By Teri Banas
October 08, 2009, 4:54PM
BURTON, Michigan -- Free smoke detectors and a slew of exciting demonstrations and children’s events are coming to the Meijer’s parking lot, 2333 S. Center Road, on Saturday when Burton Fire and Rescue hosts its annual Open House.
The event runs noon to 4 p.m.
“Our whole goal is to make people aware of fire prevention and if they did have a fire what they should do,” said Burton Deputy Kenneth Gould.
The department has ordered 650 smoke detectors to give away during the program. Firefighters will install them at no cost for those city residents who need the assistance, he added.
Last year, all but 20 smoke detectors were snatched up.
Several area fire departments will participate. Shiawassee County will bring its “smoke house,” which simulates a home fire. Children will be allowed to crawl through the trailer in an exercise to find an exit. “Our goal is to teach children what to do if the situation occurs in their home, so they wouldn’t panic, and would know what to do,” Gould said.
Gould added that residents should check their smoke alarms twice a year and practice their evacuation plans annually. “Absolutely, families should have this conversation at least once a year, more often with younger children,” he said.
Other demonstrations will include how to use a fire extinguisher, rides on the Grand Blanc aerial truck, and a tour of the Genesee County hazardous materials truck.
There will be face painting, clowns, balloons and inflatables. Meijer will provide refreshments. A raffle takes place at 3 p.m. for a Nano I-Pod for kids and a Garmin GPS Navigator System for adults.
Reflective address signs will be sold for $10 and $12 with posts.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/10/burton_fire_and_rescue_to_give.html
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Cadillac Police investigate two home invasions
CADILLAC - The Cadillac Police Department is investigating two home invasions in the city, one on Holly Road and the other on Maurer Street.
The Holly Road incident occurred between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on October 6 in the 600 block of Holly Road. The suspect(s) gained entry by breaking a window in the rear of the house. Stolen property included prescription medication, jewelry and a video camera.
No one was home at the time of the break-in.
The second incident occurred at 4:20 a.m. on Oct. 7. The suspects entered through a rear window.
The residents were home at the time, and one confronted the suspects, who ran from the house. No one was injured and nothing was taken.
The Cadillac Police Department deployed its K-9 unit and tracked the suspects for a short distance. Officers searched the area with assistance from the Wexford County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police. The suspects remain at large.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Cadillac Police Department at 775-3491 or, if wishing to remain anonymous, the Silent Observer at 779-9215. A reward is offered in both incidents.
Officers from the Cadillac Police Department will be contacting residents living near both addresses.
Director of Public Safety, Jeff Hawke, said, "Citizens are reminded to lock their doors and windows, use exterior lighting and call 911 immediately to report any type of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods."
news@cadillacnews.com 775-NEWS (6397)
http://www.cadillacnews.com/story_news/?story_id=1156166&year=2009
The Holly Road incident occurred between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on October 6 in the 600 block of Holly Road. The suspect(s) gained entry by breaking a window in the rear of the house. Stolen property included prescription medication, jewelry and a video camera.
No one was home at the time of the break-in.
The second incident occurred at 4:20 a.m. on Oct. 7. The suspects entered through a rear window.
The residents were home at the time, and one confronted the suspects, who ran from the house. No one was injured and nothing was taken.
The Cadillac Police Department deployed its K-9 unit and tracked the suspects for a short distance. Officers searched the area with assistance from the Wexford County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police. The suspects remain at large.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Cadillac Police Department at 775-3491 or, if wishing to remain anonymous, the Silent Observer at 779-9215. A reward is offered in both incidents.
Officers from the Cadillac Police Department will be contacting residents living near both addresses.
Director of Public Safety, Jeff Hawke, said, "Citizens are reminded to lock their doors and windows, use exterior lighting and call 911 immediately to report any type of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods."
news@cadillacnews.com 775-NEWS (6397)
http://www.cadillacnews.com/story_news/?story_id=1156166&year=2009
‘Stay fire smart, don’t get burned’
Fire departments prepare for Fire Prevention Week
By Sharon Stone
Published: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:57 AM EDT
With the changing weather and falling leaves, more residents will be burning, and in some cases, not paying heed to the changing winds. This is a concern of Argentine Township Assistant Fire Chief Jim Reid. The area has experienced a number of major fires, including the fire at Silver Lake Hills in Fenton, when an entire apartment building was destroyed last February. It was demolished. Local fire chiefs urge all residents to keep fire safety a top priority. Another fire, not to be forgotten anytime soon, destroyed the historical Union Block building in downtown Linden on May 18, 2006. The entire building was later demolished, and the LaFontaine family has since purchased the property, with hopes of rebuilding in the future. In April, a home on White Lake Road in Tyrone Township was destroyed by fire. The homeowner was burning brush in a fire pit, which spread and caught the home on fire.
