FreezeonwinterfiresWKZO

As the temps drop, the chance for a home fire increases.  In fact, heating is the #2 cause for home fires.  Firefighter Michael McLeieer from E.S.C.A.P.E. talks with Jeremy Lawrence on the AM 590 WKZO Morning Show this morning.

Michigan ranks #4 in the country for home fire deaths so far in 2015.  The most common factor in most fire fatalities were homes that did not have working smoke alarms.

Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by as much as 60%.

Adults over 65 are TWICE as likely to die in a home fire and seniors over age 85 are FOUR times as likely to die in a home fire.

Here are some additional fire safety reminders to practice in the home:

Give space heaters space.  Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire (furniture, drapes, newspapers).  Unplug space heaters when you leave the room or you go to bed.

Smoke alarms save lives.  Install and maintain smoke alarms and batteries on every level of the home and inside and outside the sleeping areas.  Replace alarms which are older than 10 years in age and change the batteries twice a year (when the clocks are moved forward in the Spring or moved back in the Fall).

Keep older adults safe from fire.  Older adults, especially those with mobility issues, should consider sleeping on the main level of the home and near an exit, so rapid escape is possible during fire or smoke conditions.

For more information on fire safety, or learn how to obtain a free smoke alarm to be installed in your home, contact www.escapeinc.org email at info@escapeinc.org or call 1-877-707-1718.



carbon-monoxide-web

More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning.

Like fire, carbon monoxide (CO) is just as deadly. It’s called the silent killer because it’s colorless, odorless and invisible. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. When you breathe in CO, it makes you feel nauseous, dizzy, head-achy, and tired like you have the flu. It also makes it difficult to think clearly. CO poisons the body by removing oxygen in the blood stream, slowing suffocating you and eventually causing unconsciousness and even death.

Winter snows can create drifts that block exhaust vents, forcing CO to back-up into your home. High efficiency appliances and those with power-vent blowers by definition waste less heat, so the exhaust air temperature is very low. Often it is too low to melt snow or ice in a plugged exhaust pipe or vent. Keep sidewall and direct vents clear of obstructions, drifting snow and bushes to provide proper ventilation.

Where does CO come from?

Heating equipment is the leading cause of CO incidents. It can also come from hot water heaters, gas stoves, gas dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, and from cars, lawn mowers, snow blowers or generators running inside the garage – even with the door open. A large number of CO incidents take place between the months of November and February and between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. This is the time when most heating equipment is being used at home.

Facts & figures

  • The dangers of CO exposure depend on a number of variables, including the victim’s health and activity level. Infants, pregnant women, and people with physical conditions that limit their body’s ability to use oxygen (i.e. emphysema, asthma, heart disease) can be more severely affected by lower concentrations of CO than healthy adults would be.
  • A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
  • In 2010, S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine such calls per hour. The number of incidents increased 96 percent from 40,900 incidents reported in 2003. This increase is most likely due to the increased use of CO detectors, which alert people to the presence of CO.

What to do if you suspect CO exposure

  • Get out of the house or car and get fresh air.
  • Call the fire department or 911 from a neighbor’s house.
  • If you have symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Association or the United States Fire Administration websites.

>>> More from E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety

 



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With the winter of 2015 wearing on with increasingly frigid temperatures, State Fire Marshal Richard Miller urges fire safety for all Michiganders, especially the elderly who are most at risk when it comes to fire.

“It is so important to talk about fire safety with our elderly parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors,” said Miller. “Start with making sure they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Go over fire safety practices and develop a fire escape plan with them. These are the things that will have the greatest impact on their ability to prevent or survive a fire.”

Miller said non-working or missing smoke alarms were the common reasons for many of Michigan’s home fires and related fatalities, and noted that having working smoke alarms may reduce the risk of dying in a fire by as much as 60 percent.

