Live Safe Foundation » Be Prepared

Take the Winter Fire Safety Challenge

Guest — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:10:48 +0000

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division is proud to announce their newest fire safety challenge game: Winter Fire Safety Challenge. Questions cover holiday decorating, top fire causes, carbon monoxide and other safety concerns. You can direct your community members to the game, link to it from your website or use it to present to groups on winter fire safety.

You can play the Winter Fire Safety Challenge, and our four other fire safety challenge games here:

Take the Challenge!

Once you get a chance to play, submit your score and let us know what you think of the game.

Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.

Halloween Safety Tips

Guest — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:18:07 +0000

Halloween is tonight – Monday night, October 31st.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided some helpful tips for parents and kids planning to venture out for trick or treating reminding all to have a S.A.F.E. H.A.L.L.O.W.E.E.N.

Be Safe on Halloween!

S – Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

A – Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

F – Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

E – Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

H – Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

A – Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

L – Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

L – Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

O – Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

W – Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

E – Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

E – Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

N – Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

National Preparedness Month September 2011: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare

Guest — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:45:12 +0000

The theme this year - A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare. – is designed to encourage National Preparedness Month activities that will:

Honor Our First Responders
Encourage Service to Community
Emphasize that Preparedness is a Shared Responsibility

Citizens are encouraged to collectively support each other, neighbor to neighbor, in planning and preparing for a disaster; get an Emergency Supply Kit, make a Family Emergency Plan, and become informed about emergencies and their appropriate response. Concrete, simple steps do make a difference. By getting involved with local community efforts, anyone can ensure that everyonebecomes better prepared.

It is important that organizations and individuals receive this information and participate by:

Registering as a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member at www.Ready.gov/community
Conducting a preparedness activity
Joining a local Citizen Corps Council
Sharing information with others

The Ready Campaign offers a toolkit, including templates, resources, and tips to assist you with promoting emergency preparedness. You will also find an NPM calendar where you can post your events and see activities going on in your state. The Ready Campaign is standing by to help at npm@fema.gov.

National Fire Protection Agency Releases Report on Home Fires

Guest — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:54:19 +0000

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 373,900 home structure fires from 2005-2009 according to new research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to the report, cooking fires remain the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries and smoking materials continue to be the leading cause of home fire deaths.

During the five-year period covered by the report, roughly one in every 310 households per year had a reported home fire. Each year, these fires caused an estimated average of 2,650 civilian deaths, 12,890 civilian injuries, and $7.1 billion in direct property damage. On average, seven people died in U.S. home fires every day.

One-quarter of the home fire deaths resulted from fires that originated in the bedroom, 24% from fires in the family room, living room, or den, and 15% from fires starting in the kitchen. Though only 20% of reported fires occurred between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, half of the deaths were caused by fires reported during this time. Click here to view the top ten fire safety tips from NFPA.

These news stories and other Individual & Community Preparedness news can be found on our website at www.citizencorps.gov.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

Top 25 Wildfires of All Time

Guest — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:41:27 +0000

Although some of the more commonly thought of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, can wipe out billions of dollars in property and take many lives, wildfires can also cause similar damage. Much like hurricanes, wildfires do have their season but have been known to crop up at many different times during the year. With more left to be learned about them, wildfires happened long before man occupied the world. All the uncertainty surrounding them can lead one to wonder with all the technology available to predict and fight fires, have they gotten better, or has a new breed of careless man from the guy who just dumps water on a campfire to the guy looking to collect insurance money just made things worse?

To judge for yourself, we have gathered the top 25 wildfires of all time below. They range from the local to the international, from the recent to the historical, and have numerous causes. Dry conditions, wind, and even the human intervention all make the list, which is ordered mostly by number of people thought to have been killed.

Top National Wildfires of All Time

These wildfires raged in the 50 states and have been known as some of the biggest and most memorable.

