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Author: Posted Date: 6/30/2011 5:08:04 PM
Remington here with the July Fire Safety Blog. Some of you are probably thinking "It’s about time”. Unfortunately, Dad’s computer was down for quite a while and I just wasn’t able to get the blog out. So that’s it with the excuses. Just thinking about it gets me heated up and makes me want to explode. And….with the 4th of July fast approaching, that, my friends, brings us to this month’s topic; "Fireworks!!!!!!!” Fireworks safety is huge whether you live here, in the United States, or a country in another area of the world. In many states and cities it is illegal to have consumer fireworks at all. That’s not a bad thing. According to a 2009 report published by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fireworks were the cause of approximately 22,500 fires and $42 million in property loss in the year 2008. That’s not to mention deaths and injuries related to these fires. Another 2009 report published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that Fireworks Related Injuries for the year 2008 (est. 7000) were actually down from Year 2007 (est. 9800). I guess we could say "that’s a good thing”. And I bet you can just guess what age group and gender rates the highest in these statistics. Of course, that would be males 10 to 24 years of age (62%)…... Surprising???? I don’t think so. While actual deaths don’t seem to be that high (7 in 2008) when talking about fireworks, they are still totally preventable, as are injuries. Deaths and injuries alike both stem from, in almost every case, the misuse or illegal use of fireworks. Hands and fingers, with an estimated 1,400 injuries, accounted for 28 percent of the total injuries, followed by an estimated 1,000 eye injuries, 900 leg injuries, and 800 injuries to the head/face/ear region according to the 2009 CPSC report. Are some "consumer fireworks” safer than others??? Yes. But even sparklers can cause severe injuries and are in fact one of the most dangerous fireworks on the market. Fact…Sparklers burn at approximately 1000 degrees F and 3 sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blow-torch. How’s that for hot? Have your kids wear gloves, full coverage shoes, and eye protection while using all fireworks. And for all my friends out there with teens….If you see them having a renewed interest in sparklers….check to see what they are doing with them. Sparklers have become a leader in consumer fireworks deaths and dismemberments in recent years because of illegal uses. For more information on this subject watch this video. I think it is very self explanatory. Bottom line…..Consumer Fireworks are dangerous. Most are made overseas where quality control measures are, for the most part, non existent. If you feel the need to use consumer fireworks, PLEASE use them in a safe manner. Use proper PPE (personal protective equipment) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each particular firework. Only use fireworks in large, flat, open areas keeping galleries at safe distances. Always have a means of extinguishment available while using fireworks. A charged water hose, 5 gal buckets of water, and maybe even a small dry chemical fire extinguisher would be in order. And remember parents, "SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE, and SUPERVISE some more”. For the best outcome, consider leaving your fireworks displays to the professionals. Plan a family outing to the local Public Display and just kick back and have some family fun. Just remember to leave the pets at home. Even some of the most seasoned hunting dogs can come unglued with all those "bombs bursting in air” on and around the 4th of July. Well….That’s it for this month. Here’s wishing everyone a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July. Remember to test your home Smoke Detectors monthly and talk with family members about escape routes and meeting places. "Smoke Detectors Save Lives” I’m "Remington the Fire Dog” and I’m out of here. ... Read Entire Post Permalink
May, 2011 -- Vehicle FiresAuthor: Rusty Baker Posted Date: 5/4/2011 5:19:11 PM
Hi everyone. Remington here with this months installment of "Remington’s Fire Safety Blog”. We’re going to shift a few gears this month and talk a little about "Hot Rods”. No…..I don’t mean the zero to 100 mph muscle cars from the drag strip. I’m talking about vehicle fires, occurring on average, 377,000 times every year in this country. Did you know that, according to a US Fire Administration report, one in every four Fire Department responses are to vehicle fires? It also states that mechanical or design flaws are the leading cause of vehicle fires and that electrical wiring and fuel are the leading materials ignited in vehicle fires. While collisions are the leading cause of fire related deaths (64%) in vehicles, mechanical and design flaws are attributed to causing the greatest number of injuries. That’s because we get hurt trying to put them out without the proper extinguishment equipment. Carelessness on our part accounts for 8% of vehicle fires. Examples of carelessness include cigarettes dropped on the upholstery; distractions while driving, such as eating or cell phone use; parking over dry leaves or dry grass with a hot catalytic converter; and misuse of flammable liquids, especially gasoline, while servicing or maintaining the car. We all know that vehicle accidents are a fact of life and many of us have been involved in an accident at some point. The best thing we can do if we are involved in an accident is to exit the vehicle, if possible, and move a safe distance away. Sure…there may be an extenuating circumstance that doesn’t allow for a quick exit; but always keep in mind the possibility that there could be electrical and/or fuel issues as a result of the accident, which can suddenly, and without warning, engulf a vehicle in flames. Now, as for the "Carelessness on our part” issue, it’s as simple as being completely attentive to your driving and others. Don’t become distracted by the latest gadgetry in your hand or by my favorite,…Food. And, always be mindful of what you are parking over (dry grass, leaves); a hot exhaust system is as good as a match when it comes to starting a fire. OK….let’s recap. ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. If you are involved in an accident, exit and move away from the vehicles, if possible. DO NOT BECOME DISTRACTED. I think there may be an old "Rock N Roll” song that says it best, "Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes upon the road.” Also, you might consider keeping a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. And, if you happen to get a RECALL on your vehicle, take it in for the fix. Many times these are electrical issues that are already documented as causing fires in your vehicle’s make and model. That’s it for this week. Hope everyone has a GREAT month and stays Fire Safe. Remember those Smoke Detectors in your home. If you don’t have them, get them. If you do have them, make sure they work. SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES. I’m Remington the Fire Dog and I’m out of here. ... Read Entire PostPermalink
