Maranda Park Parties kick off in Wyoming Maranda, Park Party, Safety, , ,
17
Jun 2015

One of the biggest free parties in West Michigan returns for another summer on Thursday, June 25! Maranda is kicking off her 21st season of Maranda Park Parties at Lamar Park in Wyoming. Each Maranda Park Party is held from noon until 2 p.m. Everyone is invited and everything is free!

"We love Park Parties" sign at Wyoming Park Party, Lamar Park
“We love Park Parties” sign at Wyoming Park Party, Lamar Park – June 26, 2014

The Wyoming Park Party is bigger and better than ever with two brand new activities: a giant obstacle course and a Ferris wheel!  Lamar Park will be filled with more than 50 different vendors providing a variety of free services, information, and activities.

Kids can rock out with a house band or get a free haircut for summer provided by Grand Rapids First Church! E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety is celebrating 20 years of keeping kids safe with a new bounce house where families can come meet Jake the Fire Safety Dog. Also in Wyoming, the first 80 families who donate a bag of new or gently used items to the Bethany’s Thrift Store will receive an Entertainment Book.

Once again in working with USDA, Michigan Department of Education and local school districts, free lunch will be served to anyone 18 and under starting at 11:30 a.m., while supplies last. Every Park Party also includes free activities, games, entertainment and, of course, prizes!

This year Maranda and the Park Party team will be traveling to five communities bringing a supersized celebration to all.

  • June 25 – Lamar Park, Wyoming
  • July 9 – Berlin Raceway, Marne
  • July 16 – Kollen Park, Holland
  • July 23 – Smith Ryerson Park, Muskegon
  • July 30 – Northwestern Middle School, Battle Creek

 

Operation Save A Life: Keeping West Michigan families safe Operation Save A Life, Safety, , , ,
09
Jun 2015

Recent statistics show the number of fire-related deaths are on the rise in Michigan. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, from Jan. 1 to June 2, 2015 the number of fire deaths were up 25-percent from 2014. A total of 61 people died in fires across the state. Twenty-three of those deaths were in West Michigan which is a 48-percent increase over this same time last year.

Operation Save A Life is working to save lives by providing free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to fire departments in West Michigan where they will be installed in high risk homes by trained firefighters.

“We’re finding the majority of fire fatalities are occurring in homes that don’t have working smoke alarms,” said Michael McLeieer, program coordinator for Operation Save A Life.” We want to make sure that families have working smoke alarms.”

“Electrical fires seem to be one of the major issues behind this. Unsafe use of extension cords, things of that nature. Be attentive to anything you’re doing with the stove,” said Fire Marshall Ted Karnitz of the Norton Shores Fire Department.

Nearly 3,000 smoke alarms have been installed throughout Muskegon County since Jan. 1.

There will also be a big push for fire safety education at all five Maranda Park Parties this summer.

For a complete list of West Michigan smoke alarm installation programs, click here. If your community is not listed or you have questions about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, or home fire safety, send an email to [email protected].

 

Get ready for Maranda Park Parties Maranda, Park Party, Safety, , ,
02
Mar 2015

This summer promises to be full of free family fun with a new schedule of Maranda Park Parties. Families are invited from across West Michigan!  E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety and Jake the Fire Safety Dog will be teaching fire safety at all of the Park Parties again this summer.

Maranda and the Park Party team are headed to five communities this year:.

  • June 25 – Lamar Park, Wyoming
  • July 9 – Berlin Raceway, Marne
  • July 16 – Kollen Park, Holland
  • July 23 – Smith Ryerson Park, Muskegon
  • July 30 – Northwestern Middle School, Battle Creek

Each Park Party is held from noon until 2 p.m. Free lunch is served to anyone 18 and under starting at 11:30 a.m., while supplies last. Every Park Party includes free activities, games, entertainment, and prizes! Everyone is invited and everything is free!

Follow updates about the Park Parties this year on social media using #MarandaParkParty!

 

State Fire Marshal urges home fire safety during bitter cold Safety, , , , ,
18
Feb 2015

house-in-winter

With the winter of 2015 wearing on with increasingly frigid temperatures, State Fire Marshal Richard Miller urges fire safety for all Michiganders, especially the elderly who are most at risk when it comes to fire.

