Video highlights: Maranda Park Party Wyoming E.S.C.A.P.E., Maranda, Park Party, Safety,
22
Jun 2018

The Maranda Park Party season started off with lots of energy and excitement at Lamar Park in Wyoming on Thursday June 21, 2018 (the first day of summer).

Nearly 8,500 people came out to enjoy all of the great fun and food for free. Whether it was flying down the zip line, grabbing a fruit snack from the Meijer Food Truck, learning about fire safety inside the E.S.C.A.P.E. Mobile Training Center or checking out the Rapid Bus, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

This party set the tone for all of the fun-filled parties to come for the rest of the summer.

Focus on fire safety this holiday season Maranda, Safety, WOTV 4, , ,
05
Dec 2017

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. 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, safety in the kitchen is important, especially when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

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.

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop or cooking your turkey so you can keep an eye on the food and check on it frequently.
  • Keep kids away from the stove. Maintain a three-foot kid free zone away from things that are hot and can burn (the stove, oven, microwave, or food).
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles, or books can keep them busy. Kids can get involved in preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.
  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the oven or stovetop.
  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pets, pocketbooks, or bags.
  • Keep knives, utility lighters, and matches out of the reach of children. Place these tools up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in a room with a lit candle. When you leave the room, extinguish the candle.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working and are located on every level of your home. Test them by pushing the test button, replace batteries annually and replace alarms every 10 years.
  • Never place smoke alarms in the kitchen or immediately outside the bathroom where cooking odors or steam from the shower can cause nuisance activations.
  • Keep exits clear and accessible. In case of a fire, everyone in the home needs immediate access to the closest exit leading outside.

If your family needs a new smoke alarm and you are unable to obtain one, contact your local fire department or e-mail escape@wotv4women.com to learn about the Operation Save A Life smoke alarm installation program close to Where You Live!

 

Campfire safety: be smart outdoors Maranda, Safety, WOTV 4, , ,
05
Jun 2017

campfiresummer

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. Items should never be thrown in 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 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.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you that summer activities are more fun when you know that your kids are safe Where You Live!

 

Be fire safe this holiday season Safety, ,
08
Dec 2016

candle

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 cooking, Christmas trees, candles and holiday decorations. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Cooking

  • Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, with most cooking fires involving the stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.
  • If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
  • Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
  • If you have a cooking fire, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately after you leave.
  • If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit.
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

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 12” 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.

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 Where You Live!

 

Keep your home safe for kids this holiday season Maranda, Safety, WOTV 4, , , , ,
16
Nov 2016

The holiday season can be one of the most dangerous season’s for fires. Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety has some special holiday fire prevention and safety tips.

Christmas Tree

  • Check the wiring on your tree
  • Look for loose ornaments that could become choking hazards
  • Use outlet covers

Kitchen

  • Stand by your pan
  • Use back burners first
  • Create a three foot kid-free zone

Bathroom

  • Keep medication out of reach of children

Pets

  • Reintroduce pets to young children, especially if they’re not used to them

Campfire safety: be smart outdoors Maranda, Safety, WOTV 4, , ,
03
Jun 2016

campfiresummer

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. Items should never be thrown in 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 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.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you that summer activities are more fun when you know that your kids are safe Where You Live!

 

Connecting families with valuable resources E.S.C.A.P.E., Early Childhood Resource Fair, Jake the Fire Safety Dog, Maranda, Operation Save A Life, Safety, , , ,
28
Apr 2016

Connecting families to make sure children have a great start. That was the goal of the Play, Learn, Explore Early Childhood Resource Fair.

The fair took place at the Kent Career Technical Center on April 23. Hundreds of families came to see more than 60 preschool and child care centers and 20 vendors that serve families with young children. There were free resources for families to learn about health, dental care, maternity health, children’s development, and more. It was fun for kids too, with plenty of activities, crafts, music, food, and more!

Kids got to visit with mascots from the West Michigan Whitecaps and Grand Rapids Griffins along with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George. The United Dairy Industry of Michigan was there with easy snacks you can make it home that pack a nutritional punch with dairy. The Kent County Oral Health Coalition talked to families about importance of oral health and access to dental care they have through Healthy Kids Dental.

John Ball Zoo spread the word about family memberships and classes for kids ages three up to high school age. Bethany Christian Services talked to families about being refugee parents. Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. and Operation Save a Life educated children about fire safety and the importance of smoke alarms. And Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s Injury Prevention Program focused on three safety measures – making sure kids are in proper car seats, wear helmets when riding bikes, and never leaving kids unattended in or around water.

 

Michael McLeieer receives Fire Prevention and Education Award Award, Maranda, Safety, , , ,
08
Apr 2016

marandamichaelJake12-1-2015

Michael McLeieer, Jake the Fire Safety Dog, and Maranda in the WOTV 4 studio

Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. is the proud recipient of the 2016 Fire Prevention and Education Award.

The award, sponsored by Nest, was established in memory of volunteer firefighter and NVFC board member Marc Mueller. Each year, it honors a person who has made a major contribution in the field of fire prevention.

McLeieer founded E.S.C.A.P.E. more than 20 years ago to teach children and adults about fire prevention, CPR, and first aid. He is a regular at Maranda Park Parties every summer, spreading his message of fire safety to more than a million children in West Michigan.

Lt. McLeieer will be recognized at a banquet on May 6, 2016, in Alexandria, Virginia. To read more about his accomplishments and the award, click here.

Keep warm and safe this winter Safety, , , ,
15
Jan 2016

spaceheaterWOTV

Winter is just beginning and people are at greater risk for home fires during this time of year. In 2015, there were 103 home fire deaths throughout Michigan. A large number of those fatalities occurred in West Michigan. Since January 1, 2016, at least six people have already died in home fires in Michigan.

We have already experienced winter storms that left homes and businesses without electricity, leaving us to find alternative ways to heat our homes. Whenever we use alternative heating methods we increase the risk of having a home fire or exposing ourselves to dangerous carbon monoxide.

Portable Heaters Need Space

Space heaters cause one-third of home heating fires and four out of five home heating fire deaths. Protect your family: if you’re heating your home with a portable heater, fireplace, or woodstove this winter, take a few moments to review these safety tips.Space Heater Safety

  • Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing and curtains at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater.
  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off.
  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
  • Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.

Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer

On average, more than 150 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning occurring from products and equipment in their home. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses and people may not know that they are being exposed.

The key to protecting your family is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide and ways you can remain safe.

  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
  • Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Test the CO alarm monthly and replace alarms that are over five years old. Newer alarms last as long as ten years.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move everyone to a fresh air location outdoors.  Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for outside. Call 911 from a safe location once outside.
  • During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and ice build-up.
  • During a power outage, a generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
  • Have your heating system serviced regularly by a licensed professional.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

Free Resources

Operation Save A Life is a partnership between WOTV 4 Women, Kidde Fire Safety, West Michigan fire departments and E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety. The goal of this program is to provide free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to area fire departments where they will be installed in high risk homes. For more information about Operation Save A Life, contact your local fire department or e-mail escape@wotv4women.com.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by using common sense and following these simple yet important tips, everyone in your home will keep warm and safe this winter season Where You Live!

Be fire safe this holiday season Safety, ,
20
Dec 2015

candle

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 cooking, Christmas trees, candles and holiday decorations. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Cooking

  • Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, with most cooking fires involving the stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.
  • If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
  • Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
  • If you have a cooking fire, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately after you leave.
  • If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit.
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

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 12” 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.

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 Where You Live!

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