April, 2011 -- Elderly & Disabled Fire SafetyAuthor: Rusty Baker Posted Date: 5/4/2011 5:01:20 PM
Well here it is….. April already. Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer, and daylight savings time has gone into effect. So here comes the "BIG” question. How many of my readers remembered to change the batteries in their smoke detectors?????? Now it’s OK…..It’s not too late. This is so important that if you stop reading this right now to take the time to replace those batteries, it won’t offend me at all. Now that we have those batteries taken care of, let’s talk about another "at risk” segment of our population. Last month we discussed fire safety for children. This month we will take a look at the elderly and disabled. This may, at first glance, look like two separate groups, but being elderly could entail decreased mobility, loss of hearing and/or eye sight, or just declining health in general. Let’s face it. We have all seen or know someone, or are ourselves, over that proverbial hill. I know that Dad’s moving slower all the time and we just won’t even talk about his mental state. OK…Now for some facts. Physical disability is a contributing factor in an estimated 360 (13%) home fire deaths each year. 54% of those victims perished even though they had working smoke detectors in the home as compared to only 37% in cases where there were no disabling factors. 53% of these victims were involved in the ignition and were in the area of origin when the incident began. So what is it that puts this segment of the population at such a great risk? Simply put, decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing that may limit a person’s ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency. And depending on these physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver, neighbor, or outside source. So…What can we do to increase our chances of escaping a fire unharmed if disabled? First, we need to remember that time is not our friend and that every second counts. The US Fire Administration has again provided us with an all important "to do list” that will help us accomplish our goal of getting out alive. · Live near an exit: although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you’ll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. · Know at least two exits from every room. · Plan your escape around your capabilities: make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps, and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape. · If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to make sure they get through the doorways. · Practice opening locked or barred doors and windows. · Be sure your home address is clearly marked and visible from the street. · Know which local emergency services are available and have those numbers posted or memorized. · Inform others of your special needs: contact your local fire department on a non-emergency line and explain any special needs. · Involve the assistance of a building manager, family member, or an entrusted friend when practicing your fire escape plan. · Unless instructed by the fire department, never use an elevator during a fire. · When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Leave the home immediately. Once out, stay out! I just love the US Fire Administration. Those folks are so "on the ball”….. So if you have a loved one or a neighbor that might have a physical disability, or you yourself have a physical disability, take a run down this check list and try to incorporate everything from it you can to make their home, your home, and your lives Fire Safe. If you need suggestions with an escape plan, call your local Fire Department on a non-emergency line and ask for their help. In closing may I suggest that you always keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency response number in the case of a fire. And….as always, make sure you have "working smoke detectors” on every level of your home. Smoke Detectors Save Lives!!!!!! I’m "Remington the Fire Dog” and I’m out of here. You can visit Remington on his Face Book page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remington/114360098588921 If you’d like more information on this subject, it is available on the US Fire Administrations web site at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/disability.shtm ... Read Entire PostPermalink
March, 2011 -- Child Fire SafetyAuthor: Rusty Baker Posted Date: 3/4/2011 9:36:47 AM
Hi everyone. Well….It’s that time again. So here comes this month’s edition of "Remington’s Fire Safety Tips”. It is with a heavy heart that I will be discussing this month’s topic because of breaking news being broadcast just prior to this being written. With that being said, our focus for fire safety this month will deal with children. Now I know that this topic may not necessarily directly affect us all, but I am equally sure that there are many of you out there that have homes just full of those cute little dog lovin’ munchkins or that have other family or friends that have small children. So without being too morbid, I’m going to throw out a few statistics for your consideration. According to a statistical study done in 2007, typically, children under the age of 15 have a lower percentage of mortality than that of the general population when talking about Fire Related Deaths. This, however, can be misleading when grouping all children together in one segment. When breaking children out into 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 age groups we learn something very alarming, this being that over 50% of all Fire Related Child Deaths occur in the 0-4 age group. And, as would stand to reason, this group also suffers from the highest percentage (45.5%) of Fire Related Child Injuries. OK…This tells us the "who”…now let’s look at the "why”. When you take a closer look at younger children, it becomes apparent that they are not able to sense danger in the same way as adults. They have a very limited ability to react quickly and properly in emergency situations and typically have little control over their environment. This substantially increases their risk of death and injury in a fire. So now we have the "why”. That leaves us with the "what”. By that I mean what actions can we take to avoid contributing negatively to these statistics? The United States Fire Administration has been kind enough to furnish us with this shortlist of things we can do to help keep children of all ages "Fire Safe”. Keep matches, lighters and other items used for ignition in a secured drawer or cabinet out of the reach of children. Teach your children to tell you when they find matches and lighters. Always dress children in pajamas that meet Federal flammability standards. Avoid dressing children for sleep in loose-fitting, 100% cotton garments, such as oversized t-shirts. Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help from another location. Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out. Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if clothes catch fire. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Get out and stay out. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm. Replace mattresses made prior to the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire. What a great list of ideas and suggestions. All that needs to be done now is to implement them. So… do all you can around your home to address the things listed. Visit your local Fire Department, letting your children familiarize themselves with fire department personnel by having a fireman "Bunker Up” in their Personal Protective Clothing (PPE) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Most importantly, make sure you have Working Smoke Detectors in your home and that everyone knows what they sound like and what to do when one has activated. What’s that called?….Oh yea….Fire Drills. One a month is not too many with young children in the home. Well…That’s all for this month. Hope everyone is having a great start to their year. Daylight Savings Time is right around the corner….Time to change those smoke detector batteries. Remember…Smoke Detectors Save Lives. I’m "Remington the Fire Dog” and I’m out of here. If you’d like more information on this subject, it is available on the US Fire Administrations web site at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v11i9.pdf The following is a partial e-mail received by our Department from the USFA and is the driving force behind this month’s blog. Heartbreaking: Child Fatalities Two days before Valentine’s Day, two children perished in a home fire in Oak Grove, OR. One day after Valentine’s Day, two children and an adult died in a home fire in Jonesboro, AR. In a month filled with hearts and roses, these families received flowers for a different reason and their hearts were most assuredly torn. You and your department know all too well that people are dying every day in home fires across the country. Children are one of two high-risk groups that experience a higher percentage of fatalities, as compared to the general population. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to reduce the number of people, including children, killed in home fires. The U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire Safety Campaign for Parents and Caregivers of Babies and Toddlersreaches out to parents, caregivers and the Fire Service. It’s an excellent resource of fire safety information that contains materials that are 100 percent ready for distribution to people in your community. Ask a Colleague: Are You a Member of the Quick Response Media Corps? The USFA’s Quick Response Media Corps is a great way to get the latest news and updates on fire safety campaigns, as well as general fire safety information. Invite a colleague to become a member of the Quick Response Media Corps. It’s free and carries no commitment! For more information about USFA’s Quick Response Media Corps or to enroll online, go to http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/fireprev/qr/index.shtm USFA Focus on Fire Safety: Children Did you know that 50 percent of child fire deaths affect those under the age of five? Escaping from a fire can be difficult for very young children, because they generally lack the motor skills and mental capabilities needed to quickly escape a burning building. The U.S. Fire Administration provides fire prevention information to teach children and their caregivers about the dangers of fire. Protect your kids: install and maintain smoke alarms and residential sprinklers and practice home fire escape plans to ensure your children will be safe if a fire were to start in your home. Prevention Starts with You! Ninety-six percent of homes in the United States have at least one smoke alarm. However, only three-quarters of all homes have at least one working smoke alarm.* Almost two-thirds of reported home fire deaths in 2003-2006 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. * Source: National Fire Protection Association What Can You Do? Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas. Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. For more information about Focus on Fire Safety, go to: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/children.shtm ... Read Entire PostPermalink
February, 2011 - Fire Safety TipsAuthor: Remington Posted Date: 2/10/2011 3:29:03 PM
Greetings everyone……It’s your old buddy, Remington The Fire Dog, here with this months installment of "Remington’s Fire Safety Tips”. I don’t know what the weather’s like where you are, but "BOY”, it’s sure cold here and nobody likes laying around in front of a warm Fire Place or next to a Portable Heat Source in the living room better than me….well,..maybe my Mom, which brings us to this months topic, "Winter Heat Sources In The Home”. I would suspect that most of us have what would be c ... Read Entire PostPermalink
January, 2011 - Candle SafetyAuthor: Rusty Baker Posted Date: 2/10/2011 3:24:00 PM
Greetings everyone... Remington here with another short blurb about Fire Safety around the home. This month we will focus on those cute little mood setters called candles. Now I know there are lots of you Ladies out there, and more than likely a few Guys too, that just love these waxy, colorful, and sweet smelling little fire sticks, including my own Mom. And…. when used in a safe and proper manner, they can create that perfect ambiance for any particular room or occasion. They are also a great ... Read Entire PostPermalink
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