In 2007, fire departments across the country responded to 399,000 home fires. Those fires killed nearly 2,900 people. Eighty-four percent of all fire deaths resulted from home fires. As the temperatures are beginning to fall, Reid said this means more and more people are starting up their fireplaces, wood stoves and furnaces. He is urging homeowners to have these heating devices checked out, cleaned and maintained for their family’s safety. Fire Prevention Week runs from Sunday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 10. This year’s theme is “Stay Fire Smart, Don't Get Burned.” In recognition of this initiative, area fire departments are opening their fire stations to the community.
Fenton Fire Department
The Fenton Fire Department is holding an open house from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 205 East Caroline St. The fire department responded to 378 calls so far for 2009 and of that amount, 63 of those calls were for fires. Fire Chief Robert Cairnduff said numerous free activities are planned for children, including a bounce house, slide, kids’ water ball, rides in the bucket of the ladder truck and Jaws of Life demonstrations. Also on tap is a visit by the University of Michigan Survival Flight helicopter. “The city of Fenton Fire Department wants to help the children of Fenton by educating them about fire safety, so they can make better choices, and also know what to do if there is a fire,” said Cairnduff.
Argentine Township Fire Department
In September alone, the fire department has responded to 39 calls. Reid said there have been fewer fire runs, while the number of medical emergencies increased. The Argentine Township Fire Department expects to hold an open house at its fire hall sometime in October, however, the date and time has not yet been determined. Fire safety presentations are being planned at elementary schools in the Linden district.
Linden Fire Department
The Linden Fire Department will be holding its annual open house from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Linden Fire Chief Brian Will said firefighters are planning on going to Hyatt Elementary School and Linden Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 9 to present fire safety to the children.
Fenton Township Fire Department
The Fenton Township Fire Department has responded to 22 fires this year. It will be holding its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Station No. 2, at 5120 Owen Rd. A variety of informative, yet fun, activities are planned for the whole family to enjoy. Firefighters will show how they perform an extrication and hoses will be out for the kids to play with. Brochures with fire safety tips will be available and smoke detectors will be available to those in need. Firefighter and fire prevention officer, Theresa Hajac said they would also be providing reflective stickers that parents can stick on bedroom doors. These stickers will aid firefighters if they are searching for a child, or any family member, in a smoke-filled home. On Saturday, Oct. 3, firefighters with the Fenton Township Fire Department will be at The Home Depot on Silver Parkway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children will have opportunities to climb inside the trucks and talk with firefighters.
North Oakland County Fire Authority (NOCFA)
NOCFA will be hosting an open house at its new station, 5051 Grange Hall Rd., from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Chief Jeremy Lintz said the new station would be on display, along with fire prevention information. There will be children’s activities and refreshments.
Village of Holly Fire Department
The Village of Holly Fire Department will visit elementary schools in the Holly Area Schools district, and Adelphian Academy, said Assistant Chief Paul Schimmeyer. Firefighters will visit Holly, Patterson and Karl Richter schools. They educate 500 to 700 children per year. In addition, the village fire department will be open on Halloween night, for parents to bring their children and have Halloween goodies checked for any tampering. Schimmeyer said the department distributes coloring books for children, and printed information for parents.
http://www.tctimes.com/articles/2009/10/08/news/doc4ac271198b5fa233436488.txt
By Sharon Stone
Published: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:57 AM EDT
With the changing weather and falling leaves, more residents will be burning, and in some cases, not paying heed to the changing winds. This is a concern of Argentine Township Assistant Fire Chief Jim Reid. The area has experienced a number of major fires, including the fire at Silver Lake Hills in Fenton, when an entire apartment building was destroyed last February. It was demolished. Local fire chiefs urge all residents to keep fire safety a top priority. Another fire, not to be forgotten anytime soon, destroyed the historical Union Block building in downtown Linden on May 18, 2006. The entire building was later demolished, and the LaFontaine family has since purchased the property, with hopes of rebuilding in the future. In April, a home on White Lake Road in Tyrone Township was destroyed by fire. The homeowner was burning brush in a fire pit, which spread and caught the home on fire.
