Live Safe

Propane Safety July 28th, 2011

Propane, also called LP-gas, is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when properly used. Regardless of the type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. An understanding of how your delivery system and appliances work, and what to do in case of a leak or other safety-related emergency are extremely important when dealing with propane as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and gasoline. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 84% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes involve ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types involved were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves, due to part failures and leaks.

Handle Propane with Care - safety is important!

Follow these important safety tips when using propane at home:

Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer¹s instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.
Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home. Any gas leaking from a cylinder could build up and be ignited by a flame or spark, causing an explosion or a fire.
Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home or on a balcony or porch. High levels of carbon monoxide gas can be generated causing serious illness or death.
Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning lighting an appliance pilot.
If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it the distinctive rotten egg smell.
For more information visit, the Propane Education and Research Council Web site at www.propanecouncil.org.

Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.

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.

Tags: fires, gasoline, nfpa, propane
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Campus Fire Forum 2011 is the Campus Fire Safety educational event of the year! July 21st, 2011

Come join us for the Campus Fire Forum 2011 – the Campus Fire Safety educational event of the year! Located at the Indianaoplis Marriott, November 7-9, 2011.

We’ll be offering educational workshops,conducted by some of the nation’s leading fire safety and industry professionals, and hosted networking receptions. We’ll also be showcasing the advancements in products that provide solutions to campus fire safety enhancements. And don’t forget our Town Meeting, which has always been a highly successful group discussion forum.

For CCFS Members … we’ll be holding our annual member meeting and luncheon immediately after the forum.

Training - Exhibits - Networking - CEU's...and More!

Here are some highlights of the conference:

Discussing achievements of campus and fire safety professionals.
Learning what others have done to contribute to campus fire safety.
Finding solutions and safety enhancements through product advancements.
Offering educational workshops conducted by leading safety professionals.
Including technology exhibits and networking receptions.
Conducting our Town Meeting, a highly successful group discussion forum.
And much more! Registration is now open.

Campus Fire Forum History:

Campus Fire Forum is the only national conference that focuses exclusively on campus fire safety issues
and continues to offer you the opportunity to learn from the experts and interact with campus fire safety
professionals from across the country. Hundreds of attendees representing colleges, universities,
fire officials, city and state authorities and many other disciplines will be in attendance.

This the official Campus Fire Forum, presented by The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS), the nation’s only
non-profit organization devoted to reducing the loss of life from fire at our nation’s campuses. Beginning over
11 years ago, as an “invitation only” event, the Campus Fire Forum has steadily grown in popularity and is now now the nation’s premiere conference focusing specifically on fire safety in the campus community.

Join your colleagues and network with your peers from across the country and around the world. From the educational sessions, vendor’s exhibit and the popular Town Meeting, you’ll gain new ideas and proven techniques to protect your campus community.

10 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950

978.961.0410 | SupportTeam@campusfiresafety.org

Click or Visit www.campusfiresafety.org/campus-fire-forum

Tags: Campus, CCFS, center for campus fire safety, fire safety, Indianapolis
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Keep Your Cool This Summer July 7th, 2011

Working or playing in hot temperatures can trigger a variety of medical emergencies. Everyone is susceptible to heat related illnesses in a warm environment, even athletes in superb condition. Heat illnesses occur when the body¹s own cooling mechanisms become overloaded. During the dog days of summer, it is especially important to pay close attention to symptoms that could indicate a heat-related emergency and know how to treat them before they become critical.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes like calcium and sodium. These minerals are needed by the body to perform a variety of functions and are lost with water in perspiration.
Heat cramps usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often worsen without treatment. Treatment is to rest in a cooler place, lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink water. If individuals suffering heat cramps are not treated, their condition could progress to heat exhaustion.

Heat emergencies are of three types: heat cramps (caused by loss of salt), heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration) and heat stroke (shock). Remove the victim from the heat and have him lie down. Apply cool compresses, elevate the feet, drink fluids and use a fan to blow cool air. Get medical help if needed.

Heat exhaustion victims will perspire profusely and are most likely to be pale with a body temperature near normal (98.6°F). Treatment involves resting in a cooler place, removing or loosening any tight-fitting clothing, and applying cool, wet cloths to exposed areas, especially the head. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related injury. It occurs when the brain has lost its ability to send messages to the body to regulate temperature. Those suffering from heat stroke have dry, hot, red skin, extreme confusion, a rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing, temperatures as high as 105°F, and may lose consciousness. Heat stroke victims need professional emergency care quickly. Call 9-1-1 immediately! While waiting for help to arrive, have the person lie down in a cool place with their legs elevated. Loosen or remove sweat-soaked and tight-fitting clothing. Apply cool cloths or ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles and groin. Offer cool water only when the person is fully conscious.

