Arson awareness is essential to keeping our communities vibrant and safe. Arson Awareness Week is May 5-11, 2019 and this year’s theme is “Preventing Arson at Construction Sites”.
Here is the Arson Awareness Week interview from May 6th on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 between Morning Show Host Ken Lanphear and E.S.C.A.P.E. President and Founder Lt. Michael McLeieer.
Arson affects both residential and commercial structures that are being built. The fire damage is not only to the structure but also to all of those involved (emergency responders, property owners, and the community).
Although intentional fires are not the largest factor in reported construction site fires, they create a significant negative impact on the local community which not only includes those who live in the area, but also those involved with the project itself because they all become a community member during the time when these large projects are being constructed.
According to the United States Fire Administration, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average 3,750 fires in structures under construction each year, 2,560 fires in structures undergoing major renovation, and another 2,130 in structures being demolished. Fires in these types of structures place members of the fire service in a position of unknowns and uncertain instability and vulnerability.
Fires in structures under construction, on average, were associated with 5 civilian deaths, 51 civilian injuries, and $172 million in direct property damage per year.
Buildings under construction or renovation are at their most vulnerable and weakest condition. Accumulation of waste, ordinary combustibles, limited access, minimal water supplies and hazardous operations increase the challenge. Add to this the effects of firefighting operations, increased water weight, weakened metal and support structures, hidden hot spots, and you have a formula for disaster waiting to happen.
Impact on the Community:
Fear in the community – if one building burns down and it was caused by arson will another building be the next target?
- Potential exposure issues – are adjacent structures next to the construction site at risk for catching fire?
- Vagrants / juveniles – may have access to construction sites and start a fire because they are bored or out of revenge.
- Property value – is diminished when arson is a problem in the area.
Common Causes:
- Cooking – appliances left on, oils reaching ignition temperature, or combustibles nearby (workers cooking on site during lunch)
- Heating – Propane/gas/kerosene heaters used inside or on the job site.
- Work Equipment – Torches, grinders, or cutters causing sparks.
- Smoking – Cigarette embers and nearby thermally thin combustibles. The National Fire Protection Association estimates at least 5% of construction site fires are caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials.
- Incendiary Motives – Profit, revenge, vandalism or shelter for warmth.
Awareness is key. Everyone can help to prevent arson at construction sites.
Contractors:
- Store solvents, fuels and tools in a locked storage container or remove them from the job site when you are not using them.
- Request additional patrols or drive-bys from your local law enforcement.
- Remove trash and debris from the job site.
- Try not to store excess materials on the job site.
- Secure doors and windows on structures when crews are not actively working on the property.
Community:
- Awareness is essential. Become familiar with activities in your neighborhood.
- Report odd or suspicious activities to your local law enforcement.
For more information: The National Association of State Fire Marshals offers free construction fire safety online training courses:
- Building Inspector Fire Safety Course.
- Overview for Safety Managers and Owners.
- Construction Workers Fire Safety Course.
Visit www.constructionfiresafety.training/ to enroll.
For more information on Arson Awareness Week 2019 visit www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw. Fire Is Everyone’s Fight ®
Lt. Michael McLeieer, founder and President of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. spoke with Jim McKinney today on the WKZO AM 590 & FM 106.9 Morning Show about barbecue grilling and bon fire safety tips. Remember, the best fire is the fire that never happens!
Here are some safety tips to consider:
Gas Grills:
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Check your gas barbecue grill. Look for leaks and cracks in the hoses from the tank to the base of the grill.
- Make sure the connections are tight on both the grill and tank.
- Use a soap and water solution on hoses and couplings to check for leaks. A gas leak will be visible with soapy bubbles.
- Never use a grill inside the home or garage.
Charcoal Grills:
- Clean charcoal grills after winter storage. Remove any debris which may have accumulated over the winter months. Too often, small animals such as mice and chipmunks gather leaves and dead grass to make a nest inside the grill.
- Never ever ever ever ever spray charcoal fluid at a lit fire. Never use any other flammable liquid to start a barbecue.
- Make sure the hot coals are completely out. Coals retain heat for a long period of time. Never place coals in a paperbag or plastic trash can. These practices may cause a fire which can start the home or shed to catch on fire.
Bon Fire Safety:
- Select an area with lots of open space, away from buildings, roadways and wooded areas.
- Avoid burning on a windy day.
- Never use accelerants to start a bon fire.
- Prevent a burn by keeping kids and pets at least 3-feet away from any of those grilling areas, hot foods and other open flames.
Finally, if you need a free smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm, contact your local fire department, email [email protected] or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. A winter storm can:
- Last a few hours or several days;
- Knock out heat, power, and communication services; and
- Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM / BLIZZARD WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Stay off roads.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Prepare for power outages which may last for several days.
- Use generators outside only and away from windows.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts from the media and local officials.
- Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Check on neighbors.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS:
Prepare NOW
- Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.
- Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
- Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
- Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
- Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
Survive DURING
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices.
- Use safe heating devices.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.
- Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND
- Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
- Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
- Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
- Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Listen to the live interview on WKZO AM 590 and 106.9 FM on Tuesday February 5, 2019 at 8:50 am:
Scald injuries affect all ages. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are most vulnerable. E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety wants to provide you with information on scald injury prevention during Burn Awareness Week, February 3 – 9, 2019.
Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries. American Burn Association statistics show that each day more than 300 children are seen in emergency rooms throughout the United States and two children die from burn injuries. 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, President of E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety. “These changes include providing a “3-foot-kid-safe zone” while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages as well as 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,” said McLeieer.
Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is designed to provide an opportunity for burn and 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:
- Teach children that hot things can burn. Install anti-scald devices on tub faucets and shower heads.
- Always supervise a child in or near a bathtub.
- Before placing a child in the bath or getting in the bath yourself, test the water.
- Test the water at the faucet and by moving your hand, wrist and forearm through the water. The water should feel warm, not hot, to the touch. It should be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
- 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.
- Never heat a baby bottle in a microwave oven.
- 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 three to five minutes.
- Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies. Seek medical attention if needed.
- 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 or United States Fire Administration websites.