In 2007, fire departments across the country responded to 399,000 home fires. Those fires killed nearly 2,900 people. Eighty-four percent of all fire deaths resulted from home fires. As the temperatures are beginning to fall, Reid said this means more and more people are starting up their fireplaces, wood stoves and furnaces. He is urging homeowners to have these heating devices checked out, cleaned and maintained for their family’s safety. Fire Prevention Week runs from Sunday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 10. This year’s theme is “Stay Fire Smart, Don't Get Burned.” In recognition of this initiative, area fire departments are opening their fire stations to the community.
Fenton Fire Department
The Fenton Fire Department is holding an open house from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 205 East Caroline St. The fire department responded to 378 calls so far for 2009 and of that amount, 63 of those calls were for fires. Fire Chief Robert Cairnduff said numerous free activities are planned for children, including a bounce house, slide, kids’ water ball, rides in the bucket of the ladder truck and Jaws of Life demonstrations. Also on tap is a visit by the University of Michigan Survival Flight helicopter. “The city of Fenton Fire Department wants to help the children of Fenton by educating them about fire safety, so they can make better choices, and also know what to do if there is a fire,” said Cairnduff.
Argentine Township Fire Department
In September alone, the fire department has responded to 39 calls. Reid said there have been fewer fire runs, while the number of medical emergencies increased. The Argentine Township Fire Department expects to hold an open house at its fire hall sometime in October, however, the date and time has not yet been determined. Fire safety presentations are being planned at elementary schools in the Linden district.
Linden Fire Department
The Linden Fire Department will be holding its annual open house from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Linden Fire Chief Brian Will said firefighters are planning on going to Hyatt Elementary School and Linden Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 9 to present fire safety to the children.
Fenton Township Fire Department
The Fenton Township Fire Department has responded to 22 fires this year. It will be holding its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Station No. 2, at 5120 Owen Rd. A variety of informative, yet fun, activities are planned for the whole family to enjoy. Firefighters will show how they perform an extrication and hoses will be out for the kids to play with. Brochures with fire safety tips will be available and smoke detectors will be available to those in need. Firefighter and fire prevention officer, Theresa Hajac said they would also be providing reflective stickers that parents can stick on bedroom doors. These stickers will aid firefighters if they are searching for a child, or any family member, in a smoke-filled home. On Saturday, Oct. 3, firefighters with the Fenton Township Fire Department will be at The Home Depot on Silver Parkway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children will have opportunities to climb inside the trucks and talk with firefighters.
North Oakland County Fire Authority (NOCFA)
NOCFA will be hosting an open house at its new station, 5051 Grange Hall Rd., from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Chief Jeremy Lintz said the new station would be on display, along with fire prevention information. There will be children’s activities and refreshments.
Village of Holly Fire Department
The Village of Holly Fire Department will visit elementary schools in the Holly Area Schools district, and Adelphian Academy, said Assistant Chief Paul Schimmeyer. Firefighters will visit Holly, Patterson and Karl Richter schools. They educate 500 to 700 children per year. In addition, the village fire department will be open on Halloween night, for parents to bring their children and have Halloween goodies checked for any tampering. Schimmeyer said the department distributes coloring books for children, and printed information for parents.
http://www.tctimes.com/articles/2009/10/08/news/doc4ac271198b5fa233436488.txt
Monday, October 5, 2009
Be aware of fire’s danger
By Ryan Secord, Staff Writer
Hillsdale Daily News
Posted Oct 04, 2009 @ 03:20 PM
Hillsdale, Mich. —
All across the state of Michigan fire services are being encouraged to show the importance of fire safety to citizens in their respective regions.
Oct. 4-10 has been declared Fire Prevention Week by Gov. Jennifer Granholm with this year's program focusing on burn awareness, prevention and promoting public understanding of the leading causes of home fires.
State Fire Marshal Ronald Farr had several tips to ensure preventable accidents do not occur in the home.
“Ideally a home should have one fire alarm per bedroom, and one outside the bedroom in each level of a given home,” he said.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Catching Criminals
With more and more public safety departments turning to social media to stay informed, it is becoming more commonplace for social media to be utilized in actual police work as well. In July, for example, the Boston Police used Twitter and Facebook to track down bicycle thieves, while the Los Angeles Police Department utilized YouTube in an effort to locate criminals that broke into actress Lindsay Lohan’s home in August.
And using social media is becoming a common trend in modern police work. From police in New Zealand using Facebook to catch a burglar, to police in Ohio utilizing social networks to circulate pictures of criminals, social media tools are becoming the modern equivalents of the Post Office wanted poster.