Remember, both people and pets can suffer a heat-related injury. Reduce the risk by following these tips:

· Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

· Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity in the sun, particularly during
the hottest part of the day.

· Drink plenty of water regularly. Hydration is especially important
before and during any activity in hot temperatures. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol are not a substitute for water because they cause the body to lose more water than they contain.

· Do not leave children or pets in vehicles in warm temperatures, even
if the windows are open.

· Make sure pets have plenty of water and areas of shade to which they
can retreat.

Tags: heat, heat exhustion, heat stroke, hydration
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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors June 16th, 2011

Did you know that all thunderstorms produce lightning and lightning can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall? Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people wait to the last minute before seeking shelter. According to the National Weather Service, 29 people were killed by lightning last year. Hundreds more were struck and survived, suffering life-long injury and or permanent disability.

If you are outdoors and see lightning, move indoors to a completely enclosed building or into a hard-topped vehicle and close the windows. Avoid being in or near high places and open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, car ports, pavilions, tents, shelters, baseball dugouts, flagpoles, light poles, metal or wood bleachers, metal fences, and water. Don’t hold on to metal items such as golf clubs, umbrellas or tools.

To determine how far a thunderstorm is from you, use the 30-30 Rule. When you see lightning, count the number of seconds that pass until you hear thunder. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, the storm is within six miles. Seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.

If you are at home when a storm is expected, unplug major or unnecessary appliances such as televisions and air conditioners, as power surges can damage appliances beyond repair. Avoid using corded phones or any electrical appliances.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning can enter your home as a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside your home (i.e. water, gas pipes), or through the ground. Once it makes it into your home, the current generated by the lightning strike can travel through electrical lines, plumbing, phone lines, radio or television reception systems. Flexible gas line is more susceptible to lightning damage than iron pipe. Look, listen and smell for gas leaks and any evidence of a fire. If the fire is small (smoldering) and in a remote location such as the crawl space, basement, or attic, you may not be able to see flames but you can often smell or see smoke.

If you detect any unusual odors or see any smoke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 19-25. Take a few minutes this week to make sure your family members know what to do when they are outside or at home and hear thunder. Don’t wait for the rain to begin to take shelter. A comprehensive list of safety tips and other lightning resources are available at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov .

Tags: lightening, thunder, tornado, weather, Weather Tips
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Water Safety for Children June 2nd, 2011

Summer in Ohio is the season when many of us spend time in and around water- fishing, boating, and swimming. Some of my most fond childhood memories were made at the local swimming pool. However, once we become comfortable swimmers, it’s easier to take risks in and around water. That’s why it’s important to remind your family members of potential water safety hazards. You could prevent an injury or drowning, the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for people ages 5-24.

To help your children reduce their risk of drowning, review these important water safety guidelines with them:

Swim only if a lifeguard or adult give your permission.
Follow the posted rules such as Danger, No diving, or No swimming.
Always swim with a buddy. If you get tired or need any help, a buddy may be able to help or find help.
Before swimming in an unfamiliar place, check with a lifeguard or adult to see how deep the water is. Unless you know how to swim, never go in water in which you can’t maintain your chest and head above the surface while standing.
Never jump or dive unless the lifeguard or an adult says it’s OK to do so. Enter the water feet-first the first time instead of diving.
Don’t eat candy or chew gum when swimming. You could choke.
Never swim at night. Darkness can hide dangerous obstacles and, if you are injured, darkness makes it more difficult for rescue workers to find and help you.
Get out of the water right away if you hear thunder or see lightning.
When on a boat, children and adults should wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Should you fall into the water, PFDs help keep you afloat with your head out of the water. Having your head out of the water helps maintain your body temperature and will make it easier for others to see you so they can provide help. Air-filled swimming aids are no substitute for a PFD and should never be used instead of a PFD.
Learn to float, tread water, and swim. Having these skills can decrease your chance of drowning should you accidentally find yourself in water over your head.