The Great Peshtigo Fire
In 1871, the worst recorded forest fire in North American history raged through Northeastern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Known as The Great Peshtigo Fire, it destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of property and took between 1,200 and 2,400 lives. Ironically enough, it also took place at the same as another famous fire in Chicago found further down the list.
Cloquet Fire
In 1918, Americans were being killed in World War I in addition to a deadly Spanish flu epidemic. However in the same year, wildfires in the forests of Minnesota killed 453 and seriously burned 85 others. Ten towns were completely destroyed. The fire was deemed the fault of railroad due to sparks caused by trains.
The Great Hinckley Fire of 1894
This fire tore through the town of Hinckley, Minnesota after a drysummer season. The fire might best be remembered for the heroic acts of the train engineers which were ferreting away survivors as fast as the trains could take them. When it was over, an estimated 418 were dead in an area of about 1,400.
The Great Miramichi Fire
This wildfire is perhaps best remembered for its survivors taking shelter by standing in the nearby river. Even livestock stood with them, and a baby was rumored to have been born there. It took place in 1825 in New Brunswick. The death toll for this fire is thought to be at least 200 killed in both the U.S. and Canada.
The Big Burn
Occurring in Idaho and Montano, this wildfire happened in 1910. It tore through 3 million acres of wildfire and was said to have sent great balls of fire down the mountainsides. The fire claimed 85 lives and set off a debate on forest fires. Popular Mechanics has more on the blaze.
Port Huron Fire
In the second of three famous wildfires to happen in 1871, this one also struck in Michigan in a different part than the Peshtigo Fire. The cities of Port Huron and White Rock burned along with 1.2 million acres. An estimated minimum of 50 people were suspected to have perished.
Oakland Wildfire
Think huge fires only happened in the time of our grandparents? Then read more about these 1991 fires that took place in Oakland, California. It destroyed over 3,000 homes, cost over billion dollars, and killed 25 people, with another 150 injured. The fire is suspected to have begun in the Berkeley Hills from a poorly extinguished grass fire.
California Wildfires 2003
This wildfire is current enough to have been reported on by CNN. It was an 18 mile wall of flames and was dubbed the Cedar Fire. Taking place in the Southern part of the state, it happened near the community of Cuyamaca and tourist town of Julian. Although CNN reported at the time that the death toll was 16, the actual total grew to over 20.
Mann Gulch Fire
Although the death toll was comparatively lower than the above, this fire is best remembered for taking the lives of firemen. The fire happened in Montana’s Helena National Forest in 1949. The Forest Service dispatched a team of firemen called “smokejumpers” to study the fire. However, the fire built up quickly and all but three were killed. However, they did learn a great deal on how to deliver new firefighting techniques and equipment.
Florida Fires of 1998
These fires happened in the summer of the year and displaced over 40,000 people from their homes. However, what is truly fascinating is this transcript from PBS on how modern day firefighters battle a blaze of this magnitude. Modern techniques, equipment, and more are all discussed.

Top International Wildfires of All Time

Because wildfires are not limited to the United States, have a look at the below.

Matheson Fire
In 1916, high winds blowing through the forests of Ontario, Canada turned a small fire into an inferno that destroyed nearly 800 square miles of forest. The towns of Matheson, Cochrane, and Nushka Station were destroyed in minutes. The death toll reached an unheard of 223 for the country, although the actual number was probably higher. The fire led to the passage of tougher fire safety laws for northern Ontario.
Black Saturday Bushfires
The deadliest wildfires in Australia’s history took place in 2009 in Healesville and surrounding areas in the Southeastern state of Victoria. It burned people in their homes and cars, wiped out entire towns, and had killed 130 people at the time of this report. The fire was perpetuated by a long running drought and officials suspected that an additional 400 fires were deliberately set.
Black Friday
Up until the above, this was the worst wildfire in Australian history. Ithappened in 1939 in the same state and killed 71 people. This site has more including an interactive map.
Greek Forest Fires
Proving that wildfires happen in Europe too is this 2007 fire. It happened in the Southern Peloponnese region, near the site of the Ancient Olympics. At the time of the story, 56 were dead with more predicted. Officials blamed arson in several cases after up to 20 new fires broke out overnight after the original fire.
Israel 2010
Although there is plenty of man-made trouble in the Middle East, nature can still strike. In December of 2010, a major forest fire in the Northern part of Israel killed at least 40 people. More than 12,000 people were evacuated from towns and villages and a number of prison guards died in an attempt to evacuate the prison. A bright spot was that in an attempt to put out the blaze, Israel cooperated with eight other countries who sent aircrafts to help battle the blaze.
The Great Fire of Rome
This fire stands out for being one of the very first ever recorded. It happened in the year 64 AD and went on for six days and seven nights. Although the cause was uncertain, there were rumors that Emperor Nero ordered the fire so he could blame it on his Christian enemies. It was also named the “Worst and Strangest Fire” by Socyberty.

