Washington - Metro Area Fire & Injury Prevention

Fire Chief’s News Conference

2010-06-24T13:59:00.000-04:00

Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments

Fire Chief’s News Conference

Who: Council of Governments Fire Chief’s Committee

What: Fireworks Safety News Conference and Demonstration

When: Friday, June 25, 2010, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: DC F&EMS Training Academy – 4600 Sheppard Parkway, SW, Washington, DC

Special Note: Area bomb squads will be on hand as there will be a live demonstration of the dangers of fire works. Several explosive fire work devices will be shot off. Lots of good visuals!

On Friday, June 25, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. fire officials from the Washington Metropolitan Region will conduct a fireworks safety news conference and safety demonstration at the DC F&EMS Training Academy – 4600 Sheppard Parkway, SW, Washington, DC

The event will provide the media an opportunity to view legal and illegal fireworks. Area Fire Chief’s and Fire Marshals will be on hand to address the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks, and to show how fireworks are mishandled and improperly used. Fire officials from throughout the region will be available for comment and to answer any questions after the demonstration.

You Light It… We’ll Write It!

Alarmed by an increase in the use of illegal fireworks, fire officials from across the region have launched an effort to inform the public about fireworks safety and have put in place an aggressive enforcement plan for the Fourth of July.

You Light It…We’ll Write It!, is a campaign targeting individuals who use illegal fireworks. Regionally, fire marshals and law enforcement officials will be joining forces in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia enforcing these laws. “The use of these illegal fireworks anytime, are dangerous and can lead to injuries, deaths and fires” said Prince William County Assistant Fire Chief Hadden Culp, Fire Marshal. “But we see a dramatic increase in their use around the July 4th holiday, and this could be deadly.”

Fire officials will step up patrols in their jurisdictions to confiscate illegal fireworks but asked residents to help them by reporting the use of banned fireworks to the fire department.

"It's safe to say that there are probably just a few residential areas in the DC Metropolitan area where you weren't able to either hear or see illegal fireworks being used during past Fourth of July celebrations,” said Prince William Fire Chief Kevin McGee, Washington Area Council of Governments (COG) Fire Chiefs Committee Chair. "These fireworks have been at backyard parties, neighborhood displays and individuals' homes and pose a great threat to life and property.”

In recent years, Prince William fire officials alone have confiscated more than $10,000 worth of illegal fireworks, a fraction of the amount authorities said were discharged on the July 4th holiday in the DC Region.

"We found that many of the people that we approached in years past expressed surprise when we confiscated their illegal fireworks," McGee said. "They felt that they purchased those fireworks legally and that their possession was legal."

Some jurisdictions allow a variety of fireworks regulated by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission. Legal devices in many of the surrounding jurisdictions include cones, sparklers, sparkling devices and novelties. Illegal fireworks include Roman candles, skyrockets, aerial shells with mortars, and firecrackers (Check with your locality). Fireworks are prohibited in some local areas, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Alexandria, Virginia.

“Bottle rockets -- the whistling, sparkling fireworks that shoot into the air, often turning a backyard display into an ersatz professional show -- are the illegal devices most commonly used each Independence Day”, said Dennis L. Rubin, Chief of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department for the District of Columbia. "The problem is that you have no control over where it goes."

Studies show the use of fireworks in the United States has risen from 67 million pounds to 236 million pounds in a ten year period. With that, the risk of fires set and injuries caused by fireworks has increased as well.

“On the Fourth of July weekend, fire marshals and police officers will patrol the region looking for illegal fireworks, which will be confiscated,” Assistant Chief Culp said. “The violator will then be charged with the offence and must appear in court. Locally, use of illegal fireworks in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, meaning a person could receive jail time of up to 1 year and a fine of up to $2,500.00.”

Fire officials are encouraging people to attend professionally supervised displays, either on the National Mall in Washington or at a number of shows at cities, towns, parks and other venues in the region.

###

Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments Fire Chief’s News Conference

2009-06-23T14:40:00.002-04:00

Who: Council of Governments Fire Chief’s and Fire Prevention Committee
What: Fireworks Safety News Conference
When: Wednesday, June 24, 2006, at 10 a.m.
Where: The George Washington Masonic Temple

On Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. fire officials from the Washington Metropolitan Region will conduct a fireworks safety news conference and safety demonstration at the George Washington Masonic Temple, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia.

The Washington Field office of the ATF will be detonating an M-80 to show the dangers of illegal fireworks. The event will provide the media an opportunity to view legal and illegal fireworks. Fire marshals will be on hand to address the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks, and to show how fireworks are mishandled and improperly used. Fire officials from throughout the region will be available for comment and to answer any questions after the demonstration.

