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Scott Health and Safety to make fiscal and physical contribution
Monroe-based Scott Health and Safety has partnered with the city of Monroe to not only provide funding for materials, but also provide labor for the construction of a training pavilion at the department’s training facility on Quarry Road.
While final approval for the pavilion would come from the city’s facility’s committee and the city council, Monroe Fire Chief Ron Fowler is appreciative of Scott Health and Safety’s donation and investment in the community.
“This would certainly be a welcome addition to our training center that would benefit all firefighters who use the facility,” said Fowler. “Scott Health and Safety is not only a world leader in the manufacturing of emergency equipment for firefighters, but they are also a valued cooperate citizen in Monroe who supports our community and supports the firefighters who serve our community.”
The proposed pavilion would provide a sheltered learning center for use by firefighters and emergency responders while at the facility and will complement the four story drill tower and live burn facility as well as the various mission related structures on the grounds.
Scott Health and Safety, a business unit of Tyco International, is based out of the Monroe Corporate Center and is a premier manufacturer of innovative respiratory and other personal protective equipment and safety devices for fire and rescue services, industrial workers, police, military and civil defense organizations around the world. The Scott product line includes self-contained breathing apparatus, supplied air and air-purifying respirators, gas and flame detection instruments, thermal imaging cameras, air compressors, accountability systems, head, eye and face protection, and firefighter and personal protective clothing.
“Scott Health and Safety is a fantastic example of a corporate partner that takes pride in its community and we are extremely appreciative for all they have done for the city of Monroe, all of Union County and for all the fine men and women around the world who count on their products to keep us safe,” said Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore.
If approved, construction on the pavilion will be a joint effort with employees of Scott Health and Safety and firefighters from Monroe and Union County.
There will be a presentation Thursday at the site (550 Quarry Road) at 5:30 p.m. with representatives from Scott Health and Safety, the City of Monroe and Union County Fire and Rescue. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about the partnership.
wgraham@monroenc.org
Subject: Residential Structure Fire 105 Woodland Avenue
Date: July 12, 2010
Monroe, NC – Monroe Firefighters responded to a report of a house on fire at 4:45 on July 12. First in units arrived at 105 Woodland Avenue to find a single story residence with heavy smoke and flames showing. The fire was quickly brought under control by 14 firefighters. There were two residents at the home asleep when the fire began. A working smoke alarm alerted them to the fire and they were able to escape to safety unharmed.
 105 Woodland Lane Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Division determined that the fire was a result of food left unattended on a stove. The home was significantly damaged by fire but was contained to the kitchen and living room areas of the home. Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli stated, “The working smoke alarm in the house was the difference between escape and potential tragedy in this fire. The residents were smart to keep their smoke alarm working and it very likely saved their lives today”.
Please contact the Monroe Fire Department with questions or for additional information.
wgraham@monroenc.org
Around town, I have already started hearing the occasional sounds of fireworks exploding. It seems like every year it begins earlier. Each Independence Day we all celebrate with family, friends, and all the things that make great summer memories: cookouts, picnics, water activities, and fireworks. Sadly, many people are injured from the careless use of fireworks each year.
By the Numbers: Fireworks
30,100 Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year
7,000 Estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks in 2008
7 Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2008
$34 million Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks
The safest way for you and your family to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display. The City of Monroe has a spectacular fireworks display every year on the Fourth of July. Look for more information soon in Pete Hovanec’s Community Voices Blog.
What you can do to prevent fireworks injuries:
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.
Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they’ll run loose or get injured.
Also, remember that fireworks (pyrotechnics) are illegal to possess in North Carolina. There are a few exceptions which can be found in North Carolina General Statute 14-414.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
Sources: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA)
wgraham@monroenc.org
Monroe, NC - Is your child passenger seat installed correctly? If you are not sure, you can now come to Fire Station #1 located on Church Street at Charlotte Avenue and get your car seat checked for free on the first Friday of each month. Just look for the signs near the old Scott building. There will be firefighters who are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians waiting to assist you.
“Engineer Robert Melton assists Mr. Williams of Monroe with his child passenger seat at Fire Station 1”
Recently, Engineer Robert Melton was certified as a Senior Checker and is available to make sure that our CPS technicians are installing seats correctly and to ensure that parents are comfortable with the information they receive at the car seat checkpoint. He has been installing car seats for several years, and we are proud to have his expertise available to us. In addition to Engineer Melton, we also have six other firefighters that are trained as Child Passenger Safety Technicians and are qualified to install the seats. There two other agencies that have permanent checking stations in Union County.
