GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) – The City of Grand Rapids Fire Department wants to make sure you’re safe in your home! Carly Munoz, WOTV 4 Women crew member, recently took the time to schedule an appointment to have them come and install free smoke detectors in her Grand Rapids home. It was such an awesome experience for her and her kids! Her kids were delighted to see a big red fire engine pull up next to their driveway and to have several firefighters come inside their home.
The firefighters were professional, fun and great with the kids. Munoz said, “I know what you’re thinking. Firefighters are coming inside my home? EEK! I’d have to clean up and what if they see something that maybe we’re doing wrong or is installed wrong… then what?” It wasn’t like that at all. They were coming in with the sole intent to keep her family safe. They talked with the kids, they determined where they alarms needed to be placed and asked for the family’s input on installation locations and options.
They didn’t care about stepping over the kids toys, or the major pileup of clutter in my furnace room. They did run through some tips and safety pointers with Carly at the end, which she appreciated. Quick little bits of information that are good for homeowners to know to prevent a fire. They told her to make sure to consistently clean her lint trap on her dryer, to maybe push that “clutter pile” back away from the furnace so nothing catches fire, and to make sure the grill is away from the garage when her family barbecues so nothing goes up in flames other than the steaks. She actually found it really helpful!
They didn’t charge her or expect anything in return. They even let the kids come out to the fire truck for a tour and pics when they were done! Bonus!
How to sign up:
REQUIREMENTS:
Reside within the City of Grand Rapids
Be a home owner, residing within the dwelling.
Rentals do not qualify at this time.
Homeowners can ensure their safety by scheduling an appointment. Contact us at 311
Not a GR resident? Call to set up an appointment within your area through Operation Save A Life: 1.844.978.4400
LIST: West Michigan Smoke Detector Installation Programs
An Ottawa County fire chief has a warning for all West Michigan residents, after responding to multiple fires sparked by the same mistake.
“What we’ve been starting to see out here is the discarding of fire pit ashes into trash cans,” said Georgetown Township Fire Chief Dan Hamming.
Hamming said a July 23 fire that gutted a home on Briar Lane was one of eight blazes his department handled this year that was caused by ashes that were improperly disposed of.
“We had one resident say that I put my hand on it and it was cool,” Hamming recollected.
Ashes that appear cool on the surface can remain hot at their center.
“Those type of ashes can lay there dormant for 24, 36, to 48 hours,” explained Hamming.
Dumping those ashes into a garbage can made of a petroleum-based plastic and filled with other plastic and paper products is a recipe for fire. Since many homeowners keep their garbage cans in the garage or alongside their house, the fire has time to grow before a homeowner notices it.
Hot grills positioned close to a home also pose a risk; the radiant heat can ignite vinyl siding.
“What we want to do is get the word out to not only Georgetown Township residents, but to West Michigan: be careful with your fire pit, fireplace ashes,” advised Hamming.
The fire chief says the safest way to dispose of ashes is to dump them in a bucket filled with water and let the mix sit outside for a couple of days. Another method is to dig a hole and bury the ashes, Hamming said.
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Fire Safety Online Resources:
National Fire Protection Association – Overall fire problem
National Fire Protection Association – Home grill fires
Maranda is bringing a Park Party to Kollen Park in Holland on Thursday July 14! Free food and free family fun. Meet Jake the Fire Safety Dog and the E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety team!
Maranda brings a Park Party to Kalamazoo on July 7 from Noon to 2pm. Join E.S.C.A.P.E. and Jake the Fire Safety Dog to learn about fire safety. Everyone is invited and everything is free!
Having a campfire can be one of the greatest joys of summer. Whether roasting marshmallows, cooking a meal, or surrounded by family and friends, it’s important to understand how to stay safe around a campfire.
- Select an appropriate location. Before creating a campfire, make sure you understand any rules or regulations for your area. Avoid building the fire near low-hanging branches, tree roots, structures, and other flammable items. Try to choose a location where your fire will be sheltered from the wind and use campfire rings or other designated campfire accessories whenever possible.
- Use the appropriate campfire fuel. Soft woods like pine, fir, and cedar are best for starting a fire. Start the fire by building a small teepee of dry sticks and igniting it with a match. As the fire gets started, add larger pieces of wood. Remember to keep the fire small. Don’t burn items that may explode or give off toxic fumes. Items should never be thrown in a fire. That includes batteries, plastic bags, glass, and aluminum cans.
- Supervise the campfire area continuously. A responsible adult should always be present while a campfire is burning. Encourage small children to stay seated several feet away from the fire. Extinguished campfire areas should still be monitored after the flames have gone out to make sure the campfire does not re-ignite and to make sure that children are not burned by embers, which still retain heat even after the fire is extinguished.
- Completely extinguish the campfire. A roaring fire is both a success, and a responsibility. It is your job to properly maintain and extinguish your campfire when you are finished. Make sure you always have a large bucket of water and metal shovel on hand to put out the fire. Pour lots of water on the fire, drown all embers, not just the red ones, until the hissing sound stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel and pour more water on the ashes, then feel the area to make sure they are cold to the touch.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you that summer activities are more fun when you know that your kids are safe Where You Live!