Many fireworks are not available in the Washington-Metro area because they are illegal. Firecrackers, cherry bombs, and skyrockets are just a few examples of fireworks which may be purchased in other areas but are illegal in most of the region.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public displays. But if fireworks are legal in your area, and you wish to use them, below are some safety guidelines to follow:

* Always read all warnings and instructions
* Only approved fireworks may be discharged.
* Do not permit young children to handle or light fireworks. (Sparklers can reach a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.)
* When igniting fireworks, place them on a flat surface, clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings.
* Never ignite fireworks while holding them.
* Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
* Never try to relight fireworks that have not functioned properly.

The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals.

Our theme for this year fireworks demonstration is “Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals!”

###
For more information, call Captain Luis Santano, Alexandria Fire Department, 703-838-4339

U.S. Fire Administrator Declares National Fire Emergency

2009-01-08T11:14:00.002-05:00

Help Everyone Goes Home® and USFA Sound the Alarm for Increased Prevention & Education
U.S. Fire Administrator Declares National Fire Emergency After a Series of Multiple Fatality Fires

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) through the Everyone Goes Home® Program is urging departments across the U.S. to adopt and proactively practice Firefighter Life Safety Initiative #14 which states, "Public education must receive more resources and be championed as a critical fire and life safety program." Departments are also urged to advocate for the installation and use of fire sprinklers as highlighted in Firefighter Life Safety Initiative #15.

United States Fire Administrator Chief Greg Cade is declaring a national fire emergency in the wake of several fire incidents in major U.S. cities in which more than a dozen people have been killed. Citing a need for further public education and action regarding smoke alarm and fire safety issues, Chief Cade issued "the most urgent warning possible" that "now is the time to take extraordinary measures" in educating the public about fire dangers.

» Read: The Full Article on EveryoneGoesHome.com

New Outreach Tool

2008-12-09T14:03:00.002-05:00

All,

Below is something I have just put out. Take a good look at this and think about how you might use it for your outreach efforts!

Stay Safe! Bill

In an effort to continue to find innovative ways to reach our county residents, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is pleased to announce we are now connected to Twitter on a Beta Test basis. This will allow you to stay connected with us and have a sense of what we are up to or, most importantly, to receive real time safety tips. You are not expected to respond to any updates unless you want to.

Please go here to check it out and sign up if you like: MCFRS on Twitter

To learn more about this go here: About

The Kitchen Table

2008-11-11T08:35:00.002-05:00

All,

Just wanted to make you all aware of an industry Blog I am going to be a part of. It is called The Kitchen Table and it is hosted by FireRescue1. The Kitchen Table is a place for the fire service to come together and talk about anything and everything. FireRescue1's Kitchen Table is an online place for industry experts, writers and outspoken members to have an ongoing virtual discussion.

One of my entries is here: My Travels

Stay Safe!

Bill

Fire Prevention Week Press Event

2008-09-24T08:32:00.005-04:00

This year’s theme, as I know you are aware, is “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!” We will be asking the Chief's to highlight some quick tips as it relates to cooking, heating, electrical and smoking related fire prevention. In addition, we want to continue to bang home the message to families in the region that they need to have a home fire escape plan. Toward that end, we will also be conducting a unique demo with the crew at FX Co FS39-B and some local school kids. Below, please find some photos of a simulated home maze (for lack of a better term) that the personnel at FS39 are constructing for their upcoming Open House during FPW. The demo will involve this structure as well as a simulated smoke machine that should clearly show the general public why and how to stay low and go and evacuate your house if it were to catch fire. Hats off to Captain JT Harrison and his shift for the initiative to develop an innovative and interactive educational tool that goes above and beyond the norm!

WHAT: Fire Prevention Week Press Event
WHEN: Tuesday, October 7th at 1000 hours (Please arrive by 0945 for a briefing)
WHERE: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Station 39

Directions to Fairfax County North Point Fire and Rescue Station 39
1117 Reston Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170, Phone 703-433-1418 (Cross intersection is Route 7, and Reston Parkway)
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=1117%20Reston%20Avenue%20%2CHerndon%2C&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

Update

2008-07-22T10:41:00.003-04:00

All,

Thought I would provide a quick reminder and some information you might find interesting.

The reminder is that our next meeting is scheduled for August 20th. We are in need of someone stepping up to host this one.

I attended the COG Chief's meeting last week and the issue of fuel prices and meetings came up. At our August meeting we will need to discuss some potential alternate ways to meet.

