WKZO | E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety

Enjoy Thanksgiving and Prevent a Home Fire

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. Kids especially love to be involved in holiday preparations. However, keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

According to the United States Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires and frying food increases the risk. The average number of reported home fires in the United States on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the average number of home fires on all other days. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occurred most frequently from noon to 3 p.m., when many people most likely were preparing Thanksgiving dinner. These fires then declined throughout the evening.

As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember to play it safe! E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety offers a few simple tips so you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

Turkey:

If you are roasting your turkey, make sure you set a timer. This way, you won’t forget about the bird as you watch the parade or football game.

Deep frying a turkey may be delicious but it also can be dangerous. If you are frying your turkey,

- Use a fryer with thermostat controls. This will ensure the oil does not become over heated.
- Thaw your turkey completely. Ice on the bird will cause the oil to splatter.
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil. If you do, the oil will overflow when you add the turkey causing a fire hazard.
- Keep children and pets at least 3-feet away from the fryer to protect against burn injuries.

- Also, always use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface away from things that can burn.

Stuffing and Potatoes:

Stand by your stove when you are boiling your potatoes or frying onions for the stuffing. It’s best to stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling. If you are in the kitchen, it’s easier to catch spills or hazardous conditions before they become a fire.

Vegetables:

Keep the area around the stove clear of food packaging, paper towels, and dish cloths; anything that can burn.

Be sure to clean up any spills as they happen.

Be prepared! Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.

Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so you don’t bump them.

By following these safety tips, you will have a delicious and fire safe Thanksgiving! Remember to let the firefighters have dinner with their families, not yours.

Be Fire Safe on Black Friday and Throughout the Holiday Season E.S.C.A.P.E., Safety, WKZOholiday fire safety, wkzoMichael McLeieer

Nov 2023

Interview with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. on the WKZO Morning Show – 11/24/2023 7:50 a.m.

When most people think about the holidays, family festivals and good cheer with friends likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve Candles, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and lights. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Candles

Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.

More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.

When burning candles, keep them at least 1-foot away from anything that can burn (create a 1-foot circle of safety), and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.

Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.

Never leave a child or pets alone in a room with a burning candle.

Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

Christmas Trees, Holiday Decorations and Lights

U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.

If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily.

Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.

Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

Plug decorations directly into outlets. Avoid using and overloading extension cords and power strips.

Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

Give the Gift of Safety – smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, escape ladders.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by following these simple yet important safety tips, everyone in your family will have a “fire-safe” holiday season!

For more holiday fire safety tips, visit www.escapeinc.org or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.

Other Holiday fire safety tips links:

Thanksgiving fire safety tips on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 E.S.C.A.P.E., Safety, WKZOThanksgiving Fire Safety, wkzoMichael McLeieer

Nov 2023

Thanksgiving Day is a time to spend with family and friends. It’s also the peak day of the year for home fires. Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. spoke with Ken Lanphear on the WKZO Morning Show on Tuesday 11/21/2023 at 7:50 a.m. and shared several tips to prevent a home fire.

Be Fire Safe This Holiday Season Safety, WKZO, WXMI Fox 17Christmas, holiday fire safetyMichael McLeieer

Dec 2022

12/22/2022 WKZO Radio Interview 7:10 a.m. with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.

12-19-2022 Fox 17 Interview live in studio.

When most people think about the holidays, family festivals and good cheer with friends likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve Candles, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and space heaters. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Candles

Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.
More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.
When burning candles, keep them at least 1-foot away from anything that can burn (create a 1-foot circle of safety), and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.
Never leave a child or pets alone in a room with a burning candle.
Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

Christmas Trees

U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.
If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily.
Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside the home.
Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Space Heaters

Half of all home heating fires occur during the months of December, January and February.
Keep anything that can burn at least 3-feet from all heat sources including space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves and radiators.
Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
Space heaters, stoves and ovens are not designed as primary heating appliances.
Always plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
Select a space heater that has the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory (e.g. U.L) and select a space heater that turns off automatically if it tips over.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a heating bill during the months of November through March, contact your local utility or call 2-1-1 to determine eligibility for a Winter Protection Plan or financial assistance and avoid a service shut-off.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by following these simple yet important safety tips, everyone in your family will have a “fire-safe” holiday season!

