Spring is here! Remember to play it safe outside Safety, WOTV 4,
29
May 2019

With warmer weather and longer days approaching, people throughout Michigan are emerging from their winter cocoons to focus on long-neglected projects like spring cleaning, home repairs, and yard work. Many are also lacing up their shoes for their first outdoor walk or jog of the season. These activities can be extremely beneficial, but they also involve a variety of health and safety hazards that can be avoided with the proper precautions.

To help ensure everyone in our community stays safe this season, E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. offers the following tips and suggests you post them where they can be seen by your family members and co-workers.

Cleaning for Safety:

Nature is undergoing a fresh start and so are homeowners who are ready to clean up the debris that has been accumulating in basements, storage sheds, and garages over the winter.

  • Household and pool chemicals, paints, and poisons should be properly marked and stored under lock and key, away from children’s reach.  Dispose of any that are leaking, expired, or that look bad.
  • When cleaning up hazardous chemicals wear rubber gloves and follow the safety direction on the packaging.  Never mix chemicals in the same container.  If you don’t’ know how to dispose of them, seek outside advice.  Never put them into the trash or pour down the drain.
  • Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and stored in a cool, dry place away from the house and out of the reach of children and pets.  Use only approved containers for gasoline storage.
  • Never use gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts, or floors.
  • Clean up work areas.  Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches, or other work items away from children’s reach.
  • Check your barbecue grill for leaks and cracks and be sure to store any propane tanks away from your house and garage.
  • Remove all fire hazards, including stacks of rags, newspapers, and magazines.  Pay special attention to the spaces around your furnace, hot water tank, fireplace, space heaters, and dryer, as well as under the stairs.

Yardwork Safety:

Itching to get the yard into shape for the summer?   Here are ways to help ensure your spring spruce-up is disaster-free.

  • Limber up.  Yard chores may seem easy, but they involve muscles you probably haven’t used in a while.
  • Always wear protective clothing when you handle pesticides and fertilizers.
  • More than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for lawn-mower injuries.
    • Rake before you mow to prevent any stones and loose debris from launching into the air.
    • Never operate a mower in your bare feet and avoid wearing loose clothing.
    • Never start a mower indoors.
    • When refueling your mower, make sure the engine is off and cool.  Don’t spill gasoline on a hot engine — and don’t smoke while pouring gasoline.
    • Never leave your mower operational while unattended.
    • Don’t use electrical mowers on wet grass.
  • At least 55,000 people each year sustain injuries from trimmers, lawn edgers, pruners and power saws.
    • Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the tools.
    • Inspect the product for damage and don’t use it if there are problems.
    • Use proper eye protection.
    • Make sure blade guards are in place on all cutting equipment.
    • Don’t let tools get wet unless they are labeled “immersible.”
    • Unplug all tools when not in use.
    • Make sure the tool is in the “off” position before you plug it in.
    • Store gasoline-powered equipment away from anything that uses a pilot light.
    • Make sure you use the right saw for the task, and always wait for the saw blade to stop before pulling away from a cut to avoid kickback.
  • When pruning trees, be careful not to let metal ladders or trimmers contact overhead wires.
  • Before you do any “hands on” weed removal, make sure you know how to identify poison ivy, sumac, oak and similar toxic plants.  Find out ahead of time how to treat the rashes they cause to reduce the irritation.

Outdoor Safety:

Ready for some outdoor exercise and adventure?  Here are a few pointers.

  • Winter’s inactive muscles can take only so much strain.  Don’t overdo it — build up slowly so you don’t have strains that can put you out of commission for some time.
  • It may look appealing, but don’t wander on frozen rivers and lakes in the spring.  The ice is beginning to thaw, and you never know just how thin the ice really is.
  • Spring’s extra rain and thawing snow can cause normally safe rivers, streams, and creeks to turn treacherous.  Even standing on banks can be risky as they can be undercut by rushing water and give in under your weight.
  • Springtime is also severe weather time.  If the skies look threatening, check to see if a storm watch or warning has been issued before you initiate outdoor activities.  If you’re already outside and thunderstorms threaten, go immediately into a building or enclosed vehicle.  For tornadoes, go to the nearest safe structure, or the basement or interior first-floor room of your home.  If there’s no time to follow these precautions, take cover in a ditch or depression in the ground.

Ladder Safety:

Ready to do some home repairs?  On average, about 145,000 people visit the emergency room each year, because of ladder mishaps.  Here are a few safety tips:

  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your ladder.  They contain guidelines for weight and height limits as well as for the proper use of their product.
  • Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure there are no loose or broken rungs.
  • Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job.  Many accidents happen when people overextend their reach because their ladders are too short.
  • Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf.
  • Make sure the ladder is completely open and that all of its feet are planted on a firm, level surface.  Extension ladders should not be placed at an angle that is too extreme.
  • Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical sources.
  • Face the ladder when climbing down and make sure your weight is centered between the two sides.

“These are just a few of the safety precautions to consider during the spring,” says Michael McLeieer, President of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc.  “It’s also a great time to replace your smoke alarm batteries, make sure your fire extinguishers are placed in proper locations around your home, and ensure you have a working flashlight and battery-powered radio for spring storms.  By taking the right precautions when warmer weather beckons, you and those around you can enjoy a safer, healthier spring.”

 

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!