I also want to make you aware of an interesting webinar coming up in two days. It is a hot topic related to the ionization verses photoelectric smoke alarm debate. If you have a chance, go here and register: July 24 Webinar to Discuss Smoke Alarm Technology

Stay Safe out there!

Bill

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue is now on Facebook!

2008-07-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue is pleased to announce that we are now on Facebook! Please come and check us out and leave a message. Let us know what you think.

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Facebook page

Fireworks Safety Demo

2008-06-18T22:01:00.003-04:00

Event: Fireworks Safety Demo

Presented by: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Fire Chiefs Committee

Where: Fire/EMS Training Academy

4600 Shepherd Parkway, SW

Washington, DC 20032

Date: June 20, 2008

Time: 1030 Hours

We will have staff from the Alcohol Tobacco Firearms providing the demonstration.

Thoughts From Las Vegas

2008-06-05T01:58:00.001-04:00

So here I sit in the Las Vegas airport getting ready to take the red-eye back to the DC area. As I reflect back on the last few days, it hit me that I was the only one of us – as far as I am aware – to attend the NFPA Conference. This causes me a wide range of feelings from sad to grateful and everything in between.

It was a great conference with several good educational tracts related to our field. I saw many old friends that I know many of us share. I even managed to give a presentation related to my department’s Senior Citizen Fire Safety Task Force. Actually, it is something I should share with the group once the final report is out in a few weeks.

Anyway, I really wish many of you could have attended the conference. I know budget times are tough and that is probably why many of you could not come. I saved over $600 since I was a speaker and my Chief was kind enough to dip into a special fund that took care of the rest. Next year it is in Chicago and my hope is that many of us will be there.

Several of you have some good information and stories to tell. I would encourage all of you to consider submitting a speaking proposal for next summer’s NFPA Conference. I think the deadline may be this July believe it or not! It is a great experience and it will at least cover the registration fee which may be enough to get your Chief’s approval to attend. Heck, a few of you can combine and do a group presentation – maybe even on our group’s efforts over the last year! (HINT)

On long range thought I want to throw out now is the concept of our group hosting a national conference sometime in the future. Wouldn’t that be pretty cool?!

-Bill

Is Fire Retardant A Harmful Toxin?

2008-05-20T07:11:00.007-04:00

I found an interesting article today related to flame retardant chemicals. I am posting the video from CBS on the side of the Blog and will also include an article here: Is Fire Retardant A Harmful Toxin?

Recently, here in Montgomery County, residents have been receiving mailings from a group claiming to be Citizens For Fire Safety (CFFS). They are basically a lobbying group for the chemical industry who obviously have something to lose if certain chemicals are banned. They are mobilizing because there are currently several states, including Maryland, that have proposed legislation to ban said chemicals due to health and environmental concerns. The legislation here in MD is: House Bill 1

While there is no legislation currently pending in Virginia or the District, I would suggest that everyone take a peek at this information as it could very well be an issue you soon start getting questioned about. I had been approached twice on this by the public and my sense is some of our stations were getting calls also. Think of this as just another blip that has suddenly appeared on your radar screens!

The sad part of this issue is that we all know the true solution here. If you go to the CFFS site I linked above, you will see a compelling video by a burn survivor who truly believes that banning these chemicals will mean more fire injuries and deaths. I would love to see his passion and energy devoted to the one thing that will truly reduce needless deaths and injuries - residential fire sprinklers!

-Bill

**********

Sorry for the long down time as it relates to posting! I will try and get better! However, part of the intent for this Blog was/is to get everyone involved. I would love to see many of you post your thoughts or share experiences that we can all benefit from. PLEASE consider posting here on this site. Let me know if you are interested and I will provide you instruction on how to do it.

So far, Kara is the only one who has posted anything beside me. I know this group is very talented and can do a far better job than I.

Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery Press Event

2008-03-26T13:44:00.006-04:00

I just want to thank everyone for making this event a reality. We had a rep from every single department in the COG Region as well as media reps from the major TV stations and Spanish speaking stations. This event was just another good example of what we, as a collective whole with a common mission, can accomplish together!

Below, please find a clip and photos from the press event that was shot by Lt. Raul Castillo of Fairfax County. The event was kicked off by DC FM Chief Palmer and each jurisdiction was given an opportunity to come to the podium and relay any outreach activities that were occurring during the weekend.

I can not say enough that this was truly a group effort and I really appreciate the support of the COG Fire Chief's group in this endeavor!

