The above link is the live audio from the August 4th radio interview at 9:10 a.m. between Firefighter Michael McLeieer, founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. and Ken Lanphear, WKZO Morning Show host.
A fire in an office or store can be devasting to a community. In addition to potential deaths and property loss, people may lose their jobs and the community may lose a vital service provided by the business.
The uncertain future caused by COVID-19 can also make the economic effect of a fire on a business much worse. Some businesses may have a hard time recovering financially after being shut down for several months due to the pandemic.
Every year in the United States there are 17,000 office and store fires that cause over $800 million in direct property damage.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Cooking is the leading cause of office and store fires. In 2018:
- 33.2% of office and store fires were caused by cooking,
- 10.9% were due to electrical malfunction,
- 8.7% were due to heating,
- 7.6% were caused by other unintentional reasons or carelessness, and
- 7.1% were caused by appliances.
Many causes of office and store fires are the same as those for home fires. Since emergencies happen when we least expect them, prevention and escape planning is essential.
The good news: Modern building design and fire codes protect most offices and stores from fire. However, according to ESCAPE Fire Safety, there are important fire safety practices that employees and employers should follow to help prevent workplace fires, keep workers safe and keep offices and stores open.
Employees should:
- Check for damaged electrical cords and cables. Don’t overload outlets and power strips.
- Keep anything that can burn away from electrical equipment.
- Never leave portable heating devices unattended.
- Keep your workspace and equipment clean, dry and well ventilated.
- Plan and practice multiple escape routes in case one is blocked.
- Ensure windows can be opened and screens can be removed.
- Remove any obstacles from exits.
Employers need to prepare for emergencies.
- Make sure smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are properly installed and working.
- Post clear fire escape plans on every level of a building.
- Teach employees about exit locations, escape routes and fire protection equipment.
- Check the condition of fire ladders and escapes.
- Conduct regular emergency drills.
If there is a fire, building workers should:
- Call 911.
- Notify co-workers of the fire.
- Never use the elevator if there is a fire or during a fire alarm activation. Walk, don’t run, down the stairs.
If workers can’t evacuate, they should:
- Seal door gaps with jackets.
- Wait at the window.
- Remain calm.
For more information on fire safety in a variety of workplaces, visit www.osha.org or www.escapeinc.org
Photo courtesy of the West Bend (WI) Fire Department
Using oxygen increases the risk of fire and burns. When oxygen is used in the home, the amount of O2 in the air, furniture, clothing, and hair goes up, making it easier for a fire to start and spread.
The West Bend (WI) Fire Department responded to a residential fire alarm on Saturday July 25th. The occupant had dropped a cigarette onto the oxygen tubing where it subsequently started on fire.
If you or a loved one uses home oxygen
- Do not smoke
- Make sure the home has working smoke alarms. Test them monthly.
- Have a home fire escape plan with a minimum of 2 ways out of every room and an outdoor meeting place. Practice the plan at least twice a year.
- Keep oxygen and tubing 10-feet away from heat sources such as candles, matches, lighters, heaters, wood stoves, electric razors, hair dryers, cooking stoves, and smoking materials.
- Do not use petroleum-based products such as oil-based lip balms or lotions. They catch fire easily.
Here is the entire post from the West Bend Fire Department’s Facebook page:
***Smoking while using oxygen is dangerous!***
#20-2216 07/25/2020 03:29
At 3:29 a.m. on Saturday, July 25th, 2020, the West Bend Fire Department was dispatched to a residential fire alarm in the City of West Bend. A West Bend Police Department officer, Engine 1, Truck 2, and Battalion 1 responded to a two family side by side residence. A family member of the occupant was outside speaking to the officer upon arrival of fire department units.
The occupant had dropped a cigarette onto the oxygen tubing where it subsequently started on fire. The occupant stomped out the fire with their feet. While there were burn marks on the socks, luckily the occupant did not suffer any burn injuries. The occupant refused medical attention on the scene.
Please do not utilize smoking materials while using oxygen. The end result of this incident could have been a disaster. UW Hospital Burn Center in Madison had two admissions for burn injuries in March and April of 2020 for people who were burned while smoking and using oxygen. These incidents really do happen, they really cause damage, and they really do cause harm.
With the recent increase in youth-set fires throughout Michigan and across the country, Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. spoke with Jim McKinney on the WKZO Morning Show on Monday July 27th at 9:10 a.m. about the dangers of youth firesetting.
Listen to the interview here:
For more tips on Youth Firesetting, visit: http://escapeinc.org/safety-for-you-youth-firesettingwhat-you-can-do/