Other Top Wildfires of All Time

These fires many not exactly fall under the category of traditional wildfire but are still worth mentioning.

The Great San Francisco Earthquake
In 1906, one of the most significant earthquakes of all time was recorded in the city of San Francisco. However, many of the deaths came from the resulting fires. Between 400 and 700 people were estimated to have perished. The events destroyed 490 city blocks, 25,000 buildings and left 250,000 homeless. You can read actual accounts of the fire from Eye Witness to History.
The Great Chicago Fire
In 1871, one of the best known fires in American history happened in the town of Chicago. While theories of the cause remain hypothesized, with one of the more famous being a spooked cow, it happened after the city’s small firefighting team had already put out 20 other fires. The blaze quickly spread and before being put out by rain, had killed at least 300 people, and had left 100,000 Americans homeless. This interactive guide from PBS has loads more.
London’s Burning
What’s the worst thing that could happen on a street called Pudding Lane? Unfortunately, in the London of 1666 it was the beginning of one of the worst fires ever. By the time it was over, the fire had destroyed almost 80 percent of the city. Because of the practice of simply putting out fires by destroying houses, which were also very susceptible to fire, it was able to spread quickly.
The Reichstag Fire
Taking place in 1933 Germany, if you guessed Nazis has something to do with it, you’re right. The Reichstag was the building of the German parliament, the symbol of their democracy, and thusly, an enemy of Adolf Hitler. Although he and his party stood to gain the most, Hitler publicly blamed the opposing communists and used the blaze as an excuse to arrest them. After the fire, Hitler presented legislation that would transfer power to himself and the members cooperatively voted themselves out of existence.
Mount Saint Helens
Although a volcano eruption isn’t exactly a wildfire, it can be just as deadly. In 1980, this Washington State volcano erupted when an earthquake struck. The blast was heard hundreds of miles away, the pressure wave flattened entire forests, the heat melted glaciers, and 57 people lost their lives. You can even click here to see the eruption on HowStuffWorks.
Happy Land Fire
Because man is often his own worst enemy, this unimaginable fire was set in 1990 in The Bronx. A Cuban refugee had a bout of jealousy concerning his seventeen year old ex-girlfriend. She was an employee at the Happy Land Social Club. In a fit of rage, her ex burned down the club killing her and 86 other people. Although the club had been cited for several violations by the fire department, no follow up ever happened.
John Orr
Proving that arson doesn’t just happen in fits of passion is Orr. He was a fire captain and arson investigator during the 80’s and 90’s in the Southern California Glendale Fire Department. The first on the scene of dozens of arson fires, suspicion soon began to grow around him. After a fingerprint positively identified him as the arsonist, he was convicted of starting a fire that killed four people and was sentenced to life in prison.
Love Letter Fire
Ever burned something your ex gave or wrote to you? Then you have a lot in common with Terry Barton. In 2002, she burned a letter from her estranged husband which resulted in the largest wildfire in Colorado history causing $30 million in damages. A U.S. Forest Service Worker, the matches Barton used to start the fire and pieces of the letter traced the fire back to her and she would go on to be convicted for it.
Fire Bombs
One would think that pro-environment groups would be first in protesting the use of fire as protest, and for the most part, this is true. However, in the case of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), this is wrong. The FBI had ranked the ELF and the ALF as among the nation’s top domestic terrorism threats after a string of attacks beginning in 1996 against U.S. Forest Service buildings, a Vail ski resort, a wild horse slaughterhouse, and other targets. In this 2001 attack, two members were convicted of setting of a firebomb at the University of Washington, causing seven million dollars’ worth of damage.

Article Credits:

This guest post is contributed by Sally Davison, she writes on the topic of fire science degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: sally.davison091@gmail.com.