As for the COG Life Safety Educators Group: I am looking forward to our photo shoot of the safety tips coming up in April. This project will again benefit ALL of us and the communities we serve.

Reducing Fire Fighter Death and Injury: Why Are We Afraid of Saying Out Loud That Public Fire Prevention Education Is Part of the Solution?

2008-02-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

Recently I read an email article from one of the more innovative, forward thinkers of the fire service – Chief Billy Goldfeder. He is a tireless advocate of eliminating line of duty death and injuries and I, as a former line fire fighter, really respect everything he has done toward that end!

In this article, he highlighted the history of his email newsletter, The Secret List, and the Close Calls web site. He also went on to highlight the need to continue to reduce all unnecessary line of duty death and injury and made several observations on how we could accomplish this. On the IAFC Safety, Health, and Survival web site, he lists 12 steps to accomplish this goal. ALL GOOD stuff!

The Chief hit just about every possible solution and all encompassed the Nat’l Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation (NFFF) Everyone Goes Home Initiatives except for one - #14 Public education must receive more resources and be championed as a critical fire and life safety program.

Needless to say, as a life safety educator, I was extremely disappointed to find no mention of the critical role life safety education can play in the reduction of line of duty death and injuries. Let me be blunt: if we educate folks to not start fires, and thus reduce the number of fire incidents, we will not be sending fire fighters to fires where they can become hurt or, worse, killed. Every time a fire engine or ambulance goes out their doors on an emergency response is an opportunity, in my view anyway, for someone to NOT go home!

While I simplified the issue above, as there are other causes of death and injury that do not necessarily relate to fires, the fact remains that this particular component of the 16 FF Life Safety Initiatives is largely ignored and not even acknowledged by the vast majority of the fire service. WHY?!

Are we afraid that we will be putting ourselves out of business? Afraid that local politicians will take the 4th person from an engine company and assign him/her to public education duties thus losing the valued 4 person minimum staffing level? Whatever the reason one thing is very clear to me – public education, for the vast majority of the fire service does NOT receive appropriate resources and is it NOT championed as a critical program. There are very few Fire Chief’s across the country right at this very moment who can claim otherwise. They may talk the talk but when it comes time to walk the walk they do not – PERIOD.

As many of us are all too painfully aware, budget times are rough again. We like to say that history repeats itself and we again are finding that fire and injury prevention staffing and programs are bearing the brunt, nationwide, of reduced funding and staffing.

The ugly fact of the matter is that we, as a fire service, are a reactive and not proactive entity. When someone has to call 9-1-1 to report their home on fire we should view this as a potential failure on our part. After all many departments around the country have some form of the word prevention and education in their Mission and/or Vision Statements. Heck, many fire fighter job descriptions have prevention and/or public education listed as a job responsibility.

Yet, proactive public education staffing and programs are treated more as an after thought by a majority of the fire service. As one colleague so astutely observed; fire and injury prevention education is to the fire service what music and arts programs are to the school systems. Another words, we’ll minimally fund and staff you when we can and look to cut and reduce you when times are tough as you really are not viewed as a necessary, or important, part of the overall fire service mission.

I am not suggesting that we close fire stations or reduce staffing all in the name of public education. What I am suggesting is that it needs to be an equal partner and viewed as such in the US fire service family. Because of folks like Chief Ron Siarnicki of the NFFF, Chief Goldfeder, and many others too numerous to mention, we are beginning to ride a wave of positive cultural change in the fire service. My great fear is that a critical component of this, public education, is currently not on the surf board riding this wave and that is a very tragic mistake.

City of Fairfax Fire Department Requires Educator Education

2008-01-07T13:15:00.000-05:00

All, see the below from Shawn Dunstan of the City of Fairfax Fire Department. Chief Owens should be commended for taking our original initiative a step further. No doubt in my mind that

Shawn played a critical role in bringing this to his Chief’s attention and selling him on taking the extra step! Again, my hats off to Chief Owens for proactively implementing a program that falls right in line with the “Everyone Goes Home” 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives (it is initiative #14)!

So, Fairfax and Montgomery have implimented this program in their recruit schools. Arlington took it a step further and had their recruits take the NFPA FLSE I course. Not too bad. It would be nice if all COG Department's required ALL members to take the on-line course at the minimum!

City of Fairfax Fire Department Requires Educator Education

The City of Fairfax Fire Department’s Chief Tom Owens has mandated that all eighty members of the Department complete the National Fire Academy’s Self-Study Course for Community Safety Educators (Q118). This mandate comes after the Washington-Metropolitan Council of Government’s Fire Prevention Subcommittee recommended that all recruits throughout the region complete the course as part of their initial training. Fire Chief Tom Owens firmly believes in providing our community with the best services available with the highest trained personnel. The training must be completed by March 1, 2008.

