten years. All electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician who has first obtained a permit when required. The permit process helps protect homeowners that the work is done correctly.
- Inspect all extension cords. Discard any that are cracked or frayed and replace with new ones having a certification label from an independent testing laboratory. Never nail a cord or wire to the wall.
- Cords should be used according to their ratings (indoor or outdoor use) and according to the power needs of the appliance that is being plugged in.
- When unplugging any cord, do so by grasping the plug end. Do not pull on the cord as this over time can cause the cord to fail.
- Make sure you have ground fault breakers installed in your bathroom and kitchen.
- Keep hot irons and curling irons out of reach of small children.
- When leaving laptop computers, iPads, and cell phones charging, have them on a solid surface such as a desk or countertop. Leaving them on a bed, couch or chair can cause them to overheat and catch the material on fire.
Potential Warning Signs and Hazards
Call your local fire department immediately if you have warning signs such as arcs, sparks, or short circuits. Other warning signs include hearing a sizzling or buzzing sound or a light smell of something burning. Immediate attention to these signs can save lives.
Call a professional electrician soon if you have any of these warning signs:- Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers;
- Dim or flickering lights, bulbs that wear out too fast;
- Overheated plugs, cords or switches;
- Shock or mild tingle – more than normal static electricity;
- Loose plugs; or unusually warm or faulty outlets or switches.
Listen to the live interview from 8:50 a.m. with E.S.C.A.P.E.‘s President and founder Firefighter Michael McLeieer on 04/21/2020 on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9
/During the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), people are doing what they can to disinfect and keep their homes clean. With a limited supply of particular cleaning products in many communities, people have often concocted their own cleaning solutions and unknowingly have created serious health risks.
With much of the country working from home, this is a good time for you and your family to understand the dangers of mixing household chemicals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people should routinely clean frequently touched surfaces, such as tables, doorknobs and faucets.
However, with any cleaning product, remember to always follow the instructions on the label and ensure safe storage which includes keeping the product in its intended container and never place combustible products near a heat source.
Be aware and avoid these deadly combinations:
Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas. Chlorine gas attacks the mucous membranes and can lead to coughing, breathing problems, and painful burning and watery eyes. Chlorine gas and water also combine to make hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids which lead to irritation of the nose and throat and respiratory system.
Bleach + ammonia = chloramine. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
Bleach + rubbing alcohol = chloroform. This is highly toxic. Exposure may lead to dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness and even death.
Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar = peracetic/peroxyacetic acid. This can be highly corrosive.
For more ways to keep your family safe from household chemicals, check out the safety tips sheet below from the United States Fire Administration.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you to stay safe when you stay at home Where You Live!
Here is a link to the live interview at 9:40 am on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 radio.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has and is creating new procedures for community First Responders.
In a statement from Fire Chief Dave Glotzbach, president of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and firefighter Michael McLeieer, president of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association, both say they continue to learn and adjust response procedures in their efforts to protect both citizens and personnel.
The two say they will continue monitoring the situation and make best practice adjustments as they move through this extended duration event.
These changes have many people asking what they should expect when they call 911 asking for assistance or reporting a medical emergency.
First responders say if you do experience the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 such as a dry cough, fever or shortness of breath, please contact your primary care physician and follow their instructions.
If you don’t have a primary care physician or you must call 911, please be accurate and honest so emergency responders can best take care of you, your family and your community.
The Delta Township Fire Department in Eaton County produced a video describing what to expect when you call 911 and how you can help your community.
The Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and Michigan State Firemen’s Association applaud Michiganders for the great job of staying home and helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Please continue these efforts so we can focus on the health and safety of our communities.
The two organizations remind people to “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives”.
Sometimes it’s good for fire safety educators to be reminded that their efforts make a difference!
Click here for a larger version of the article.
When most people think about the holidays, family festivals and good cheer with friends likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve cooking, candles, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and space heaters. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.
Cooking
- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, with most cooking fires involving the stovetop.
- Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.
- If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
- If you have a cooking fire, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately after you leave.
- If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit.
- Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.
Candles
- More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.