 

Family fire safety day provides free smoke alarms Fire Prevention Month, Safety, , , , , , , ,
21
Oct 2016

This family event combines safety with a whole lot of fun! Join E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety, WOOD TV8’s Chief Meteorologist Bill Steffen and Jake the Fire Safety Dog for the 13th Annual Family Fire Safety Day on October 22nd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Free nine volt batteries and smoke alarms will be available (while supplies last) and you can visit with Portage firefighters and tour their fire truck. If you need a smoke alarm installed in your owner occupied home, call toll free 1-844-978-4400 or email [email protected].

Family Fire Safety Day
Saturday October 22nd – 10am – 2pm
Lowe’s in Portage – 5108 S. Westnedge Ave.

 

Smoke alarm safety program provides devices, installation and education for GR families Operation Save A Life, Safety, WOTV 4, , ,
15
Aug 2016

smokealarmhandWOTV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) – The City of Grand Rapids Fire Department wants to make sure you’re safe in your home!  Carly Munoz, WOTV 4 Women crew member, recently took the time to schedule an appointment to have them come and install free smoke detectors in her Grand Rapids home.  It was such an awesome experience for her and her kids!   Her kids were delighted to see a big red fire engine pull up next to their driveway and to have several firefighters come inside their home.

The firefighters were professional, fun and great with the kids.  Munoz said, “I know what you’re thinking. Firefighters are coming inside my home?  EEK!  I’d have to clean up and what if they see something that maybe we’re doing wrong or is installed wrong… then what?”  It wasn’t like that at all.  They were coming in with the sole intent to keep her family safe.  They talked with the kids, they determined where they alarms needed to be placed and asked for the family’s input on installation locations and options.

EatonMunoz

They didn’t care about stepping over the kids toys, or the major pileup of clutter in my furnace room.  They did run through some tips and safety pointers with Carly at the end, which she appreciated.  Quick little bits of information that are good for homeowners to know to prevent a fire.  They told her to make sure to consistently clean her lint trap on her dryer, to maybe push that “clutter pile” back away from the furnace so nothing catches fire, and to make sure the grill is away from the garage when her family barbecues so nothing goes up in flames other than the steaks.  She actually found it really helpful!

They didn’t charge her or expect anything in return.  They even let the kids come out to the fire truck for a tour and pics when they were done!  Bonus!

CarolandEastonGRFD

How to sign up:

REQUIREMENTS:

Reside within the City of Grand Rapids
Be a home owner, residing within the dwelling.
Rentals do not qualify at this time.
Homeowners can ensure their safety by scheduling an appointment. Contact us at 311

Not a GR resident? Call to set up an appointment within your area through Operation Save A Life: 1.844.978.4400

LIST: West Michigan Smoke Detector Installation Programs

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!

 

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.

Be fire safe for back to school Maranda, Safety, , ,
02
Sep 2015

A fire alarm with built in strobe light to alert in case of fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to approximately 5,690 fires at education buildings each year. These fires caused an annual 85 civilian injuries and $92 million in direct property damage. Almost a quarter of all school fires are started intentionally. Safety education and preparation should be a priority for every family and school official.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety offers these tips to play it safe as children and adolescents return to school:

  • Fire drills should be held at least once a month while school is in session (weather permitting).
  • Principals, teachers or other school staff must inspect all exits daily to ensure that stairways, doors, and other exits are working properly and are unblocked.
  • On the day of the drill, the emergency drill alarm should be sounded on the school fire alarm system. Make sure everyone can recognize the sound of the alarm and knows what to do when it sounds.
  • Teachers, officials, and staff should be familiar with the school’s fire protection system, including the location of fire alarms pull stations and sprinklers.
  • Every room in the school should have a map posted identifying two ways out. In schools with open floor plans, exit paths should be obvious and kept free of obstruction.
  • On the day of the fire drill, everyone in the school should participate.
  • Students with specific needs should be assigned an adult or a student buddy to assist them. Fire drills are a good opportunity to identify who among the student population requires extra assistance.
  • While it’s important to make sure that students leave the building as quickly as possible, order is more important than speed when it comes to conducting a safe fire drill.
  • Use the class rosters to ensure every student is accounted for.
  • Fire drills should be held both at expected and at unexpected time, and under varying conditions in order to simulate the conditions that can occur in an actual emergency.
  • School fire drills are a model for students to use in their homes. Encourage students to practice their escape plans at home – just as they do at school

If a student engages in firesetting or other negative high risk taking behavior, contact your local fire department or visit www.kidsandfire.org for a list of West Michigan Fire Department based Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention programs.

College Fire Safety

While the above tips focus mostly on elementary, middle and high schools, they can also apply to college buildings, where firefighters respond to about 3,810 fires each year – 88% of which are due to cooking mishaps. Here’s a college-level course in fire prevention:

On-campus precautions

  • Cook only in designated areas
  • Keep cooking areas clean and free of clutter
  • Never leave cooking unattended
  • In case of a fire inside a microwave, close the door and unplug the unit

Campus lab precautions

  • Never leave lab experiments or pressure vessels unattended
  • Keep flammable gases and chemicals away from heat

Off-campus precautions

  • Be sure each bedroom has a working smoke alarm
  • Make sure the building sprinkler system is well maintained
  • Building heating and fire-prevention systems need to be checked annually by fire officials

General precautions

  • Identify the two closest exits and all possible evacuation routes
  • Know locations of fire alarms and how to use them
  • Report vandalized fire equipment to campus security

Fire Prevention Week is recognized each October. However, fire safety should be practiced 365 days a year. Whether you’re at home, in the office or at school, safety should come first. Do your part to protect yourself and those around you Where You Live!

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