NOTE Added 1/8/08: Frederick County (MD) has also added Q118 to its recruit class curriculum! AWESOME!

Odds & Ends

2007-12-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone's Holiday season is going well - and SAFE!

As you can see to the right of my rambling, I have downloaded the infamous NIST Christmas Tree video for folks to view. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

I also want to make you aware of stuff I am throwing together here in my neck of the woods in a never ending effort to find different ways to reach anybody and everybody. I am calling it
MCFRS Virtual TV. Please click here to learn more about it: MCFRS Virtual TV

I envision this is something all of us in the area can start doing. If I can do it all of you can! It will also provide a platform for those public education videos we are talking about doing in the spring. Actually, it could be an almost perfect platform! Worse case, I can post what we end up doing video wise and all of us can seemlessly plug it in to our own web sites (looking like it is just on you site) and certainly into our Blog site.

So, please take a moment to read the above mentioned, and linked, article that explains the concept a bit better and let me know what you think. I am also still looking for more of you to post articles and thoughts here on this Blog. Kara has composed a couple of great articles but we need more of you joining in!

Again, Happy Holidays to all of you and let's hope it is a SAFE one for the entire region!

-Bill

Tragic Fires In Montgomery County

2007-12-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

As many of you can imagine, we here in Montgomery County are still reeling from another multiple fatal fire (3rd this year) which took the lives of 3 generations of one family. We now have experienced 13 residential fire deaths this year which is the most we have had in over 30 YEARS!! The last time we had this number of people die in residential fires there was no smoke alarm law on the books!! So, this is the largest loss of life for us since the requirement of at least one smoke alarm in the home back in the 70’s!

With the above said, one could reasonably assume that many of the fatalities were a result of the occupants not having working smoke alarms in their homes. Wrong!

The perplexing aspect of all of this is the appearance that each of these events has had at least one smoke alarm functioning at some point in the fire. The lone exception is the double fatal fire we had in May where the home had NO smoke alarms at all.

In yesterday mornings tragic fire, the lone survivor (13 y/o male) was alerted to the fire by the sound of a smoke alarm and was able to escape. There is even some preliminary evidence that the deceased occupants may have been aware of the fire and were attempting to get away from it (mobility may have been an issue for one or two).

So the questions that must be asked: are the alarms activating in a timely fashion, do the occupants understand the steps that need to be taken at that point to save themselves, and are they physically able to take those steps? I would suggest that, antidotally anyway, those questions are up for debate.

We have found the causes, and demographics, are all varied and diverse. A couple of common threads do appear in several of the fires. In at least 3 of the fires (involving 6 of the deaths) there may have been some level of impairment involved due to alcohol and/or medication intake (not in Monday’s fire and it does not mean each of the 6 was impaired). Still others (involving roughly 4 of the deaths), mobility issues appeared to play a large role.

What does that mean for us as a group of public life safety educators? I would suggest that, at the minimum, we need to continue to push the vital importance of planning AND PRACTICING your home escape plan to include incorporating any mobility issues of family members. I believe we also need to stress the need for interconnected, dual (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom! It also goes without saying: residential fire sprinklers save lives!

Thoughts?

Washington Metro COG Life Safety Group Hosts Turkey Fryer Demonstration

2007-11-28T13:32:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to educate the public about the safety hazards of using turkey fryers for holiday celebrations, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments hosted a turkey fryer demonstration. The event was held in the the City of Fairfax, VA on November 16, 2007 and sparked interest from local media outlets.

Safety experts warned that the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is concerned that “backyard chefs may be sacrificing safety for good taste”. The Underwriters Laboratory Inc. has decided not to certify any turkey fryers, because of the dangers associated with these cooking devices.

The demonstration highlighted the fact that if the pot is overfilled, oil may spill out when the turkey is placed into the pot. Turkey fryers should never be left unattended or used on wooden decks or in garages. Oil should be measured prior to heating the unit and the turkeys that are intended to be cooked should be thawed completely before frying. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pots remains dangerously hot for hours after use.

Cooking fires more likely on Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T10:57:00.000-05:00

Cooking fires more likely on Thanksgiving

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are more likely on Thanksgiving than any other day. In 2005, cooking fires were involved in roughly 1,300 home structure fires on Thanksgiving – almost three times the daily average. Most of these fires start because cooking has been left unattended.