Tags: life safety, Personal Flotation Device, safety, swimming, water
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Mower Safety is a Must May 13th, 2011

Every summer, 30 million power lawn mowers are in use in the United States. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that each year, about 60,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from lawn tools. Many of these injuries are burns caused by careless use of lawn mowers. Ensure your safety by following these tips when using and cleaning your mower:

• Do not smoke while fueling; gasoline is very explosive.

• Wait for the motor or engine to cool before refueling. Never fill the gas tank completely. Leave space at the top of the tank as heat causes gasoline to expand and fire can result if the gas spills onto the hot engine. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately as it can easily ignite when the engine is started. Never fuel a running mower.

Mower Safety is a Must

• Store gasoline in approved containers with tight-fitting lids—never in glass or unapproved plastic containers.

• Do not store gasoline in the house. An open flame, spark, or pilot light such as those in water heaters or other appliances can ignite the fuel vapors.

• Check electric mower cords for frayed or damaged places. Make certain that the cord is plugged into a grounded outlet. Pulling the frayed cord while on damp or wet grass can cause lethal shocks or severe electrical burns.

• Leave blade sharpening and electric repairs to professionals.

• If you do your own cleaning and tune-up, disconnect the spark plug or remove it before beginning. If a blade is turned by hand, the mower can start if the spark plug is still intact.

• Do not operate a gasoline mower in an enclosed room while making adjustments or repairs. Gasoline engines give off toxic exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide.

• Never leave a running lawnmower unattended.

Tags: gasoline, lawn mower, safety
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Home Oxygen Safety April 28th, 2011

The use of oxygen therapy in the home has become increasingly common. A growing older adult population, shorter hospital stays, and home health care services have increased the number of home portable oxygen systems in use. But administering oxygen therapy away from a medical facility, which is typically protected by fire protection systems and stringent safety regulations, and shifting it to an unregulated home environment, increases the fire risk to the user.

Under normal circumstances, room air contains approximately 21% oxygen. Residential oxygen therapy systems increase the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere around the patient. Oxygen molecules can saturate clothing, fabric, hair, beards and anything in the area. Oxygen is not flammable, but it can cause other materials that burn to ignite more easily and burn far more rapidly. Oxygen is of great benefit to those in need of oxygen therapy but it should always be handled with caution and awareness of the potential hazards. Here are some safety tips to make your home safe during oxygen therapy:

Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your home. Smoking is the leading cause of burns, reported fires, deaths and injuries involving home medical oxygen. Clearly identify that oxygen is in use by placing a sign on your front door. (This may be obtained from the oxygen supply company.)
Stay at least five feet away from flame sources such as gas stoves, candles, lighted fireplaces or any other heat sources.
Do not use flammable products such as cleaning fluid, paint thinner or aerosol sprays while using oxygen.
Home Oxygen Safety

Make sure oxygen cylinders are well-secured. Oxygen containers should be stored in an upright position. Never tip an oxygen cylinder on its side or try to roll it to a new location.
Keep all grease, oil and petroleum products and flammable materials away from your oxygen equipment. Some organic materials can react violently with oxygen if ignited by a hot spark.
Use water-based lubricants on your lips and hands. Don’t use an oil-based product like petroleum jelly, petroleum based creams or lotions.
Always operate oxygen cylinder or container valves slowly. Abrupt starting and stopping of oxygen flow may ignite any contaminant that might be in the system.
When cleaning an oxygen concentrator, make sure it is unplugged. If the machine is wiped down while it is plugged in, a wet cloth cannot be used.
Always have your gas supplier’s number available when needed.
Ensure that you have an all purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher close by and familiarize yourself with its use.

Tags: health care, oxygen
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Prevent Poisonings in Your Home April 4th, 2011

As consumers, we purchase a wide variety of products that are used in and around our homes. Cleaners, cosmetics, medications, pesticides, and house plants are among the most common. Because many of these items are commonplace, they are often overlooked as substances that could, if misused, cause illness, injury, and even death.