“It is so important to talk about fire safety with our elderly parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors,” said Miller. “Start with making sure they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Go over fire safety practices and develop a fire escape plan with them. These are the things that will have the greatest impact on their ability to prevent or survive a fire.”

Miller said non-working or missing smoke alarms were the common reasons for many of Michigan’s home fires and related fatalities, and noted that having working smoke alarms may reduce the risk of dying in a fire by as much as 60 percent.

“Install smoke alarms next to sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Interconnect them so when one sounds, they all do,” said Miller. “Test alarms monthly and change batteries annually. For the deaf or hard of hearing, consider installing smoke alarms that use a flashing light or a bed shaker to alert them of a fire emergency.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, adults over age 65 are more than twice as likely to die in fires. Seniors over age 85 are more than four times as likely to die in a fire. Older adults are at higher risk because their ability to respond to or escape a fire is often slower due to physical limitations.

Many precautions can be taken to help ensure fire safety, including:

Smoking safety

  • Smoking is the number one cause of home fires that kills older adults.
  • Smoke outdoors when permissible and never smoke when using medical oxygen or near the presence of oxygen tanks.

Cooking safety

  • Fires caused by cooking are the leading cause of fire-related injuries in the elderly.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Wear short sleeves or roll them up so they don’t catch on fire.
  • Never lean over a lit burner.
  • Keep anything that can burn away from the stove.
  • If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
  • Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time.

Electrical safety

  • Have a licensed electrician inspect the electrical system to be sure it is safe and meets the applicable Michigan Electrical Code requirements.
  • Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or light fixture.
  • Plug major appliances directly into a wall outlet.
  • Do not use cracked or worn extension cords; do not overload cords.

Heating safety

  • Have the furnace inspected by a professional every year.
  • Never use the oven or stove to heat your home.
  • Unplug a space heater if you leave the room or go to bed; keep it at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off if it tips over.

Candle safety

  • Never leave candles unattended.
  • Place them in sturdy holders away from anything that can burn.
  • Never use them in bedrooms or where medical oxygen is being used.
  • Always use a flashlight, not a candle in an emergency.

Practice an escape plan

  • Know and practice two ways out of every room in your home.
  • Practice unlocking and opening the windows and doors.
  • If you use a wheel chair or walker, check all the exit routes in advance to be sure you can get through doorways. If not, map out acceptable escape routes and discuss your escape plans with your family, the building manager or neighbors.
  • Keep eyeglasses, keys, hearing aids, and a phone within reach next to your bed.
  • Your first priority in fire is always to get out and stay out. Do not stop to call the fire department until you are safe outside.
  • Never try and fight the fire yourself and do not stop to gather personal belongings.
  • If there’s smoke, stay as low to the floor as possible and cover your mouth.
  • If in an apartment building or nursing home, always use the stairways to get out – never use the elevator.
  • Call for 911 if you cannot escape or are attempting to get out.

Adults over age 60 comprise 20 percent (20.2%) of Michigan’s population. More than 32 percent (32.8%) of all Michigan households have someone age 60 or older living in them.

If you know of someone who is in need of a free smoke alarm or have questions about smoke alarms, email [email protected].

 

Make it a safe holiday season Where You Live Maranda, Safety, Videos, , ,
18
Dec 2014

The holiday season can be one of the most dangerous seasons for fires. Firefighter 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
11th annual family fire safety day teaches families to be prepared Events, Fire Prevention Month, Safety, , , , , , , ,
25
Oct 2014

11th Annual Family Fire Safety Day - 10/25/2014

11th Annual Family Fire Safety Day – 10/25/2014

PORTAGE, MI – October 25, 2014 – E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Safety, WOOD TV 8, WOTV 4, AM 590 WKZO, 106.5 WVFM and WNWN 98.5 FM invited families to learn how to be fire safe today at the 11th Annual Family Fire Safety Day from 10am – 2pm at Lowe’s in Portage.

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The day included a variety of activities. For starters, there were free 9-volt and AA battery and smoke alarm give-a-ways (while they lasted).  Plus, children and families had the chance to meet WVFM’s Ken Lanphear and  WOOD TV’s Bill Steffen as well as Jake The Fire Safety Dog from E.S.C.A.P.E.

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Jake guided families as they crawled under the smoke inside the E.S.C.A.P.E. fire safety demonstration trailer and went outside to the designated meeting place.

