by: Firefighter Michael McLeieer, President and Founder, E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety
Wednesday, July 15, is National Pet Fire Safety Day and Jake the Fire Safety Dog is teaching kids and adults how to stay safe in the event of an emergency!
Get Low and Go is what children and families learn when they watch demonstrations by Jake the Fire Safety Dog, a black Labrador retriever service canine dedicated to teaching fire safety techniques.
Jake was introduced in June of 2007 at the Maranda Park Parties and he was the newest addition, at that time, to the E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety program. E.S.C.A.P.E. stands for Education Showing Children and Adults Procedures for Evacuations and this year marks the 25th anniversary for the non-profit fire safety charity.
- Crawl Low Under Smoke
- Get Out and Stay Out from a smoke-filled building
- Assemble at a meeting place away from the home
- Children should never go up to a strange animal without a trusted grown-up’s permission
During the COVID-19 pandemic and Stay at Home order, fire departments and fire safety experts across Michigan and throughout the country have reported an increase in firesetting and a heightened interest in fire by youth and adolescents.
Nationwide, more than half of all intentionally set fires are started by youths under the age of 18. According to the United States Fire Administration, each year in this country fires set by children and adolescents are responsible for hundreds of fire deaths, thousands of painful burn injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars in property loss. Young children are also the victims in these fires.
“Fires set by children are common and a problem affecting many families, said Firefighter Michael McLeieer, a leading fire safety expert and President of the non-profit organization E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. “While curiosity about fire is natural, firesetting is dangerous and deadly. It is not safe to think that youth firesetting is only a phase,” according to McLeieer.
Why Children and Adolescents Set Fires
Most experts agree that the best way to understand why fires are set is to look at the motivations for firesetting. Motives can involve curiosity, experimentation, a cry for help, thrill-seeking, willful intent to cause destruction, or from mental or emotional disorders.
Four Factors Influencing Firesetting
- Easy access to lighters and matches— In many homes where a child or adolescent was involved in starting a fire, they easily discovered the matches or lighter or knew exactly where to find them. If you smoke, always keep your matches or lighter in your pocket or in other secure locations. Inform your child that you will be randomly checking his/her pockets, backpacks, and rooms for matches and lighters.
- Lack of supervision—Providing supervision is important. Parents are often shocked to learn their child was engaged in firesetting over a prolonged period of time.
- Failure to practice fire safety—Young children, teens, and parents often lack understanding of the dangers associated with firesetting and safety rules about fire. Have clear rules rather than relying on vague threats or warnings.
- Easy access to information on Internet—Technology has made explicit media available to youths about many dangerous and often illegal activities for them to replicate.
What To Do If You Suspect A Child Of Setting Fires
If you know of a child who is displaying firesetting behavior, the child and family are at a higher risk for suffering the consequences of fire. Remind the parent that they are not the only person to ever to face this problem. Have the parent or caregiver contact their local fire department immediately. Explain the situation to them. Many fire departments offer youth firesetting prevention and intervention programs. Those departments that don’t offer comprehensive intervention may be able to refer the parent / caregiver to another agency that does offer these services.
Youth Firesetting Program Benefits Include:
- A contact person in your area.
- Determination of potential level of risk for repeat firesetting incidents.
- Fire education for the youth and their family.
- Referrals for additional services.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do To Reduce Firesetting
- Supervision by adults decreases the opportunity for youth to set fires.
- Teach children of all ages that fires, even small ones, can spread quickly.
- Teach young children that fire is a tool, not a toy, and only used by adults.
- Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of children.
- Always use fire with care and set a good example by using matches, lighters, and candles carefully.
- Never use threats or scare tactics when talking to the child.
- Teach children to show you when they find matches and lighters.
- Teach older children proper techniques for using fire.
- Point out to your children the fire safety rules you and others follow throughout the day.
- Talk to your children about the legal consequences of firesetting.
- Be sensitive to what the child may be feeling while addressing their firesetting behavior.
- Provide love, comfort and compassion when talking to the child.
What Families Can Do To Prevent Fires
- Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.
- Install and maintain working smoke alarms throughout your home.’
- Plan and practice home fire escape drills that include two ways out from every room.
- Install residential sprinklers in your home.
What Communities Can Do
- Prevent firesetting in the first place by providing fire safety education from preschool through high school.
- Raise awareness in your community about youth firesetting.
- Form partnerships between local fire departments and private sector organizations to help support firesetting prevention and intervention programs.’
- Support community-based programs to provide services such as fire safety education and counseling using community resources.
- Educate parents/caregivers and all who work with children about where they can go for help about firesetting.
For Further Information:
Contact your local fire department or visit www.usfa.fema.gov or www.escapeinc.org
Here is the article link on WLNS.com
by: Brittany Flowers
Posted: Updated:
(WLNS)– With many 4th of July events canceled in Mid-Michigan amid COVID-19 concerns, officials expect more people will light off their own fireworks.
Meggan Andrews, a Store Manager at Phantom Fireworks in Lansing said they’re already seeing huge increases in sales.
“There’s been more people than what we expected, especially just opening up for one week,” Andrews said.
She added that on their opening day, they sold more than $1,000 worth of fireworks. Andrews said a lot of customers have come in, trying to find alternative plans for the holiday.
“A lot of them have said oh my hometown’s not doing fireworks. For hundreds of years, they had been doing fireworks and now they’re canceled, so now they want to do their own and do it for the community,” Andrews said.
“This year especially with the public displays being canceled, with people being at home with COVID-19, there’s a different sense of urgency in people’s minds… not necessarily that it’s a safe urgency, but they want to get out, they want to spend time with family and friends and we understand that, but safety needs to be at the paramount,” Lt. Michael McLeieer, Past President of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association said.
McLeieer said two out of every five structure fires on the 4th of July or around the holiday are caused by fireworks.
In addition, the latest national data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), shows U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries in 2017. More than a third of those injuries were children under the age of 15.
That’s why McLeieer said if people do choose to light off fireworks, they should always supervise small children, keep pets inside, and have a metal bucket with water nearby. He added it’s not just the big fireworks you should be careful with.
“There are no truly safe fireworks. Handheld sparklers can burn at least to 1200 sometimes as much as 2000 degrees and they can cause 3rd-degree burns within a matter of 2-3 seconds,” McLeieer said.
He added that Michigan’s fireworks laws have been changed, but local ordinances have a lot more jurisdiction and authority.
“Know when you can use fireworks, know when they’re not allowed,” McLeieer advised.
Listen to the live interview on June 17th with Firefighter Michael McLeieer from E.S.C.A.P.E. and WKZO Morning Show host Ken Lanphear about Safety Stand Down.
Did you know, according to the United States Fire Administration, twelve percent of on-duty firefighter fatalities occur each year while responding to or returning from incidents, with the majority of fatalities resulting from vehicle crashes? Vehicle collision is the second leading cause of firefighter fatalities.
Each year during the third week of June, Safety Stand Down highlights critical safety, health and survival issues for the fire and emergency services. The 2020 Safety Stand Down takes place June 14-20. This year’s theme calls attention to the hazards that emergency responders face while performing their duties on roadways. Operating in Michigan’s roadways continues to be some of the most treacherous incident scenes firefighters, police officers and emergency medical service providers respond to.
From 1996 to 2010, vehicle collisions claimed 253 firefighter lives and another 70 firefighters were lost as a result of being struck by a vehicle. Between 1996 and 2010, vehicle collisions/struck-by-incidents accounted for 22% of all fatalities.
In June 2017, Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski was hit and killed by a passing vehicle while he was responding to a crash on eastbound I-94 in Kalamazoo County. According to authorities, the driver of the vehicle was speeding and distracted by his cellphone at the time of the crash and hit Switalski while he was outside of his vehicle.
Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski
“We all need to be alert and avoid reckless and distracted driving so our emergency responders are able to safely return home to their families after every emergency incident,” said Firefighter Michael McLeieer, Past President of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association and President of the non-profit safety organization E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.
Here’s what you can do to keep you, your family and our emergency responders safe:
- Avoid distractions while driving. Distracting activities include using a cell phone and/or texting, eating and drinking, talking to passengers or pets, grooming, reading (including maps), using a navigation system, watching a video, changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player, and loud music.