Safety Tips To Help You Avoid Barbecue Blunders

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:50:26 +0000

Warmer weather is often the signal for backyard chefs to heat up the grill for a barbecue. Unfortunately, that’s when the risk of food poisoning often heats up as well.

The good news is that grill masters can help keep their family and friends safe by following a few tips from the Home Food Safety program. The program is a collaborative effort of the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods.

“Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue or potluck, it’s important to apply the same home food safety techniques to help keep you and your guests safe from food-borne illness,” said registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Jim White.

• Before firing up the coals, scrub the grill, utensils and coolers with hot, soapy water. Set aside plates and utensils to handle raw foods and another set for cooked foods since cross-contamination tops the list of food safety concerns during the grilling season. Always wash utensils in warm, soapy water between uses.

• Plan ahead so you are able to wash your hands before, during and after handling foods outside. According to White, it’s important to wash your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds and keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or pack of moist towelettes nearby when soap and water are not readily available.

• When preparing favorites, such as steak and chicken, remember to use different brushes to baste raw and cooked meats, and boil any leftover marinade before using it to season cooked meats. “A food thermometer is the only way to ensure food has been cooked to the proper temperature,” White said. “It is not safe to rely on color or firmness or wait for the juices to run clear.”

• Stock coolers with plenty of ice and a refrigerator thermometer to ensure foods are stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Don’t let foods stay unrefrigerated for more than two hours, or one hour in hot weather (90 degrees Fahrenheit or above).

The Home Food Safety program is dedicated to raising consumer awareness about the seriousness of food-borne illness and providing solutions for easily and safely handling food.

For a downloadable chart of safe minimum internal temperatures for all your barbecue favorites, visit www.homefoodsafety.org.

When you’re grilling this summer, remember to use different brushes when basting raw and cooked meats.

May is Building Safety Month

admin — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:11 +0000

When you turn on a light switch, do you ever wonder if you’ll be electrocuted? Do you worry about your home’s roof caving in? Or believe your home’s water pipes might be frozen when you turn on the faucet?

Most of us never think twice about these things. That’s because we are confident in the work done every day by the 50,000 members of the International Code Council, the people who safeguard our homes and businesses by creating and enforcing strong building safety codes at the city, county and state levels.

This May, the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) will celebrate its 31st Building Safety Month, An International Celebration of Safe and Sensible Structures. Throughout the month, ICC members will educate the public and builders about building safety and sustainability issues as well as sharing ideas for making structures more energy efficient and durable.

Building Safety Month was formed in 1980 in response to a series of tragedies that could have been prevented through the existence and enforcement of safety codes.

“Building safety codes are often taken for granted, but they are incredibly necessary, and the foundation upon which healthy, secure homes and buildings are built,” said Richard P. Weiland, ICCF Board of Governors and CEO of the Code Council. “Building Safety Month is our way of introducing ourselves to the public and sharing what we know so they can live healthier, safer lives in secure and sustainable homes, schools and buildings.”

Building Safety Month receives support from important industry groups such as BASF – The Chemical Company, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, (FLASH), the National Center for Healthy Housing, (NCHH), The Propane Education & Research Council, (PERC) and BuildingReports among others.

Celebrations across the country will come in many shapes and sizes, from free deck inspections, school assemblies, and official proclamations with governors, to film festivals. Whether the celebrations are formal, ceremonial or just plain fun, the message is that adoption and enforcement of strong buildings codes can make the difference between life and death.

Week One: May 1 – 7 Energy and Green Building

The first week of Building Safety Month will be devoted to green and energy efficiency. Consumers can learn low-cost ways to make existing homes more efficient, long-term strategies for long-term savings, and tips on building green in new construction.

“As a leading provider of energy-saving, durable building materials, our vision is that all families will live in affordable, energy-efficient, safe homes that reduce environmental impacts. This mission and our company’s offerings closely mirror the themes for Building Safety Month,” said Michael Sievers, Business Manager, BASF, the 2011 Building Safety Month Presenting Sponsor.

“Saving energy and protecting the environment are good reasons to build ‘green,’ and new research shows that building green can also improve health,” said Rebecca Morley, Executive Director of the National Center for Healthy Housing, a national non-profit committed to creating safe and healthy homes for children through practical and proven steps. “Modern, enforced building codes can help to maximize the health benefits of green building and to avoid potential unintended consequences of creating tighter buildings,” added Ms. Morley.