“Install smoke alarms next to sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Interconnect them so when one sounds, they all do,” said Miller. “Test alarms monthly and change batteries annually. For the deaf or hard of hearing, consider installing smoke alarms that use a flashing light or a bed shaker to alert them of a fire emergency.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, adults over age 65 are more than twice as likely to die in fires. Seniors over age 85 are more than four times as likely to die in a fire. Older adults are at higher risk because their ability to respond to or escape a fire is often slower due to physical limitations.

Many precautions can be taken to help ensure fire safety, including:

Smoking safety

  • Smoking is the number one cause of home fires that kills older adults.
  • Smoke outdoors when permissible and never smoke when using medical oxygen or near the presence of oxygen tanks.

Cooking safety

  • Fires caused by cooking are the leading cause of fire-related injuries in the elderly.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Wear short sleeves or roll them up so they don’t catch on fire.
  • Never lean over a lit burner.
  • Keep anything that can burn away from the stove.
  • If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
  • Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time.

Electrical safety

  • Have a licensed electrician inspect the electrical system to be sure it is safe and meets the applicable Michigan Electrical Code requirements.
  • Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or light fixture.
  • Plug major appliances directly into a wall outlet.
  • Do not use cracked or worn extension cords; do not overload cords.

Heating safety

  • Have the furnace inspected by a professional every year.
  • Never use the oven or stove to heat your home.
  • Unplug a space heater if you leave the room or go to bed; keep it at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off if it tips over.

Candle safety

  • Never leave candles unattended.
  • Place them in sturdy holders away from anything that can burn.
  • Never use them in bedrooms or where medical oxygen is being used.
  • Always use a flashlight, not a candle in an emergency.

Practice an escape plan

  • Know and practice two ways out of every room in your home.
  • Practice unlocking and opening the windows and doors.
  • If you use a wheel chair or walker, check all the exit routes in advance to be sure you can get through doorways. If not, map out acceptable escape routes and discuss your escape plans with your family, the building manager or neighbors.
  • Keep eyeglasses, keys, hearing aids, and a phone within reach next to your bed.
  • Your first priority in fire is always to get out and stay out. Do not stop to call the fire department until you are safe outside.
  • Never try and fight the fire yourself and do not stop to gather personal belongings.
  • If there’s smoke, stay as low to the floor as possible and cover your mouth.
  • If in an apartment building or nursing home, always use the stairways to get out – never use the elevator.
  • Call for 911 if you cannot escape or are attempting to get out.

Adults over age 60 comprise 20 percent (20.2%) of Michigan’s population. More than 32 percent (32.8%) of all Michigan households have someone age 60 or older living in them.

If you know of someone who is in need of a free smoke alarm or have questions about smoke alarms, email escape@wotv4women.com.

 




spaceheaterhands

Our media partner, WOOD TV 8, shares these portable generator safety tips, and other precautions from The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and United States Fire Administration to avoid home-heating fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during a blizzard.

The NFPA says home-heating equipment is the second-leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire deaths.

“As everyone hunkers down during the storm, home heating systems will be kicking into high gear,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy, in a press release. “Using that equipment safely and properly is paramount to preventing fires and other hazards while riding out the storm.”

Unattended heating equipment, namely space heaters, is the leading cause of home heating fires, according to the NFPA. They say space heaters account for one-third of home-heating fires and four out of five of home-heating fire deaths.

Heating Safety

  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. This includes furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and portable space heaters.
  • If there are children in your home, create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters and open fires.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • For fuel-burning space heaters, always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
  • Remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

  • Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside of your home.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
  • During and after the storm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
  • Test your carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they’re working properly.
  • If you begin to feel sick or dizzy while your generator is running, you may be breathing in carbon monoxide. Get to fresh air quickly.

Portable Generator Safety

  • Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling; don’t refuel it while it’s running.
  • Make sure fuel, including gasoline and other flammable liquids, is stored in properly labeled safety containers. Place them outside all living areas and away from any fuel-burning appliances such as a gas hot water heater.
  • Always use extreme caution when operating electrical equipment in a damp or wet environment.
  • Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure the cord is free of cuts or tears, that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. Do not try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet.

For more fire safety information, click here.