Police are also using the things people post on social networks and blogs as a way to track down law breakers. “We are using this (Facebook) as a crime-fighting tool. It’s becoming pretty common,” said Indiana, Pennsylvania Police Chief William Sutton after his department utilized Facebook photos and videos posted on YouTube to identify out-of-hand party-goers at a post-Super Bowl street gathering last February.
While the latter is a case of what happens when criminals incriminate themselves on social networks, it is clear that social media tools are being used in smart ways by police departments and neighborhood watch groups to make our cities safer.
And using social media is becoming a common trend in modern police work. From police in New Zealand using Facebook to catch a burglar, to police in Ohio utilizing social networks to circulate pictures of criminals, social media tools are becoming the modern equivalents of the Post Office wanted poster.
Police are also using the things people post on social networks and blogs as a way to track down law breakers. “We are using this (Facebook) as a crime-fighting tool. It’s becoming pretty common,” said Indiana, Pennsylvania Police Chief William Sutton after his department utilized Facebook photos and videos posted on YouTube to identify out-of-hand party-goers at a post-Super Bowl street gathering last February.
While the latter is a case of what happens when criminals incriminate themselves on social networks, it is clear that social media tools are being used in smart ways by police departments and neighborhood watch groups to make our cities safer.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Candles blamed in house fires
Here's an article that exemplifies the reasons to have a home fire security system.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@muskegonchronicle.com
MUSKEGON COUNTY -- Unattended candles, lit because of windstorm-caused power outages, were believed to be the cause of two different Muskegon County house fires Monday night that did extensive damage.
The first was reported at 7:14 p.m. at 2533 Scenic in Fruitland Township, a one-story wood-frame house overlooking Lake Michigan.
Firefighters from the White Lake Fire Authority, assisted by the Muskegon Township Fire Department, fought the blaze. No dollar estimate of damage was available Tuesday, but the small home's structure appeared to be a total loss while some of its contents might be salvageable, White Lake Fire Marshal Ben Novak said.
The cause appeared to be accidental, Novak said. "We're leaning toward improper candle usage," he said. "The power's out, everybody's using candles to do their thing, and sometimes proper precautions aren't taken."
The homeowner apparently was trying to get a generator started when a candle somehow started a fire, Novak said.
A few hours later, a candle left burning with nobody home was the probable cause of a fire that caused extensive damage to a Muskegon Township house, fire officials believe.
Muskegon Township Fire Chief David Glotzbach estimated the two-story wood-frame home at 1127 Dykstra sustained some $90,000 in damage. The fire was confined to two rooms, but heat and smoke caused damage throughout the residence, Glotzbach said.
The fire was reported at 11:22 p.m. Monday, and Muskegon Township firefighters, assisted by the North Muskegon Fire Department, were on the scene until 1:06 a.m. Tuesday. No one was hurt. The home was insured.
Glotzbach said power was out because of high winds, and the male homeowner, who lives alone, had left the house with some candles burning. When the man returned home shortly after 11 p.m., the fire had started.
Photo * Kendra Stanley-Mills
Muskegon Township Deputy Fire Chief Bob Grabinski works at the scene of Monday night's fire at 2533 Scenic in Fruitland Township. A fire started in the bathroom of the home which sits on Lake Michigan. Power was out in the area when the fire started. White Lake Fire Authority and Muskegon Township Fire along with DTE Energy responded to the scene.
A DTE Energy employee, Lance Johnson, works at the scene of Monday night's fire at 2533 Scenic in Fruitland Township. A fire started in the bathroom of the home which sits on Lake Michigan. Power was out in the area when the fire started. White Lake Fire Authority and Muskegon Township Fire responded to the scene.
http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-17/1254305722319840.xml&coll=8
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@muskegonchronicle.com
MUSKEGON COUNTY -- Unattended candles, lit because of windstorm-caused power outages, were believed to be the cause of two different Muskegon County house fires Monday night that did extensive damage.
The first was reported at 7:14 p.m. at 2533 Scenic in Fruitland Township, a one-story wood-frame house overlooking Lake Michigan.
Firefighters from the White Lake Fire Authority, assisted by the Muskegon Township Fire Department, fought the blaze. No dollar estimate of damage was available Tuesday, but the small home's structure appeared to be a total loss while some of its contents might be salvageable, White Lake Fire Marshal Ben Novak said.
The cause appeared to be accidental, Novak said. "We're leaning toward improper candle usage," he said. "The power's out, everybody's using candles to do their thing, and sometimes proper precautions aren't taken."
The homeowner apparently was trying to get a generator started when a candle somehow started a fire, Novak said.