The schedules for these permanent checking stations are as follows:
Monroe Fire Department Station #1/Old Scott Building Parking Lot
300 W. Crowell St.
First Friday of every month 10AM-2PM
Assistant Fire Marshal Robert Bolick 704.282.4731
Monroe Police Department
Third Wednesday of every month 1PM-5PM
Officer Chad Shoultes 704.282.4700
Union EMS
Every other Tuesday 10AM-1PM
Jennifer Cochrane 704.226.2002
wgraham@monroenc.org
Fires and burns are a big problem in America for preschool-aged children. Each year, thousands are injured or killed from accidents in the home that could be prevented. That’s why the Home Safety Council has teamed up with Weekly Reader Custom Publishing on Start Safe: A Fire and Burn Safety Program for Preschoolers and their Families.
Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Office of Domestic Preparedness, Start Safe provides resources for preschool teachers and administrators to work hand-in-hand with a local fire department. Working together, teachers and local fire safety experts can deliver life-saving lessons to the preschoolers. Perhaps even more importantly, they can also reach parents and caregivers with key safety messages and help them take action to reduce the risk of fires and burns at home.
The Monroe, NC Fire Department is currently delivering this program to nine daycare’s in the City of Monroe and the kids love it! North Carolina is the only state in the nation that is delivering this program through fire service personnel. The goal of this program is to be proactive about preventing burn injuries in the 3-6 year old age group. The program constantly reinforces what things in the home are hot and can burn children. If your child comes home singing “I spot something hot!” you will know right away that they have been involved in the program. We will be continuing this program with the rest of the daycare’s in Monroe in the future.
If you have any questions about this program please contact Assistant Fire Marshal Robert Bolick at 704.282.4731 or rbolick@monroenc.org
wgraham@monroenc.org
I am Captain Wesley Graham, an Assistant Fire Marshal with the Monroe Fire Department. I am excited to have this opportunity to communicate with the residents of Monroe on a regular basis as a part of The Scoop Network.
Through this blog I hope to provide you with current information about the Monroe Fire Department and the latest information on fire safety and services that we provide to you, our customers.
Please visit the Monroe Fire Department Website for information about our mission, how to contact us, employment, calendar of events, and fire safety information. We are on duty 24 hours a day to serve you, and we want your feedback so that we can continually improve our service to you.
wgraham@monroenc.org
Winter Fire Safety
According to NFPA, home fires account for 83 percent of all civilian fire deaths. At this time of year we typically see an increase in home fires caused by heating the home. In fact, they become the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February.
Space heaters are often blamed for starting fires, but they are not inherently dangerous. With caution they can be used safely and effectively. If you are using space heaters to stay warm here are some things I want you to remember:
Portable electric space heaters
. Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room. Unattended space heaters can cause injuries to children and pets.
Use and purchase portable space heaters with an auto shut off so if they’re tipped over they will shut off.
Place space heater on solid, flat surface at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
Fuel-burning space heaters
. Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area. Allowing the heater to cool will decrease the possibility of a flash fire from the ignition of the fuel vapors or an unexpected fire from fuel contact with a hot portion of the heater.
If the pilot light of your fuel heater goes out, allow 5 minutes or more for the vapors to go away before trying again, do not allow fuel vapors to accumulate, and light the match before you turn on the fuel to the pilot to avoid risk of flashback.
Wood and pellet-burning stoves
. Wood stoves should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire. This will decrease the potential of sparks or embers from leaving the wood stove and causing a fire in the room.
Another danger from using fuel-burning heaters of any type is potential carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can poison you if you are exposed to it.
CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes. Carbon Monoxide is created when fuels (natural gas, propane, wood, etc.) burn incompletely.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from this ‘silent killer’. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. That way, when one sounds, they all sound.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call 911.
If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call 911 from a fresh air location and stay there until we arrive.
If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.
If you do not have a CO alarm and cannot afford one, and live in the City of Monroe, the Monroe Fire Department will gladly provide you with one. If you need any help testing your smoke alarm or CO alarm, please call us at 704.282.4726 and we will be glad to assist you.
Sources: www.nfpa.org and www.usfa.dhs.gov
wgraham@monroenc.org
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