For more information, go here:Cooking Safety Tips

NFPA urges attention to safety when preparing holiday meals

Related NFPA informationNFPA's fact sheet on cooking fires

NFPA's fact sheet on turkey fryers

Arlington County Offers NFPA 1035 Public Educator Certification to Recruits

2007-11-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

In an effort support ongoing public fire and life safety education activities, the Arlington County Fire Department hosted an NFPA 1035 Level I Certified Public Educator Class for their Recruit School #65. This commitment shows the department's dedication to life safety education
activities and promotes the notion that these programs are part of each and
every fire service employee's responsibility.

Arlington dedicated three full days of training time to educate fire recruits on the skills that they undoubtedly will need to become community life safety educators. This commitment leads the fire prevention frontier and undeniably impacted each recruit and their community by giving them the skills that they need to successfully perform public education functions throughout their career.

The class was held from October 22-24, 2007 at the Fire Training Academy located in the Shirlington area. The recruits of school #65 will graduate with Level I certification, pending their skill sheet sign off over the next few months.

Kitchen Oil Fire

2007-11-06T18:14:00.001-05:00

Take a peek at this fire safety/prevention message!

Kitchen Oil Fire

Thoughts?

-Bill

A Bad Idea

2007-10-27T13:22:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled across an interesting web site and its product at the recommendation of a person who is a part of a fire and life safety discussion group I am a part of.

The product is called "The Home Fireman." I could hardly believe my eyes when I went to the site and started looking around! You can access the website at www.HomeFireman.com and see for yourself.

In my opinion, this is a recipe for disaster. The manufacturer does provide an interesting disclaimer: “The Home Fireman is made for families, not firefighters! Its only purpose is to give you the means to extinguish small fires before they get large enough to "fight." It should never be used to "fight" a fire, that's a job for professional firefighters.”

A rather interesting, confusing and contradictory statement, isn’t it?! Of course we all know that the regular citizen knows the difference between a “small” fire and one that is too big to “fight” – right?!?! So nice of them to clarify that!

Further, they are stating that it shouldn’t be used to fight a fire as that is a job for fire fighters – how reassuring. To me a fire is a fire and the process of putting one out is in fact fighting it. The good news is that there is NO training required! It is all intuitive! WOW! Great to hear!

In my jurisdiction, over the last couple of years, we have seen a large number of folks who have attempted to fight – oh, wait, I am sorry; “extinguish” - a fire in their homes. The majority has delayed the 9-1-1 call and a couple have died in their efforts to “extinguish” the fire. So sad!

I am all for folks being creative, founding companies, and making a living off of it. However, that is out the window when public safety is compromised as I believe it is here. If enough of us get the word out that this is a bad idea then perhaps we can make a difference before anything bad happens.

Either that or perhaps some of us can sell our souls and come up with the Home Fireman gear accessory kit complete with turnout coat, bunkers, and SCBA!

National Fire Academy Meeting/Training

2007-10-23T21:09:00.000-04:00

On October 16th, our group had the pleasure of visiting the National Fire Academy to conduct our monthly meeting and to participate in the Everyone Goes Home (EGH) training. All came away moved by the EGH training and wish to give special thanks to Chief Richie Bowers, of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, who was very gracious to provide our group the training.

Some pictures from the day below.

Fire Prevention Week Activities

2007-10-04T09:47:00.000-04:00

While I believe we all do a good job of reaching out to the community to promote fire and injury prevention practices, I tend to wonder how often we forget our fellow government employees? I must confess that, too often, I forget that there is a whole other audience that needs to hear the messages we preach.

For Fire Prevention Week (FPW), I forgot again though fortunately our Fire Chief, Tom Carr, did not. Thanks to Master Fire Fighter Matt Kelleher (with a little help from me at least), we were able to put up displays and have a kiosk for safety handouts in our Executive Office Building in Rockville. While it is nothing fancy, it does remind county employees, as well as visitors, that it is FPW!

I have included some photos for you to see some of what we (I should say Matt) put together!

MCFRS Blog Talk Radio

2007-10-02T16:13:00.000-04:00

All,

From previous emails, many of you might already be aware of a new outreach show I started for my department called MCFRS Blog Talk Radio.

It basically functions as an Internet radio show complete with the ability to have listeners call in and ask questions or even be interviewed! Of interest is the fact it is automatically saved so that people can go back and listen to the show later on. It can even be downloaded to an iPod for those of you with that particular device through iTunes.

I firmly believe this is a unique new medium that will allow us to reach a whole new audience with our messages that, traditionally, we have had a difficult time reaching. The sky is the limit with this new communication tool!