A few hours later, a candle left burning with nobody home was the probable cause of a fire that caused extensive damage to a Muskegon Township house, fire officials believe.
Muskegon Township Fire Chief David Glotzbach estimated the two-story wood-frame home at 1127 Dykstra sustained some $90,000 in damage. The fire was confined to two rooms, but heat and smoke caused damage throughout the residence, Glotzbach said.
The fire was reported at 11:22 p.m. Monday, and Muskegon Township firefighters, assisted by the North Muskegon Fire Department, were on the scene until 1:06 a.m. Tuesday. No one was hurt. The home was insured.
Glotzbach said power was out because of high winds, and the male homeowner, who lives alone, had left the house with some candles burning. When the man returned home shortly after 11 p.m., the fire had started.
Photo * Kendra Stanley-Mills
Muskegon Township Deputy Fire Chief Bob Grabinski works at the scene of Monday night's fire at 2533 Scenic in Fruitland Township. A fire started in the bathroom of the home which sits on Lake Michigan. Power was out in the area when the fire started. White Lake Fire Authority and Muskegon Township Fire along with DTE Energy responded to the scene.
A DTE Energy employee, Lance Johnson, works at the scene of Monday night's fire at 2533 Scenic in Fruitland Township. A fire started in the bathroom of the home which sits on Lake Michigan. Power was out in the area when the fire started. White Lake Fire Authority and Muskegon Township Fire responded to the scene.
http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-17/1254305722319840.xml&coll=8
Marshals sound alarm for fire prevention week
Area fire marshals are prepping for fire prevention week and urging the public to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to set emergency meeting places and to keep fire extinguishers near fire-prone areas such as kitchens and garages.
The National Fire Protection Association begins its annual Fire Prevention Week next Monday, a nation-wide program designed to educate children and adults about the dangers of fires. This year's program focuses on preventing burns and keeping homes safe from the leading causes of fires -- cooking and heating equipment.
In Stamford, Deputy Fire Marshal Ted Panagiotopoulos said his office is handing out door hangers reminding residents of one- and two-family homes to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Panagiotopoulos said fire marshals normally only inspect three-family homes and that this program allows them to reach out to smaller homes to urge them to keep tabs on their fire prevention methods.
He said Stamford fire marshals will also visit children and teach them to develop escape plans with their families in the event of emergencies.
Panagiotopoulos advised residents to keep fire extinguishers near kitchens, laundry rooms and utility rooms -- all potentially hazardous areas.
Chief Denis McCarthy of the Norwalk Fire Department said smoke detectors should be put in every bedroom of a house, not just hallways. That way they'll be able to wake up children, seniors and other sound sleepers, he said.
He said the importance of fire prevention week lies in the message it sends to residents -- that 2,755 people were killed in fires in the United States in 2008, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
"We've certainly seen our fair share of that in Norwalk over the past year," McCarthy said, referring to the fire that killed two Burwell Street residents in May.
The Norwalk Fire Department will hold its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Fire Station Headquarters at 121 Connecticut Ave. The event features hands-on demonstrations. For more information, call 203-854-0238.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/localnews/ci_13440506
The National Fire Protection Association begins its annual Fire Prevention Week next Monday, a nation-wide program designed to educate children and adults about the dangers of fires. This year's program focuses on preventing burns and keeping homes safe from the leading causes of fires -- cooking and heating equipment.
In Stamford, Deputy Fire Marshal Ted Panagiotopoulos said his office is handing out door hangers reminding residents of one- and two-family homes to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Panagiotopoulos said fire marshals normally only inspect three-family homes and that this program allows them to reach out to smaller homes to urge them to keep tabs on their fire prevention methods.
He said Stamford fire marshals will also visit children and teach them to develop escape plans with their families in the event of emergencies.
Panagiotopoulos advised residents to keep fire extinguishers near kitchens, laundry rooms and utility rooms -- all potentially hazardous areas.
Chief Denis McCarthy of the Norwalk Fire Department said smoke detectors should be put in every bedroom of a house, not just hallways. That way they'll be able to wake up children, seniors and other sound sleepers, he said.
He said the importance of fire prevention week lies in the message it sends to residents -- that 2,755 people were killed in fires in the United States in 2008, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
"We've certainly seen our fair share of that in Norwalk over the past year," McCarthy said, referring to the fire that killed two Burwell Street residents in May.
The Norwalk Fire Department will hold its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Fire Station Headquarters at 121 Connecticut Ave. The event features hands-on demonstrations. For more information, call 203-854-0238.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/localnews/ci_13440506
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