Today starts the 3rd year of the Operation Save a Life Program in West Michigan. This national award winning public service campaign targets communities to help with fire safety and home fire prevention.
Michigan is one of the leading states in the country for home fire deaths and many of these have occurred in homes without working smoke alarms.
That’s why Kidde Fire Safety, The Home Depot, West Michigan Fire Departments, E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety and My ABC WOTV 4 partner together on Operation Save A Life.
On average, families have less than 3 minutes to escape the home after the first smoke alarms sounds.
3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The key here is “working” smoke alarms.
Over the past 3 years, firefighters have found 90% of homes had smoke alarms but only 50% of them were working.
Check the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year, and replace alarms that are over ten years old.
Local fire departments and American Red Cross team members are installing free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in communities around West Michigan.
Find out if you are available to receive free smoke or carbon monoxide alarms by calling 1-844-978-4400 or emailing [email protected]
Since starting this program 3 years ago, over 10,000 smoke alarms have been provided to West Michigan homes. There’s also been a 62% reduction in home fire deaths in this time.
For more information visit escapetv.org
Like fire, carbon monoxide is just as deadly!
As Michiganders moved their clocks forwared on Sunday, March 12th at 2am, it’s also time to check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure homes are protected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If alarms have removable batteries, those batteries should be replaced. Alarms equipped with sealed-in batteries should be tested to ensure they are in proper working condition. According to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, and the vast majority of smoke alarm failures are due to dead or missing batteries. Ten-year smoke alarms require little maintenance, and unlike alarms with removable batteries, they are nearly impossible to deactivate, however they must be tested monthly. “Regardless of the type of alarm in one’s home, it’s also important to clean all alarms to remove debris that might impede their function and to test the batteries, changing them if necessary,” says Firefighter Michael McLeieer from the non-profit fire safety charity E.S.C.A.P.E.
“Installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family,” says McLeieer. “This simple, but vital maintenance includes ensuring that all alarms are equipped with working batteries. It’s critical these mitigation appliances remain operational to prevent future fatalities during fire, smoke or carbon monoxide conditions,” according to McLeieer.
Here are some smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:
* Test all alarms, including 10-year alarms, at least once a month by pressing the test button to be sure they are working.
* If you have an alarm with a removable battery, be sure to change the battery at least annually. If a battery is starting to lose its power, the unit will usually chirp to warn you. Do NOT disable the unit.
* Vacuum or blow out any dust that might have accumulated in the unit.
* NEVER borrow a battery from an alarm to use somewhere else.
* NEVER paint a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
* Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in or near each sleeping area.
* Alarms should not be installed near a window or heat / air conditioner vents because drafts could interfere with their operation.
* There are two kinds of smoke alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.
* When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. * Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
* Replace all alarms in your home every 10 years.
* Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and testing the alarms and replacing the batteries.
Some fire departments and other organizations offer reduced price or even free smoke alarms and may install battery operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number or your local American Red Cross chapter, call WOTV’s Operation Save A Life program toll free at 1-844-978-4400 or email [email protected] for more details on a smoke alarm installation program close to Where You Live!
Photo courtesy Jake the Fire Safety Dog
We provide our pets food, attention, medical care, and love. In exchange, they offer companionship, protection, enjoyment, and their own love for us. For all they have to offer, they must rely on us for protection from harm.
Did you know pet poisoning cases dramatically increase around Valentine’s Day? Some well-intentioned gifts actually can be toxic for pets.
The E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety team and Jake the Fire Safety Dog offer some common causes of pet poisoning along with tips to keep your pet safe:
Roses: Although roses don’t often cause serious poisoning beyond gastrointestinal upset, there’s risk for trauma to the mouth and paws from the thorns. Additionally, if a large enough portion of the rose head or stem is ingested, a bowel obstruction may result.
Lilies: A beautiful but deadly alternative to Valentine’s Day roses is a fresh bouquet of Lilies. The toxin can be found in the petals, leaves, pollen, or even the water in the vase. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and cause acute kidney failure within one or two days of exposure. If not treated, the exposure and ingestion will likely result in death.
Chocolate and cocoa: The classic Valentine’s Day treats can be toxic to pets. Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine that’s highly toxic to dogs and cats. The darker or more concentrated the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, the most dangerous chocolates are baker’s chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and gourmet dark chocolates. Ingestions of small amounts of chocolate may cause mild vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause severe agitation, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, collapse or eventually death.
Xylitol: Xylitol is a commonly used and naturally occurring sugar substitute. It can be used alone or in combination with aspartame or other sweeteners and is used in many sugar-free chewing gums, and baked goods. Around Valentine’s Day, beware of its use in breath mints, colorful candy presents or sugar-free cake or muffin mixes. Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar as well as liver damage in dogs. Within 10-15 minutes of ingestion, dogs may develop hypoglycemia, lose coordination and start vomiting. Collapse and seizures may quickly follow. In rare cases, these signs won’t appear until several hours after ingestion.
Other items to avoid feeding to your pet include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions or onion powder
- Fatty foods
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Macadamia nuts
- Raisins and grapes
If you suspect a poisoning situation involving your pet, contact your local veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service or the ASPCA National Poison Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Regional Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 for poisoning involving people.