My goal is to start something similar for our group and get programming up and running that will cater to each of our jurisdictions and the region. Let me know if you think this is something we should pursue!

-Bill

Nat'l Fire Academy Field Trip/Meeting/Educational Training

2007-09-24T10:24:00.000-04:00

All,

Things appear set for the field trip to the National Fire Academy on Tuesday, October 16. The time frame is 0830 - 1500 (if everything is on schedule we should be out no later than 1430).

I would certainly recommend we car pool if at all possible. The NFA will need a list of names of all who are attending so that we can get you on the super secret special guest list that will allow you on the premises. Please RSVP to me, Bill Delaney, by COB Wednesday, October 10!!!

Lunch will be the all you can eat variety at the campus cafeteria and the cost is $6.32 per person. Besides gas and your time, that will be your only expense of the day!

Again, this will be part meeting, tour (as many of you have never attended the NFA) and we will be taking the Everyone Goes Home training provided by the Nat'l Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation. This is a 4 hour class and I think you will find it very powerful and one that will reinforce that what we do everyday is important!

I am also going to open this up to our Fire Prevention Committee members as well as any Chief's who may want to attend. The classroom holds up to 30 people so we should be fine!

Again please let me know, one way or the other, if you will be able to attend. Make every effort as I think it will be a fantastic time and learning experience (professional development).

-Bill

Smoke Alarms – Ionization and Photoelectric Technology

2007-09-20T20:44:00.000-04:00

Hopefully, many of you are aware of the IAFC's newly released Position Paper on Smoke Alarms – Ionization and Photoelectric Technology.

For years, many of us have been recommending folks purchase a combination photoelectric/ionization type of alarm - I have a couple in my house - so the conclusion reached by the IAFC Fire & Life Safety Section is not a huge surprise. What may cause concern at this point (for those of us who have free smoke alarm installation programs) is the recommendation that, once your current supply of either photoelectric or ionization alarms runs out, you should purchase the combination type for your future smoke alarm outreach program.

All well and good except should we not, if we all agree the combination alarms are best, stop installing one alarm or the other and go right over to the combination alarms? Believe me, I understand that this is easier said than done. My department still has several hundred alarms in its inventory and it would not be a simple thing to toss them out and spend a pretty penny to purchase an equal number of the combination alarms! Many of us can not spend what money we do not have.

However the question has to beg: "What is our liability if we are installing one type of alarm technology in our citizen's homes when we now know that the combination type affords the best protection?" Should we now consider getting a resident to sign a waiver, prior to an installation involving an "old type" of single technology alarm, indicating they are aware of the pros and cons of whatever type is being installed and, in effect, beggars can not be choosers?

I would like to think that doing the right thing, and installing either a photoelectric or ionization type alarm, will win the day in the short term as that is definitely better than no smoke alarm at all. But, in the litigious society we live in, you just never know.

As for me, I will continue to install single technology smoke alarms for those in need as I believe it is the right thing to do. Hopefully, we will purchase the combination type real soon!

-Bill

Positive Difference!

2007-09-19T14:39:00.000-04:00

It appears that everything is coming together for our group on several fronts!

First several departments have already made the on-line Nat’l Fire Academy course, Q118 Self Study Course for Community Safety Educators, mandatory for probationary members (Montgomery & Fairfax Counties) though our recommendation toward that end have not been officially adopted by the COG Fire Chief’s Committee. Two jurisdictions have taken it a step further with my old department, Fairfax City, mandating ALL personnel take the course while Arlington County is actually going to conduct the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Educator I course for its next recruit class. WOW! How awesome is that!?

In our short re-incarnation of this group, we are really collectively making a difference across the region and may even be helping to initiate a huge cultural change within the COG fire departments!

We are also still hoping to hold a region wide press event that will highlight the importance of this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Practice Your Escape Plan!”

Next up is an October meeting at the Nat’l Fire Academy that will also include the “Everyone Goes Home” training class put on by the Nat’l Fallen Fire Fighter’s Foundation. This is a powerful course and will not doubt remind us why our effort to prevent incidents is so vital.

I feel truly privileged to be a member of this group!

-Bill

Fire Works Press Event

2007-09-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

All,

Just thought I would post a couple of phone photos I took at the Fire Work Safety press event that was held in Arlington, VA in June. As you can see, a ton of Chief Officer's in attendance for this unique event!