For more holiday fire safety tips, visit www.escapeinc.org or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.

Fire Prevention Week 2022 8West, E.S.C.A.P.E., Maranda, MI SAFE, Safety, WKZO, WOOD TV 8, WOTV 4, WXMI Fox 17Michael McLeieer

Oct 2022

Fire Prevention Week 2022 is October 9th – 15th. The theme is Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.

2022 also marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. It’s the longest public health campaign in the United States.

Here is a link to the fire prevention segment between AARP Michigan and E.S.C.A.P.E.

Here is a link to the fire prevention segment on the lifestyle show eightWest on WOOD TV 8.

Here is the link to the fire prevention segment on the lifestyle show Maranda Where You Live on WOOD TV 8 and ABC 4 West Michigan on 10/10/2022.

Here is the link to the live radio interview on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 on Morning’s with Ken Lanphear at 7:50 a.m. on 10/11/2022.

Play it safe this summer when using your Recreational Vehicle Safety, WKZORecreational Vehicle Safety, RV SafetyMichael McLeieer

Jun 2022

Listen to the live radio interview with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. at 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday June 28, 2022 on the WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 morning show with Ken Lanphear.

Watch this live report on WLNS 6 News in Lansing during the morning broadcast on Wednesday 06/29/2022.

Watch this live broadcast on WXMI FOX 17 in studio in Grand Rapids during the morning broadcast on Wednesday 06/29/2022 at 8:50 a.m.

Whether you are heading out to the campsite, traveling cross-country over the 4^th of July holiday or living in a recreational vehicle (RV), it’s important to know about fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards present in these movable structures.

In fact since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the purchase and use of recreational vehicles has increased significantly. There was approximately a 7% increase in new campers in the U.S. during 2020. People changed their plans to fly or travel abroad and chose to either rent or purchase an RV and go out and explore the outdoors through camping.

Recreational vehicle fires

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.
Make sure generator exhaust is pointed away and downwind of the RV.
Stay in the cooking area when preparing food. If you leave, turn off the burner.
Have a portable fire extinguisher on board that you can easily reach. Adults should take a brief training course on how to properly use an extinguisher. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
Keep doors and windows clear for escape and make sure they open easily. Practice a fire escape plan with everyone staying in the RV.
Don’t overload the electrical outlets. Using too many electrical appliances at the same time can cause a fire.
Have a trained technician thoroughly inspect your RV at least once a year.

Fire Is Everyone’s Fight during the Memorial Day Holiday Safety, WKZOMemorial DayMichael McLeieer

May 2022

The above link is from the live interview with E.S.C.A.P.E.’s president and founder Michael McLeieer on the WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 Morning Show – 05/26/2022 at 7:10 a.m.

The above link is from the live interview on the FOX 17 – WXMI Morning Show at 7:40 a.m. 05/27/2022

The above link is from the interview on 6 News – WLNS at 5pm on 05/27/2022

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff weekend to the start of summertime fun. If your weekend plans include grilling, sitting around the campfire or other outdoor celebrations, 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.

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.

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.

Burn Safety

To reduce the risk of a burn, never leave items cooking on the stove or grill unattended.
Keep children and pets at least 3-feet from the grilling or cooking area.
Check the temperature of food before serving it to a child.
Never cook while wearing loose fitting clothes.
Cool a superficial or partial thickness burn (1^st or 2^nd degree) with cool running water for 15-20 minutes. Never cool more than 10% of the body at one time.
Seek medical attention for all severe 2^nd degree and all third degree (full-thickness) burns.

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®!

It’s Awareness Awareness Week May 1-7, 2022 Safety, WKZOArson Awareness WeekMichael McLeieer

May 2022

Live Interview on WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 with our president and founder Firefighter Michael McLeieer – 7:50 a.m. EDT 05/02/2022

Arson Awareness Week 2022 is May 1-7 and it highlights critical actions that emergency responders and the public must take to help ensure everyone stays safe all throughout the year.