Week Two: May 8 – 14 Disaster Safety and Mitigation

The recent disaster in Japan has shined a spotlight on the critical importance of adhering to stringent building codes. Without a steadfast devotion to building earthquake-resistant structures, the devastation in Japan would have been significantly worse.

Major earthquake fault lines, tornado zones, flood-prone coastal areas, dry wildfire targets, and even a volcano are potential hazards within highly populated areas of the United States. During week two of Building Safety Month, consumers will learn how to prepare their homes to be safer from these and other natural disasters.

Education partner the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes,(FLASH) a national non-profit organization, is dedicated to educating consumers on how to prepare homes to withstand an array of national disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, high winds, hurricanes and tornadoes.

“FLASH is thrilled to support ICCF’s Building Safety Month,” says FLASH President/CEO Leslie C. Henderson. “Through our work, we see first-hand the remarkable difference that codes and standards can make in avoiding the devastating effects of natural disasters. The wonderful work of the ICCF and Building Safety Month will reach many people across the country.”

Week Three: May 15 – 21, Fire Safety and Awareness

Despite aggressive education efforts by many organizations, many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable. The third week of Building Safety Month focuses on the critical issue of Fire Safety. In addition to encouraging safe use of smoke detectors, candles and home fireplaces, consumers will learn important tips about safely using gas and electronic appliances.

Week Four: May 22 – 31, Backyard Safety

As Memorial Day approaches, officially kicking off the barbeque and outdoor living season in America, it’s a great time to remind homeowners of the dos and don’ts of installing, operating and maintaining their outdoor appliances.

“Outdoor living spaces are increasingly popular, whether homeowners have a deck with a grill—or something more elaborate with heating, lighting and a pool or spa,” says Stuart Flatow, Vice President Safety & Training of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). “By supporting the ICCF’s Backyard Safety Week, we at PERC want to help homeowners enjoy their backyards—while keeping that space safe.”

First observed in 1980 as Building Safety Week, Building Safety Month is a program of the International Code Council Foundation. The International Code Council Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to promote public awareness of ideas‚ methods and technologies that encourage the construction of safe, durable and sustainable buildings and homes, reducing the devastating effects of building damages due to natural disasters and other tragedies.

SOURCE: International Code Council Foundation via PRNewswire and USNewswire.

12th Annual Leadership Dublin Community Service Day

admin — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:47:31 +0000

Blaze the Trail 5K presented by The Ohio State University Burn Center and the Christine Wilson Foundation

Jill — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:30:00 +0000

The Friends of the OSU Burn Center (in conjunction with the Christine Wilson Foundation) present Blaze the Trail 5K run and Family Fun 2K Walk. The proceeds of the run will benefit The OSU Burn Center’s Development Fund, which allows the OSU Burn Center to raise funds to support patient care after hospitalization, to enhance research programs, to develop community outreach programs and to promote continuing education opportunities. In addition, with the Christine Wilson Foundation support, the run will raise student body and university education and awareness of burn and fire prevention. The Blaze the Trail run is an annual renewal of the commitment from the University, it’s administration, the student body and staff to do everything we can to educate and prevent.

Below are details of this year’s event -

Date: Sunday, April 10, 2011
Location: Recreation & Physical Activity Center – OSU (directions on attached link)
Time: 9:00am start time; registration begins at 8:00am
Entry Fee:
- Kids Registration: $5 now through April 3rd. $10, April 4th through race day.
- OSU Students: $10 now through April 3rd, $15 April 4th through race day.
- NON-OSU/Adults: $25 now through April 3rd, $30 April 4th through race day.

Awards:
- The top 3 male and female finishers will be rewarded
Course Map: Follow attached Link

How to Register
- Online
- During packet pickup at Front Runner on Lane Ave
- Race Day starting at 8:00am
Race Packets
- All participants will receive a t-shirt and post race refreshments
Packet Pick Up
- April 4-8th, 10am-8pm; and April 9th 10-6pm at Front Runner, 1344 W Lane Ave, Columbus , OH , phone: 614-486-0301.