Each year, two million poisonings are reported to the 61 poison control centers in the U.S. More than 90% of these poisonings occur in the home. It can happen to anyone at any time. Unintentional poisonings can, however, be prevented. While child-resistant latches on cabinets and child-resistant caps on medications have decreased the incidents of poisonings, there are still many other poison hazards in your home. Reduce the likelihood of a poisoning occurring in your home by making sure you do the following:

Check under the sink and in cabinets for stored products that could be hazardous. These include drain cleaners, ammonia, detergents and floor cleaners. Store these products in their original containers to avoid mistaking the contents for another product and to ensure the label instructions for use and storage are with the product.
Install safety latches on all cabinet doors where these products are stored to keep toddlers out.
Keep household items and food stored separately to avoid confusion.
Keep personal care items such as hair spray, cologne, perfumes, and nail polish remover where children cannot get them.
Use child-resistant caps and keep medication lids tightly closed.
Avoid taking medication in front of a child, or referring to pills as candy.
Never throw medication in the trash. Instead, dispose of unused or expired medications down the drain or toilet.
Keep rodent and insect traps out of reach.
Keep pesticides in a locked cabinet or in a garden shed and never unattended when using them.
Wipe up all spills and puddles in the garage, carport, basement, or utility areas.
Familiarize yourself with all the plants you have in and around the house.
Some are poisonous to the touch such as poison ivy while others are poisonous if ingested.
Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Keep the number to Central Ohio Poison Center, 1-800-222-1222, posted near the telephone.

Have the original container and its label available when you call. Approximately one million phone calls are placed to Poison Control Centers annually by adults seeking help when children have swallowed something harmful.

Take a few minutes to inventory your home for potential poisoning hazards. For more information, consult www.poisonprevention.org.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images

Tags: fire hazards, poison control
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Smoke Rises – Crawl Low March 18th, 2011

Approximately eight out of ten fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, not from burns. In fact, some victims never even see flames before they are overcome by the smoke. Although you can’t see them, it is the toxic gases and superheated air in smoke that makes it so dangerous.

Plastics, in particular, give off a very poisonous gas when burned. Since most homes and offices have a significant number of furnishings and machines, such as furniture and computers with high plastic content, fires in these places often generate a tremendous amount of noxious smoke.

Smoke also contains another poisonous gas called carbon monoxide. This tasteless, odorless gas causes confusion, reduced mental capacity and eventually death. If impaired by carbon monoxide poisoning, victims will likely be challenged to find an escape route or make a sound decision about their safety. Knowing how to avoid smoke is one of the most important factors in surviving a fire.

Smoke is lighter than air so it rises above air. During a fire, the superheated air and smoke fill the room from the top down. Some poisonous smoke may settle near the floor, but in between is a safety zone of breathable air about one to two feet above the floor.

To prevent smoke inhalation, crawl on your hands and knees to your exit, keeping your head in the safety zone. Firefighters use this same method when navigating a building where smoke is present.

Getting an early warning to the presence of smoke can give you the few vital minutes you need to get out safely. Smoke alarms are designed to do just that. They give you the precious time you need to implement your escape plan and crawl under the smoke to safety.

To prevent smoke inhalation, crawl on your hands and knees to your exit, keeping your head in the safety zone.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images www.flickr.com

Tags: fire safety, life safety, smoke
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If Clothes Catch Fire, Stop, Drop, and Roll March 10th, 2011

All clothing can burn, although some fabrics burn more easily than others. If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL to put out the flames. Don¹t run, stand, or shake the part of your clothing that is on fire. This only fuels the fire with more oxygen and worsens the situation.

Instead, stop and drop to the floor or ground. Then roll or rock back and forth to smother the flames. Rolling helps reduce the fire’s oxygen supply. If possible, roll in a rug, blanket or coat to smother the fire faster.

When the fire is out, cool the burn with water and call the fire department. Do not remove the burned clothing if it is stuck to the skin. Keep the victim quiet and warm until help arrives.

Seconds count in any fire so, being able to put the fire out as quickly as possible is vital. Running in response to danger such as a fire is natural in all age groups, but is more common in younger children. Frightened children often run to find their parents or water, believing that it is the only way to put out a fire. By practicing the stop, drop, and roll procedure with your family, you can help increase the likelihood that they will be able to put it into practice when needed instead of running for help or water.

Most clothing fires are the result of careless accidents and can be prevented if you:

* Practice caution when using or working with heat sources or flames.
* Keep children away from heat sources such as candles, stoves, cigarettes, outdoor grills, matches, portable heaters etc.
* Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing or clothes with draping sleeves while cooking or near heat sources.
* Purchase flame-retardant clothing for children when possible.

Stop Drop and Roll

Images: Courtesy of Google Images www.google.com

Tags: Drop, fire, fire prevention, Roll, Stop, Washington Township
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