The dangers of arson put everyone’s life in peril. Innocent bystanders, occupants, first responders, and those committing the acts of arson all have a chance to receive debilitating injuries or worse. The aftermath of these intentional acts can create a devasting fiscal loss for communities.

This year’s theme is Arson in Homeless Communities – Engagement – Education – Outreach. It’s a great opportunity for numerous stakeholders to join together to combat the issue of vacant residence fires and find solutions for the growing homeless problem as well as develop fire prevention programs within the homeless community.

The focus will be on:

Explaining common motives for arson fires in homeless communities
Addressing accidental incidents of fire
Highlighting injury and incident statistics
Identifying resources and training opportunities to help the fire service create outreach strategies and programs.
Showcasing successful mitigation concepts throughout the United States

What is Arson? – ARSON IS THE CRIMINAL ACT OF DELIBERATELY SETTING FIRE TO PROPERTY. (The willful, malicious, intentional and/or reckless burning of your property (dwelling) or someone else’s).

What can you do? If you see something, say something. Call 911.

Keep an eye on your property and your neighbor’s property
Report anything suspicious
Lock vehicles, garages, barns and other out buildings

For more information about arson and ways to prevent arson, visit the United States Fire Administration’s website at www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw

Watch What You Heat: National Burn Awareness Week is February 6 – 12, 2022 National Burn Awareness Week, Safety, WKZO, WLNS, WOOD TV 8, WOTV 4National Burn Awareness WeekMichael McLeieer

Feb 2022

Burning Issues in the Kitchen…Watch What You Heat

The smell of a cake baking in the oven or a tasty soup simmering on the stovetop is difficult for both children and adults to resist. However, cooking remains the number one cause of home fires in Michigan and across the United States.

That’s why National Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is a window of opportunity for organizations to mobilize burn, fire and life safety educators and unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in the community Where You Live.

“47% of all home fires are caused by cooking. Adults over 65 are at a much higher risk of injury or death from a kitchen fire due to physical, visual, hearing or mental impairments that may slow the quick action necessary in a fire emergency,” according to Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of the non-profit fire safety charity E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.

“Thinner skin of older adults burns faster and deeper,” according to McLeieer.

Here are some tips to stay safe and prepared!

Plan A: Primary Prevention

The best time to cook is when you are wide awake and not drowsy from medications or alcohol.
Always wipe clean the stove, oven, and exhaust fan to prevent grease buildup.
Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
Keep a pan lid and dry potholders or oven mitts near you EVERY time you cook.
Turn pot or pan handles toward the back of the stove.
When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape.
Allow food to rest before removing from the microwave.
When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to prevent grease splatter.
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or broiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check on your cooking.
After cooking, check the kitchen to make sure all burners and other appliances are turned off.
Never use the oven for storage.

Plan B: Secondary Prevention

If your food does catch on fire…

Cover the pan with its lid. A cookie sheet works too. Leave covered until the pan is cool. NEVER move the pot or carry it outside – the pot is too hot to handle and the contents may splash, causing a severe burn.
Turn the heat off. With the lid on and the heat off, the fire should quickly put itself out. NEVER use water to put out a kitchen fire. Water will cause the oil to splatter and spread the fire, or scald you as it vaporizes.
If the fire is inside the oven or microwave, keep the door shut and turn it off. Keep closed until the oven is cool.
If the fire gets out of control- get out, stay out and call 9-1-1. Don’t return inside for any reason.

National Burn Awareness Week is the perfect time to share this information, develop a fire escape plan, check your smoke alarms, and make your kitchen and entire home safe for those you care for where you live! According to McLeieer, “preventing a burn injury is always better than the pain and trauma of medical treatment afterward. For more information visit ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-awareness-week.

Put A Freeze on Winter Fires in Michigan Safety, WKZOPut a Freeze on Winter Fires, winter fire safetyMichael McLeieer

Jan 2022

As the temperatures drop, people tend to resort to using space heaters and other methods to heat their homes and businesses, but they need to play it safe and prevent a home fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. spoke with WLNS TV 6, FOX 17 TV, WBKB TV and WKZO AM 590 and FM 106.9 radio this week and shared some simple but important tips and resources to prevent a home fire and increase your chances of surviving a fire should it occur.

WLNS TV 6: