Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries

Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Here's what you need to know!

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Test your smoke alarms every month
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years

Smoke alarms by the numbers

• In 2007-2011, smoke alarms sounded in half of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.
• Three of every five home fire deaths resulted in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms
• No smoke alarms were present in more than one-third (37%) of the home fire deaths.

Marquette City Free Smoke Alarm Program

The Free Smoke Alarm Program was instituted by the Marquette City Fire Department in 1993. Smoke alarms have proven to be a lifesaver. The City offers its residents a program that provides, free of charge, this lifesaving device. Due to the quantity of smoke alarms the City was able to obtain through grants, the program is only able to supply 2 smoke alarms per owner occupied residence.

For any further inquiries, please contact Fire Station 1 at 906-225-8936

The Marquette City Fire Department has 4 car seat technicians that trained in proper selection and installation of car seats. The Marquette City Fire Department works together with the UP Kids Always Ride Safely (KARS) program.

The Marquette City Fire Department created a curriculum that all 9th grade students complete. It introduces and educates young adults to everyday situations and the consequences of arson.

After a short lecture instructing students on topics like GFIs (ground fault interrupter), jump starting vehicles and enhanced fire safety, the students than participate in a hands on fire extinguisher demonstration.

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.
Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier tomake a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
Learn More: (Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/)
(Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org )

The Marquette City Fire Department has put together a fire extinguisher demonstration program which gives participants the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher on a simulated propane-driven fire. The program is open to any organization within the City of Marquette. For further information and scheduling, please contact Fire Station 1 at (906) 228-0412

Fire Extinguishers 

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Safety tips

• Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

-Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.

-Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

-Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

-Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.

• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.

• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape.

• Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

Your ability to get out depends on advanced warning from smoke alarms and advanced planning.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm. For easy planning, download NFPA's escape planning grid. This is a great way to get children involved in fire safety in a non-threatening way. (http://www.nfpa.org/escapeplan)

Carbon monoxide can be present in your home at any time during the year; however, a larger number of incidents involving carbon monoxide exposure occur during the heating season. With this in mind, the Marquette City Fire Department would like to offer some information about carbon monoxide, its possible sources, signs and symptoms, and what to do if you suspect that you have a carbon monoxide problem.

Carbon monoxide (or CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless toxic gas. The red blood cells in your body are "attracted" to CO 200 times more than oxygen. Carbon Monoxide accumulates in your blood stream and displaces oxygen. Even a small concentration of only 10% CO in your blood can cause minor health problems and low levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time can be just as dangerous as a high level for a short period of time.

The toxicity of carbon monoxide is based on CO levels as well as exposure time. Not all people react the same to CO. If there is more than one person in the house, each one may have different symptoms. Depending on the amount of CO and length of time exposed, a victim will show one or more of the following signs:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• General Weakness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Loss of Muscle Control

• Tightness in Chest

• Convulsions

• Redness of the Skin

• Stinging or Burning Eyes

• Sleepiness

• Fluttering of the Heart

• Confusion or Disorientation

• Cherry Red Color of the Lips

• Ringing or Roaring in the Ears

Carbon monoxide can be found any place where combustible gases are burned. Included are areas containing items such as home furnaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces and a wide variety of gasoline or propane powered devices like automobiles, motor homes, forklifts, golf carts (non-electric), lawn mowers, buses, boats, etc.

Gas appliances that are properly installed and adjusted are safe, reliable equipment. Of the 5000 U.S. deaths attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning each year, only 50 are caused by gas appliances. However, properly installed gas appliances also need adequate ventilating devices. These devices can be existing chimneys, vent pipes, or a dedicated exhaust system. (For more information on chimneys and proper ventilation see our web site page on wood stoves.)

The federal law for allowable exposure within an eight hour period for CO is 35 parts per million. Carbon monoxide detectors alarm at low enough levels of CO that are usually of a non-emergent nature, but do require immediate action to be taken. 

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off:

• Call 911 to initiate emergency response

• Turn your thermostat to the lowest position

• Turn off all non-vented appliances including your range

• Turn the water heater (if gas) to the lowest vacation position

• Vent the building by opening doors and windows

Emergency personnel respond to "false alarms" quite frequently concerning CO detectors. If your detector alarm sounds, don't hesitate to call 911. (The Marquette City Fire Department responds to all Carbon Monoxide calls within the Marquette City limits.) The following chart shows concentration limits and exposure times and symptoms:

Concentration of CO In Air Inhalation Time and Symptoms

• 35 PPM OSHA'S (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) time-weighted average limit for continuous exposure in any 8-hour period

• 200 PPM OSHA'S Short Term Exposure Limits (15 minutes). Slight headache, tiredness, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.

• 400 PPM Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours.

• 800 PPM Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconscious within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.

• 1,600 PPM Headache, dizziness and nausea with 20 minutes. Death within one hour.

• 3,200 PPM Headache, dizziness, and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 30 minutes.

• 6,400 PPM Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.

• 12,800 PPM Death within 1-3 minutes.

If you have any questions concerning Carbon Monoxide and ways to make your home safer, please feel free to contact the Marquette City Fire Department at 228-0410.

Burning Issues

Many people enjoy the warmth and beauty of a burning candle. Candles, however, are inherently dangerous. Between 1993 and 1997, candles caused an annual average of 8,690 home fires, responsible for averages of 104 deaths, 948 injuries, and $126 million in property damage nationwide each year. Statistics compiled from emergency response information within Marquette City over the past three years show an alarming number of major incidents involving candles. Since 1999, Marquette has experienced seven major structure fires attributed directly to improper candle use. These fires accounted for twenty five percent of major fire calls causing $97,850.00 worth of damage.
With this in mind, Marquette Fire Department would like to suggest the following safety tips on how to enjoy candles more safely:

Reducing the Risk

• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Candles should not be used in bedrooms (where half of all home candle fires start).
• If you must burn candles in a bedroom, keep them away from bedding, curtains and blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, and newspapers and magazines, and monitor them carefully.
• Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids.
• Don't place lit candles in windows or near doorways, where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with the flame.

Safe Candle Use

•Use candle holders that:

• are sturdy
• won't tip over easily
• are made from a material that can't burn
• are large enough to collect dripping wax

• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface--away from edges and any place where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch.
• Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder or any decorative material.
• Extinguish candles carefully, using a long handled candle snuffer or a soft, directed breath. Do not leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing.
• Wetting the wick is another acceptable method.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 140,000 wood burning-related fires, 280 deaths and 2,500 injuries occur each year. Some of the major causes of wood burning related fires are:

• Inadequate clearances from the unit to combustibles, such as walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture.
• Excessive creosote buildup in the chimney.
• Creosote is a black substance that resembles a tarlike liquid or small black flakes.
• Creosote burns easily.
• An improperly installed or poorly maintained chimney.
• Improper installation and maintenance of the appliance.
• Heating with solid fuel requires that you become aware of these and other hazards and take whatever action is needed to correct them.

Types of Wood burners

There are many different types of wood burners available. For example, there are circulating and radiant; wood burning furnaces; and fireplace inserts or hearth stoves. Safety requirements will vary by the type of unit you choose.

Generally, factory-built wood burners that are "listed" by a nationally recognized testing laboratory are superior to homemade units because of better construction, design, materials, and testing. For example, wood burners that are homemade have unknown clearances and may use a material that is too thin or deteriorates easily. In addition, be aware that barrels, drums or other containers that stored chemicals or flammable materials may pose health hazard.

Placement of Wood burners

The proper placement of a wood burner is critical. Remember that all wood burners must be installed to comply with local fire/building codes and manufacturer's specifications. Have a qualified heating contractor experienced with wood burners install your unit.
If your community does not have an ordinance covering these types of units, make sure your unit is installed to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard #211: the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances. NFPA #211 is a nationally recognized standard on solid fuel burning appliances.

As spring approaches and snow makes way for green grass, the use of gasoline powered lawn equipment and recreational equipment will increase. Gasoline can be dangerous, even explosive, if not handled and stored properly. The Marquette City Fire Department would like to avoid any possible gas related accidents by offering information on safe handling and storage of gasoline.

Gasoline should only be used as a motor fuel, and stored only when absolutely necessary. It should not be used as a solvent, cleaner, fire-starter, or for any other non-engine use. Gasoline vapors are highly flammable and can ignite at temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius. A single cup of gasoline, when vaporized and ignited, has the explosive power of five sticks of dynamite.

There are some easy ways to make use of gas powered equipment safer. They include:

• Use only approved storage vessels for storing or transporting fuel
• Do not pour fuel into the tank of a running engine
• Do not run a gasoline engine inside a garage or storage shed
• Allow engines to cool before performing maintenance or refueling
• Do not smoke while servicing or refueling
• Gas powered devices and portable gasoline cans should be stored away from living areas in storage sheds or detached garages when possible
• Do not alter or by-pass any safety device provided by manufacturer

The need to transport gasoline is more prevalent in the summer. Great care needs to be taken in choosing, filling and transporting portable gasoline cans. People are injured every year by static charged flash fires and explosions.

When dispensing gasoline into a portable gas can, use only an approved container. Always place the container on the ground and keep the pump nozzle in contact with the container. This will lessen the likelihood of a static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Containers should never be filled inside a vehicle, in a trunk, on/in the bed of a pickup truck, or the floor of a trailer. The safest place to fill a gasoline can is on the ground. When filling is done, be sure that the can cap is screwed on tight and that the vent opening is closed.

Marquette City Fire Department would like to extend wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season to all. Fires are devastating no matter what time of year they occur; however, a fire during the holidays is especially catastrophic. We would like to offer some suggestions and tips on how to keep your home and family safe during the holiday seasons.

Tips

• The trunk of the tree should be freshly cut prior to installing.
• Maintaining tree water and using a commercially available additive (plant food) are strongly suggested.
• If tree needles fall out, turn brown, or break rather than bend, the tree is too dry and should be removed or replaced.
• Lights on trees should not be illuminated while occupants are asleep or the home is unoccupied.
• Do not use candles for decorative purposes on tree.
• Paper or other easily combustible decorations should not be used.
• Tree should be supported to prevent falling, especially where pets and small children are present.
• Trees should not be placed in areas where they could block means of exiting.
• Natural trees should not be set up more than 10 days prior to Christmas and taken down 10 days after Christmas.
• Artificial trees labeled "Flame Resistant" by a nationally recognized testing laboratory are recommended.

Fact: The leading cause of holiday fires is faulty electrical equipment.

Tips:

• Check electrical wiring for damage prior to installation.
• Discard broken or worn light sets.
• Be sure that lights are rated for their intended use-exterior or interior.
• Insulation in wiring deteriorates with heat, ultraviolet rays, and age. If your wires have been stored in an attic for years or have been hanging outside in the wind and sunlight, replace them. (Storage should be in a cool, dry place)
• Use only approved light sets that have been tested by a third party testing laboratory.
• Turn lights off during extreme weather or high winds.
• Use miniature lights on natural Christmas trees to reduce the effects of heat and drying.
• Do not use electric lights with metallic trees. A remote flood light or floor illumination is suggested.
• Read and heed manufacturer's recommendations for maximum number of light sets that can be strung in succession.
• Tape exterior cord connections using duct or electrical tape.
• Make sure extension cords used outside are exterior rated.
• Check fuse-boxes and circuit breaker panels so that they are properly fused or grounded.

Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.

Fireworks by the numbers

• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
• In 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks related injuries; 55% of 2012 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 31% were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 15-24, followed by children under 10.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.