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In addition, a Life EMS Ambulance was on location and paramedics distributed safety information and a Portage fire engine was also available for a tour that offered the opportunity to ask the crew about their equipment.

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Jake the Fire Safety Dog invited his friend, Dr. Seely Rotigel, to join us this year. She promoted health and safety for Jake and his four legged friends.

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Coffee Rescue was on location serving refreshments again this year.

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There was even a Halloween costume contest for kids with prizes at 11am.

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Adults even had the opportunity to enter to win free fire safety items.

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“2013 ended with the worst civilian fire fatality rate not seen since 1999 throughout Michigan,” said Firefighter Michael McLeieer, President and Founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. “Most of the fatalities, especially those here in West Michigan occurred in homes without working smoke alarms.  It’s through events like the Family Fire Safety Day that we can connect the community and first responders together to educate and empower families to plan, prepare and practice fire safety all throughout the year,” said McLeieer.

E.S.C.A.P.E. would like to thank our generous sponsors and supporters of this annual event:

The E.S.C.A.P.E. Mobile Training Center Fire & Safety Trailer

The E.S.C.A.P.E. Mobile Training Center Fire & Safety Trailer

Our five bugle premier media sponsors

Our five bugle premier media sponsors

The 2014 E.S.C.A.P.E. Mobile Training Center five bugle sponsors.

The 2014 E.S.C.A.P.E. Mobile Training Center five bugle sponsors.

To view the photo album from the 11th Annual Family Fire Safety Day, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.881251331885780.1073741868.126934187317502&type=1

For more information about E.S.C.A.P.E. and other fire safety tips, visit http://www.escapeinc.org or http://www.jakethefiredog.org.

 

2014 West Michigan fire prevention activities Events, Fire Prevention Month, Safety, , , , , , ,
27
Sep 2014

fireman-boots-9-2014

October is National Fire Prevention Month. This year’s theme is “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Test Yours Every Month!”. From Fire Department Open Houses to events with a focus on fire prevention education, there are numerous opportunities for children and families to attend one of the following events and learn about fire safety and injury prevention close to Where You Live.

(Please note: event dates and times may be subject to change. Please check with your local fire department for more details)

Allegan County 

Dorr Township Fire Department
4th Annual Dorr Twp. Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast and Open House
4196 18th Street
Dorr, MI 49323
Saturday October 11, 2014
7 – 11 a.m.

  • Serving: Pancakes, eggs, sausage, hash browns, beverages.
  • Donations accepted with some of the proceeds going to start a scholarship program for High School Seniors entering Fire Science or EMS.
  • Games and prizes, along with face painting for kids
  • Also there will be a silent auction

Otsego Fire Department
Home Depot Safety Day
1227 M-89
Plainwell, MI 49080
Saturday October 11, 2014
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Plainwell Department of Public Safety
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Public Safety Building
119 Island Avenue
Plainwell, MI 49080
Saturday October 4, 2014
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Building Tours
  • Fire Prevention Information
  • Jr. Firefighter Combat Challenge
  • Allegan County Smoke House for Kids
  • Smoke Alarm Information
  • Red Cross Van with Safety Information
  • Hot Dogs from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Wayland Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week Open House
160 West Superior Street
Wayland, MI 49348
Wednesday October 8, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.
Any questions feel free to call (269) 792-6300

  • Free refreshments and cookies will be provided

 

Kalamazoo County 

11th Annual Family Fire Safety Day
Lowe’s of Portage
Portage Department of Public Safety – Fire Division
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety / WOOD TV 8 – WOTV 4
5108 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
Saturday October 25, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Meet WOOD TV8’s Bill Steffen and Jake the Fire Safety Dog. Free nine volt batteries and smoke alarms will be available (while supplies last). The E.S.C.A.P.E. Smoke Demonstration trailer will teach families how to be safe from fire. Free fire extinguisher demonstration. Tour the Portage Public Safety Fire Engine, Life EMS Ambulance and learn about smoke alarms from Safe Kids of Kalamazoo County. Free games and prizes for those who know the correct answers to the safety questions presented throughout the day. Halloween costume contest begins at 11 a.m. with prizes.

Comstock Township Fire & Rescue
Fire Department Open House
Central Station #1
1960 River Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Saturday October 11, 2014
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Meet the firefighters, learn about a fire truck, auto extrication demonstration will begin at 1 p.m., use a thermal imaging camera, visit with Sparky™ and Friends, enjoy refreshments and win door prizes.

