Recreational Vehicle Safety Maranda, Safety, WOTV 4
05
Jul 2022

Whether you are heading out to the campsite, traveling cross-country over the summer or living in a recreational vehicle (RV), it’s important to know about fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards present in these movable structures Where You Live. E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety has facts on RV fires and tips on how to prevent them.

According to the United States Fire Administration, from 2018 to 2020, there were an estimated average of 4,200 RV fires reported to U.S. fire departments each year. These fires resulted in approximately 15 deaths, 125 injuries and $60,300,000 in property loss.

According to the National Park Service:

· Recreational vehicles include everything from folding camping trailers to truck campers to luxury motor homes.

· Eight million U.S. households own at least one RV.

· RVs travel an average of 4,500 miles each year.

Most RV fires occur:

· Between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m.

· During the months of May through August. July is the peak month.

· On Fridays and Saturdays.

Carbon Monoxide in recreational vehicles

CO is an odorless, tasteless, invisible killer that can readily build up within the small area of an RV and cause severe illness and possibly death. Improper use of generators is a leading cause of CO poisoning. Malfunctioning gas-fed appliances are an additional source of CO poisoning. E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety shares these life-saving tips for the RV user

· Check propane supply lines for kinks or damage. Test all fitting connections with a gas leak detection device.

· Turn off propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances while driving. If you have an accident or tire blowout while the propane is on, your injury and the damage to your vehicle can be significantly worse.

 

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Stay safe with important fireworks tips 8West, Safety, WOOD TV 8,
05
Jul 2022

Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that 2 out of 5 fires reported on that day are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause?  Every Independence Day holiday, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.  Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks which include devastating burns, injuries to the eyes, hands and face, fires and even death.

According to the latest national data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.  Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated injuries.

In Michigan, consumer fireworks became legal January 1, 2012, and must meet CPSC standards.  They will only be sold to people 18 years of age or older.  Low impact fireworks (ground-based items such as sparklers, toy snakes, snaps, and poppers) are legal for sale and use.  In December, 2018, new measures were signed into law (House Bill 5939) that reduce the number of days fireworks can be used, give local government more power to regulate the devices and tighten consumer sales and use.

“The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them.  Instead, watch a public fireworks display either in person or on television put on by trained experts,” said Firefighter Michael McLeieer, President of the non-profit fire safety charity E.S.C.A.P.E.  “Fireworks are dangerous to people and pets.  Using them puts you and your property at risk,” according to McLeieer.

  • You can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks by following a few simple safety tips:
  • Be safe.  If you want to see fireworks, watch a public show put on by the professionals
  • Parents and caregivers should always closely supervise children at events where fireworks are used
  • Hand-held sparklers burn at more than 1,200 °F and cause 3rd degree burns in seconds.  As a comparison, wood burns at 575 degrees F
  • If you decide to use sparklers, place discarded sparkler wires in a metal bucket filled with water
  • Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter (25%) of emergency room fireworks injuries
  • After the fireworks display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over since they may still be active
  • Adults should not consume alcohol when using fireworks
  • Leave pets at home and keep them inside during fireworks displays
  • Follow the local ordinance and state law regarding the use of consumer fireworks

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety urges Michiganders to use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and follow safety rules this Fourth of July during holiday celebrations!