- There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive – taking your mind off of what you’re doing
- There are three main types of distraction:
- If have a minor accident, you’re not seriously injured and your vehicle is able to be driven, move it off the roadway. Avoid stepping out into traffic.
- Pull to the right for sirens and lights. Slow down and pull off the roadway when you see or hear emergency vehicles approaching.
- Slow Down! And Move Over. Motorists are required to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles when their lights are activated. This includes fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, tow truck operators, solid waste haulers, utility service vehicles and road service and maintenance vehicles. If a motorist is unable to move over into an adjacent lane, then Michigan law requires the motorist to slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and pass with caution, giving the emergency vehicle as much room as possible.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety urges Michiganders to focus on your driving and avoid distractions so you, your passengers and our emergency responders can remain safe and injury free!
For more information on the 2020 Safety Stand Down, visit www.safetystanddown.org.
In a typical year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages the public to only attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals, reflecting its’ long-standing position against consumer use of fireworks. However, with public fireworks events around the country being canceled this year, NFPA is vigorously discouraging individuals’ use of consumer fireworks, recognizing that the likelihood of such activities may increase in the absence of public displays.
“While fireworks are an emblem of July 4 celebrations, in the absence of public displays this year, we strongly encourage people to find safe and creative alternatives for celebrating the holiday,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Fireworks are simply too dangerous and unpredictable to be used safely by consumers. Even sparklers, which are often considered harmless enough for children, burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause third-degree burns.”
In addition to the harm consumer fireworks can inflict on individuals, Carli notes that fireworks’ incidents place undue burdens on first responders and emergency room staff.
“First responders and our health care services have been working tirelessly to protect the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carli. “A great way for people to show their support is to avoid consumer use of fireworks and help minimize the number of avoidable incidents that require response and care.”
Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 non-occupational fireworks related injuries; burns accounted for 44 percent of the fireworks injuries seen in the month around July 4. Half of the fireworks injuries seen at emergency rooms around the month of July 4, 2018 were to extremities, particularly the hand or finger, or leg. One-third were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children ages 10-14 had the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than one-third (36 percent) of the victims of fireworks injuries in this period under age 15.
“Fireworks cause thousands of needless fires and injuries each year,” said Carli. “By simply choosing not to use consumer fireworks, these types of incidents can be easily prevented, lessening the strain on already overtaxed first responders and emergency room workers.”
Read More
Listen to the live interview on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 from Friday May 22nd at 8:50 a.m.
And here are some safety tips from Maranda Where You Live on Friday May 22nd at 11:50 a.m.
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff weekend to the start of summertime fun. If your weekend plans include grilling, sitting around the campfire or using fireworks, here are some important tips to keep you and your family safe!
Campfire Safety
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. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a campfire. Never throw items into 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 and pets 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.
Grilling Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 20,000 people across the United States went to the hospital due to grilling-related injuries from 2014 to 2018. Grills were involved in nearly 4,000 structure fires in that time. Seven out of every ten adults in the United States have a grill or smoker, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires and thermal burns. A grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Remember:
- Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn including deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
CHARCOAL GRILLS:
- There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
PROPANE GRILLS:
- Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
- Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
- If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call 911.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call 911. Do not move the grill.
- If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are as American as apple-pie, but 2 out of 5 fires reported during the summertime are started by fireworks. 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 devasting burns, injuries to the eyes, hands and face, fires and even death. Here are some ways you can enjoy the Memorial Day holiday injury-free:
- Check with your local municipality to determine if and when consumer fireworks may be used.
- Leave pets at home and keep them inside during fireworks displays.
- Parents and caregivers should always closely supervise children where fireworks are used.
- Leave fireworks to the experts. However, if you are going to use fireworks:
- Follow manufacturer instructions,
- Wear protective eyewear,
- Only light one device at a time outdoors and
- Maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you that Memorial Day weekend activities are more fun when you know that your kids and family are safe and secure because Fire Is Everyone’s Fight®!
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.
Everyone in your family should practice fire safety everyday because Fire Is Everyone’s Fight® Where You Live!
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”.