 



02-12-2015 ice_thickness_chart

Interview with E.S.C.A.P.E. founder Firefighter Michael McLeieer on the Wayne Powers Show on AM 590 WKZO – 02/12/2015 at 6:50 a.m.

Each winter, many people are injured from exposure in cold water.  Skaters and ice fisherman fall through the ice; boaters and canoeists capsize.

Here are some tips to stay safe this winter:

Personal Safety

Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when boating, any time of the year.  Waterlogged clothing makes it difficult to keep your head above the surface of the water.

Dress Properly

Clothing that is made from man-made fibers does not protect the wearer for long when wet.  Wool insulates better from the effects of hypothermia when dry or wet.  Keep your head covered since 50% of body heat is lost through the head.

How Thick Is Safe Ice?

Ice on moving water in rivers, streams and brooks is never safe.  The thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends upon water currents or springs, depth and natural objects such as tree stumps or rocks.  Daily changes in temperature cause the ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength.  Because of these factors, no one can declare the ice to be absolutely “safe”.  The only safe ice is at an ice skating arena!

What Do You Do If Someone Falls Through The Ice?

  • Call 911 immediately. Make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond.

 

  • DO NOT go out onto the ice.       Many would-be rescuers have become victims themselves.

 

  • Reach, Throw or Row.       Extend a branch, pole or ladder to the victim.       Throw them a buoyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby, row out to the victim or push it towards them.

 

What Do You Do If You Fall Into Cold Water?

  • Get into HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position). Bring your knees to your chest, hold your arms to your sides and clasp your hands. Cover your head if possible to protect your body from heat loss.

 

  • DO NOT try to swim unless a boat, floating object, or the shore is close by. Swimming causes warm blood to circulate to your arms and legs, where it cools off quickly and reduces survival time by as much as 35-50%!

 

  • If you are in the water with other people, huddle tightly together with your arms around each other to preserve body heat.

 

How Cold Is Cold Water?

Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F) is, by definition, cold water.  Cold water drains away your body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air!  Cold water does not have to be icy, it just has to be colder than you are to cause hypothermia.  The lower the temperature of the water, the faster the onset of hypothermia.

What Is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is the excessive lowering of body temperature.  Core body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit causes shivering, confusion, and loss of muscle strength.  If not treated and reversed, hypothermia leads to unconsciousness and death.  Safety experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from the fatal effects of cold water, not from water-filled lungs!

 



Like fire, carbon monoxide (CO) is just as deadly. It’s called the silent killer because it’s colorless, odorless and invisible. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental nonfire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. When you breathe in CO, it makes you feel nauseas, dizzy, headachy, and tired like you have the flu. It also makes it difficult to think clearly. CO poisons the body by removing oxygen in the blood stream, slowing suffocating you and eventually causing unconsciousness and even death.

Winter snows can create drifts that block exhaust vents, forcing CO to back-up into your home. High efficiency appliances and those with power-vent blowers by definition waste less heat, so the exhaust air temperature is very low. Often it is too low to melt snow or ice in a plugged exhaust pipe or vent. Keep sidewall and direct vents clear of obstructions, drifting snow and bushes to provide proper ventilation.

Where does CO come from?

Heating equipment is the leading cause of CO incidents. It can also come from hot water heaters, gas stoves, gas dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, and from cars, lawn mowers, snow blowers or generators running inside the garage – even with the door open. A large number of CO incidents take place between the months of November and February and between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. This is the time when most heating equipment is being used at home.

Facts & figures

• The dangers of CO exposure depend on a number of variables, including the victim’s health and activity level. Infants, pregnant women, and people with physical conditions that limit their body’s ability to use oxygen (i.e. emphysema, asthma, heart disease) can be more severely affected by lower concentrations of CO than healthy adults would be.
• A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
• In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine such calls per hour. The number of incidents increased 96 percent from 40,900 incidents reported in 2003. This increase is most likely due to the increased use of CO detectors, which alert people to the presence of CO.

What to do if you suspect CO exposure

• Get out of the house or car and get fresh air.
• Call the fire department or 911 from a neighbor’s house.
• If you have symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Association or the United States Fire Administration websites.