Portage Department of Public Safety – Fire Division
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Station #1 – 7800 Shaver Road
Portage, MI 49024
Saturday October 11, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Richland Township Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week Open House
7401 North 32nd Street
Richland, MI 49083
Saturday October 11, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Kent County 

Grandville Fire Department
Annual Open House
3215 Wilson Avenue
Grandville, MI 49418
Tuesday October 7, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.

For more information, please contact the fire station at (616) 530-6211

  • Learn fire safety, see a police car, fire truck and an ambulance!
  • Enjoy cookies, popcorn, and drinks!
  • Meet Sparky™ The Fire Dog, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Paramedics!
  • Learn CPR!  Save a Life!

John Ball Zoo Goes Boo
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety / Grand Rapids Fire Department
1300 West Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49501
Friday October 17, 2014
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Walker Fire Department
Fire Prevention Open House
4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Walker, MI 49534
Monday October 6, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.

  • Activities will include tours of the fire station and apparatus.  Home fire safety information and packets will be distributed to attendees.  There will be free smoke alarms available for those who visit with an emphasis on Walker firefighters installing them for Walker residents.

 

Muskegon County 

Dalton Township Fire Department
1650 E. Riley Thompson
Muskegon, MI49445
For more information, call (231) 766-3277
Wednesday October 8, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.

Muskegon Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Central Station – 770 Terrace Street (next to Hot Rod Harley)
Muskegon, MI 49440
Sunday September 28, 2014
2 – 4 p.m.

The Muskegon Fire Department would like to cordially invite you and your family to our annual Fire Prevention Open House.  Anticipated activities include:

  • Jaws of Life demonstrations
  • Tours of Central Station
  • Displays of all Fire Department apparatus
  • Working hose lines for the kids
  • The Fire Prevention Theatre
  • Hazardous Materials Team will be showing off their equipment
  • Free Food and Refreshments
  • Fun for kids of all ages!
  • A glimpse into the daily life of a Firefighter in Muskegon

 

Ottawa County 

Georgetown Township Fire Department
Fire Prevention Open House
Fire Station #1
Corner of 14th Avenue & 44th Street
Georgetown Charter Township
Thursday October 2, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.

 

Play it safe with fire during the holidays Maranda, Safety, , , ,
09
Dec 2013

Maranda sits down with Firefighter Michael McLeieer from E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety to talk about ways to stay safe during the holiday season Where You Live!

Candle Fire Safety

  • Keep a 1-foot circle of safety – a clear area around the candle.  Avoid placing candles near curtains, table cloths, or other things that can catch fire.
  • Put out the candle when you leave the room or go to bed.  Never leave a lit candle unattended.
  • A safer choice would be to use a battery operated candle instead of a real candle to prevent a fire.
  • Closely supervise children and pets when using a candle.

Smoke Alarms

  • During the holidays, think of giving the “gift of safety”.  Give smoke alarms, escape ladders and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years.
  • Replace carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that are older the 5-7 years.
  • Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when the clocks are changed for Daylight Saving Time or Eastern Standard time.

Kitchen Fire Safety

  • Unattended cooking is the leading cause for home fires.
  • Stand by Your Pan when cooking, broiling or frying.
  • Put a Lid on Pan fires on the stove, and turn of the burner and allow the pan to cool before moving it.
  • For oven fires, turn off the oven and close the oven door.  Evacuate everyone out of the home and call 911 from the meeting place once safely away from the home.
  • Use back burners first on the stove to prevent young children from reaching up and burning their hands.
  • Turn pan handles inward to prevent the hot contents from being spilled on people or pets.
  • Be Alert!  Never cook when you are drowsy, or have consumed alcohol or taken medication.

Space Heater Safety

  • Turn off a space heater when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended.
  • Portable heaters need space.  Keep a 3-foot area clear of the space heater.  Clothing, furniture and papers all can be fire hazards if placed too close to a portable heater.

Pet Safety

  • Create a 3-foot kid free zone from hot things (the stove, microwave and hot foods) to prevent burns.
  • Keep pets in another room, away from the kitchen and holiday action.
  • Introduce pets slowly to young children.  Pets can be easily scared of the quick actions of children.

Remember to give the gift of safety this holiday season, Where You Live!

 

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