Home sprinkler group unveils ‘Educator Kit'

2007-09-06T12:19:00.000-04:00

FRANKFURT, ILL. — The non-profit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has introduced its new Public Education Kit. The kit is available free to fire service and public educators nationwide. HFSC has also launched a new interactive educational web site, SprinklerSmarts.org. The new material is part of HFSC's goal to provide the fire service with materials and tools needed to educate the public on the benefits of residential fire sprinklers.

The new comprehensive Public Education Kit contains all of HFSC's educational and presentation material. The kit includes a CD containing customizable presentations, public relations tools and programs. The DVD consists of all of HFSC 's educational videos including the Protect What You Value Most consumer education video, Built for Life for builders, and Living with Sprinklers for people living in homes protected with sprinklers. The kit also includes new educational brochures for real estate and insurance professionals.

Children are the main focus with HFSC's Sprinkler Smarts, an animated web site, which stars "Captain Splash & the Droplettes." It offers interactive games for children while also providing teaching materials to help public educators, teachers, and parents educate children. Fire safety officials can use worksheets offered on the website as well as other downloadable material in collaboration with the presentations and games. These materials help children understand fire safety and prevention as well as identify fire sprinklers and their benefits.

The new Public Education Kit and Sprinkler Smarts program were funded through a Department of Homeland Security Fire Act Grant. To learn more about the kit or to order one for free, visit www.HomeFireSprinkler.org. HFSC's new web site, Sprinkler Smarts, can be found at www.SprinklerSmarts.org. For additional information on home fire sprinklers, visit www.HomeFireSprinkler.org.

HFSC's mission is to provide accurate information to the public about the value of residential fire sprinkler protection, particularly in new construction of one- and two-family dwellings. Steering Committee Members include the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA), Home Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), State Farm Insurance and U.S. Fire Administration.

12th Annual International Association of Fire Fighters National Children’s Burn Camp “Cook-Out”.

2007-08-30T08:41:00.000-04:00

The Washington Regional Fire and Rescue Departments Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC) program and Arlington County Fire Department would like to extend an invitation to your Department to participate in the upcoming, 12th Annual International Association of Fire Fighters National Children’s Burn Camp “Cook-Out”. Our Department will be hosting this event on:

DATE: Sunday, September 23, 2007

TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Arlington County Fire Department, Fire Station #5
1750 South Hayes Street, Arlington Virginia
(703) 228-0105

National Burn Camp, sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.), brings together young burn survivors and counselors from all over the United States and Canada. These young burn survivors and their counselors will be in the Washington D.C. area for a week of sightseeing and a campaign of public awareness about burn survivors.

We are inviting area Fire & Rescue Department’s, Public Safety Agencies and other EMS providers to participate, again, in this year’s event. Your Departments participation will allow you the opportunity to show case your Department’s equipment, apparatus and members to these courageous survivors and their counselors.

If your department would like to participate, please contact Captain Curtis E. Stilwell, Arlington County Fire Department, 703) 228-3600, voicemail 9295, Nextel 571-274-3106 or email cstilwell@arlingtonva.us

Curtis E. Stilwell
Fire/EMS Captain – ACFD
Treasure, ACBC Program

Renée Stilwell Public Information Officer Public Information / LSE Section Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department 4100 Chain Bridge Road Fairfax, VA 22030 Main Office: 703-246-3801 Direct line: 703-246-3962 Fax: 703-385-1687

COG Life Safety Group

2007-08-24T08:47:00.000-04:00

I am really proud of what our group, the COG Life Safety Group, has accomplished in just a few short months. We have a tremendously talented group of fire and injury prevention advocates who , working together, can have a huge impact beyond each person's individual jurisdiction.

Thus far, our efforts have resulted in a regional fire work safety press event that brought together the Fire Chief's committee, department PIO's, the Fire Prevention sub-committee, and us - the subject matter experts. In my over 20 years in the fire service, I have never seen that diverse a group come together to put on such an event! I may be bragging but - our group was the glue on this!

In addition, our Fire Prevention sub-committee (which makes us a sub-sub committee?) has overwhelmingly embraced our initiative to get all COG department's to require all new recruits /members to take the on-line NFA Self-Study Course for Community Safety Educators (Q118). Not only will this help to educate our newest members in public education, it will also send the message that fire and injury prevention IS a part of all personnel's responsibility.

So, my hats off to all of you! Together, we are making a difference!

Stay Safe!

Bill

Welcome!

2007-08-23T12:57:00.000-04:00

I thought this might be somewhat of a good idea to provide a forum for all of us engaged in the fire and injury prevention business here in the Washington, DC - Metro area (and beyond).

So, please feel free to interact and exchange thoughts and ideas. I will post something shortly to get things started!

Stay Safe!

Bill