- When burning candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn (create a 1-foot circle of safety), and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.
- Never leave a child or pets alone in a room with a burning candle.
- Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.
- U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.
Christmas Trees
- If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
- Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
- After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Space Heaters
- Half of all home heating fires occur during the months of December, January and February.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3-feet from all heat sources including space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves and radiators.
- Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Space heaters, stoves and ovens are not designed as primary heating appliances.
- Always plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
- Select a space heater that has the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory (e.g. U.L) and select a space heater that turns off automatically if it tips over.
- If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a heating bill during the months of November through March, contact your local utility or call 2-1-1 to determine eligibility for a Winter Protection Plan or financial assistance and avoid a service shut-off.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by following these simple yet important safety tips, everyone in your family will have a “fire-safe” holiday season. Remember to have fun as you Deck the Halls, but don’t burn them down!
E.S.C.A.P.E. President and Founder Lt. Michael McLeieer joins Ken Lanphear in studio on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 to share some tips to keep everyone safe from fire during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. Kids especially love to be involved in holiday preparations. However, safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.
According to the United States Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires and frying food increases the risk. The average number of reported home fires in the United States on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the average number of home fires on all other days. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occurred most frequently from noon to 3 p.m., when many people most likely were preparing Thanksgiving dinner. These fires then declined throughout the evening.
As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember to play it safe! E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety offers a few simple tips so you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.
Turkey:
If you are roasting your turkey, make sure you set a timer. This way, you won’t forget about the bird as you watch the parade or football game.
Deep frying a turkey may be delicious but it also can be dangerous. If you are frying your turkey,
- Use a fryer with thermostat controls. This will ensure the oil does not become over heated.
- Thaw your turkey completely. Ice on the bird will cause the oil to splatter.
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil. If you do, the oil will overflow when you add the turkey causing a fire hazard.
- Keep children and pets at least 3-feet away from the fryer to protect against burn injuries.
- Also, always use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface away from things that can burn.
Stuffing and Potatoes:
Stand by your stove when you are boiling your potatoes or frying onions for the stuffing. It’s best to stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling. If you are in the kitchen, it’s easier to catch spills or hazardous conditions before they become a fire.
Vegetables:
- Keep the area around the stove clear of packaging, paper towels, and dish cloths; anything that can burn.
- Be sure to clean up any spills as they happen.
- Be prepared! Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.
- Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so you don’t bump them.
By following these safety tips, you will have a delicious and fire safe Thanksgiving Where You Live! Remember to let the firefighters have dinner with their families, not yours.
These 3 common types of fire extinguishers (ABC) are often found in homes and businesses. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.
For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.
For use with combustible and fammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.
For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in.
Listen to this morning’s interview on the Morning Show when Ken Lanphear interviews Lt. Michael McLeieer, founder and President of E.S.C.A.P.E. in studio on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9.
Help people decide when to use a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can be helpful on a small fire. Consider providing a checklist to help people prepare to use a fire extinguisher on a potential fire.
For example:
- Have I alerted others in the building that there’s a fire?
- Has someone called the fire department?
- Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
- Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
- Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
- Do I have a clear escape route?
Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone. It is not recommended that children use fire extinguishers.
Teach people how to use a fire extinguisher
When operating a fire extinguisher, tell residents to remember the word PASS:
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Educate on the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance
Remind citizens to check fire extinguishers for:
- Easy access in an emergency
- Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
- The recommended pressure level
- Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.
- Working parts
- Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles aren’t damaged, dented, or rusted.
- Cleanliness
- Remove any dust, oil, or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
- Guidelines and instructions
- Some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly, others need to be pressure tested every few years.
This morning, our President and Founder Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. spoke with Morning Show Host Ken Lanphear on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 and shared various fire safety tips:
- Have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Contact your local fire department or call 1-844-978-4400 if you need alarms
- Create and practice a home escape plan
- Keep space heaters at least 3-feet away from combustibles
- Activate evacuation of all occupants from the fire or smoke-filled building and make sure 911 is notified before using a fire extinguisher
All of these tips will help to prevent home fires, injuries and deaths.