• Updated

December 6, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio State Fire Marshal: Columbus, Ohio – As the holiday season gets into full swing with colorful decorations, dazzling lights, and festive gatherings, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) reminds Ohioans that paying careful attention is key to ensuring the season stays merry, bright and safe. We’ve created a set of advice and guidelines for consumers to easily follow as they transform their homes and businesses into winter wonderlands. Decorations increase the risk of a fire, and when improperly used can turn this festive time of year into a tragic one. Last year in Ohio, there were 209 fires reported on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year that begin with decorations, not including Christmas trees. These fires cause an annual average of three fire deaths, 30 fire injuries, and $14 million in property damage. In addition, nearly one out of every five Christmas tree fires are started by lamps or bulbs, and 11% are started by candles.

  • Updated

With the winter months nearly upon us, it's time to start preparing for harsher conditions. Yesterday began Winter Safety Awareness Week, and everyone should make sure they have what they need to combat the unpredictable weather. Put in place an emergency plan to make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. Test your heating systems and your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure everything is in working order. And stock up on essentials in case you're stuck in your home for an extended period of time.

  • Updated

November 1, 2024, Press Release from the American Red Cross: INDIANA, November 1, 2024 — Daylight saving time ends on November 3 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out. Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.

  • Updated

With clocks falling back one hour this upcoming weekend, the Lima Fire Department wants to remind the public to check up on their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house.  With the time change, the fire department says now would be a good opportunity to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The Lima Fire Department says while you may have these detectors in your house, don't assume the battery is always charged.

  • Updated

October 9, 2024, Press Release from Domino's: Lima Domino's, located at 2400 Cable Court, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are teaming up with the Shawnee Township Fire Department to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12). On Thursday, Oct. 10 from 5-7 p.m., anyone who orders a Domino's pizza may be randomly selected and surprised at the door when their pizza arrives accompanied by a fire engine. If the smoke alarms in the home are working, their order is free. If the smoke alarms are not working, the firefighters will replace them or install new batteries.

  • Updated

September 25, 2024, Press Release from the National Fire Protection Association: September 25, 2024 – According to the latest “Smoke Alarms in the U.S.” report from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (60 percent), while the majority of civilian home fire deaths continues to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms. These statistics—coupled with newly released findings from a comprehensive U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) survey—reinforce the critical importance of Fire Prevention Week™, October 6–12, and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™ ”A newly published survey by CPSC, which was conducted in coordination with the Fire Protection Research Foundation (the research affiliate of NFPA) and the National Institute for Safety and Technology (NIST), assesses the prevalence, functionality, and public perception of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in U.S. households. According to the findings, nearly all U.S. households (99 percent) report having at least one smoke alarm, which reflects a significant increase from 88 percent in 1994. However, more than half of households (61 percent) test their smoke alarms less frequently than recommended (at least once a month). A third (33 percent) say they never test their smoke alarms.