 



boiling_water

Scald injuries affect all ages. Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable. This is why Michigan State Fire Marshal Richard Miller, E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Safety, and the American Burn Association want to provide you with information on scald injury prevention.

Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries. Annually in the United States and Canada, more than 500,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries. Roughly half of these injuries are scalds. Most burns occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom.

“Scalds can be prevented through increased awareness of scald hazards and by making simple environmental or behavioral changes,” according to Firefighter Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Safety. “These changes include providing a ‘three-foot-kid-safe zone’ while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages, and lowering the water heater thermostat to deliver water at a temperature not to exceed 120 degrees since tap water scalds are often more severe than cooking-related scalds,” according to McLeieer.

Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is designed to provide an opportunity for burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities throughout Michigan and across the country.

Tips to prevent burns and scalds:

  • Set home water heater thermostats to deliver water at a temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. An easy method to test this is to allow hot water to run for three to five minutes, then test with a candy, meat or water thermometer.
  • Provide constant adult supervision of young children or anyone who is bathing and may experience difficulty removing themselves from hot water on their own.
  • Avoid flushing toilets, running water, or using dish or clothes washers while anyone is showering.
  • In the kitchen, turn pot handles back, away from the stove’s edge and use back burners when young children are present.
  • Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Hot cookware can heat moisture in a potholder or hot pad, resulting in a scald burn.
  • Open microwaved food slowly and away from the face.
  • Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
  • Establish a “kid-safe-zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove, hot liquids and hot foods. The “kid-safe zone” should be an area out of the traffic path between the stove and sink where children can safely play and still be supervised.
  • Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.

General first aid for burns and scalds:

  • Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for fifteen to twenty minutes.
  • Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
  • Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.

For more information about preventing scald burns, visit the E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or American Burn Association websites.

 



maranda-winter-storm-web

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

One of the primary concerns is the winter weather’s ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize both the local neighborhood and an entire region.

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before, during and after it strikes.

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Prevent Fires from Alternative Lighting, Heating and Cooking
Should families experience a power outage during or after the winter storm, a safer alternative is to use battery operated flashlights or lanterns instead of candles or other open flame. Never use a stove or oven as a heating source and never overload a fireplace, wood or pellet stove. Finally, always properly dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside away from the house, garage or deck. A single ash can retain heat for several days.

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Portable Generator Safety during a Power Outage 

  • Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions before running a generator.
  • Engines emit carbon monoxide. Never use a portable generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, basement or other enclosed areas. Fatal fumes can build up, that neither a fan nor open doors and windows will provide enough fresh air.
  • Only use your generator outdoors, away from windows, vents or doors.
  • Test battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home at least monthly.
  • Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Turn off the portable generator and allow it to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline.
  • Store gasoline in an approved container, in a shed or detached garage away from the home. Never store gasoline in the home or an attached garage.
  • Never operate a portable generator near combustible materials.
  • Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor rated extension cord. Always uncoil extension cords and lay them flat in open locations since coiled cords get extremely hot and could cause a fire.
  • Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet to avoid “backfeeding” which can electrocute utility workers. If you are connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified, licensed electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
  • Generators produce powerful voltage. Never operate under wet conditions and take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.

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During and After the Storm
Clear snow from furnace, dryer vents, and hydrants. Keep outside furnace, hot water and dryer vents clear of drifting snow to prevent flue gases from backing up into the home and creating a carbon monoxide hazard.  Assist firefighters by clearing a three-foot radius around fire hydrants near your home.

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Prevent Freezing Pipes
Let hot and cold water faucets drip a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing, and open cupboards under sinks to let heat circulate around the pipes.

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Use Caution in Cold Temps
Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the tasks. Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.

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Be a Good Neighbor
Check on elderly neighbors, people living alone, those with disabilities and homes with young children to see if they need extra supplies before or assistance after the storm.

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For winter weather updates, visit Storm Team 8 online.

For additional Winter Storm Safety Tips, watch this Winter Safety Tips video from FEMA or go to Ready.gov.