The Cardinal » Fire Prevention

High Winds Fan Fires: Tonight Is A Night To Absolutely Make Sure Your Dryer Lint Screens Are Clear

Cardinal News — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 02:25:17 +0000

High winds and cold weather gives fire an advantage, and tonight is expected to get windy and very cold. Make sure your dryer screens are extra clean tonight. No time is a good time for a fire, but with high winds, extra air can blow through dryer vents and give lint a better chance to ignite and spread a fire fast. There have been two small fires today that were related to dryer fires — one in Buffalo Grove on Mill Creek Drive, and one in Schaumburg on Tonset Lane.

Also, dryer fragrance sheets leave a film on the lint screen that can lead to problems with your dryer. The residue film blocks the air flow, which means the dryer has to use more energy, which can burn out the heating unit prematurely. You might need some extra cleaning effort to clean the residue.

Try the following …
Dish soap
Hot water
Old tooth brush or other nylon brush
Submerge in bucket, sink or tub
Use a soft towel
Vacuum

Make sure the screen is dry before you put it back in the dryer. If you’re using dryer fragrance sheets, you probably need the extra cleaning every 6-8 weeks. Of course regular lint removal should be done before every use of the dryer.

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Arlington Heights Fire Department: Keep The Wreaths Red – Have A Fire-Safe Holiday

Cardinal News — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:03:55 +0000

“Keep the Wreath Red” program underway at Arlington Heights Fire Department fire stations. The “Keep the Wreath Red” program was adopted by the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association in 1980. Now an annual event, Keep the Wreath Red is aimed at increasing an awareness of safety while decorating our homes for the holidays.

The program works this way — a wreath is placed on the front of each fire station in Arlington Heights. The wreath is strung with red lights. The wreaths remain lit twenty-four hours a day during the holiday season. If a fire occurs that is determined to be the result of a holiday decoration, a white bulb replaces a red bulb on the wreath. The hope is the wreath will serve as a constant reminder to practice safety while displaying holiday decorations.

Some suggestions for holiday safety are:

Artificial trees are safer than real trees.

If purchasing a real tree select one which is deep green in color and has a strong scent of pine.

Keep extension cord use at a minimum.

Use only lights which are approved by a national testing laboratory.

Do not use indoor lights outdoors.

Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits.

Do not leave candles unattended.

Keep candles away from combustible materials.

Trim all candlewicks to one-quarter inch and extinguish all candles prior to the burning of the last half-inch of wax.

Kids Safety Season? Holiday Safety Tips 2012 From The American Academy Of Pediatrics

Cardinal News — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 16:02:10 +0000

The American Academy of Pediatrics — with their national headquarters in Elk Grove Village –has released their 2012 Holiday Safety Tips. The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and frequently the distractions and the rush of celebrations that alter normal routines open the door for mishaps and tragedies. To help ensure children have a safe holiday season, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Trees
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.

Lights
Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.

Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked over.

In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.

Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.

Toy Safety
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.

Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.

To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age 10) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.

Young children can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.

Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death — after swallowing button batteries and magnets. In addition to toys, button batteries are often found in musical greeting cards, remote controls, hearing aids and other small electronics. Keep them away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows one.

Children can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; do not allow children under age 8 to play with them.

Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.

Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.

Food Safety
Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.

Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands. Be sure that young children cannot access microwave ovens.

Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.

Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.

Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.

Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.

Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Happy Visiting
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.

Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots like unlocked cabinets, unattended purses, accessible cleaning or laundry products, stairways, or hot radiators.

Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.

Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child’s stress levels. Trying to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

Fireplaces
Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.

Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.

Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Also from The Cardinal …
Child visitors might find hazards in a strange house. If your the host, be especially careful to secure televisions — especially older, heavier models. Televisions can be pulled down when children climb on them, or when children reach for something on top of the older televisions. Several fatal accidents have occurred recently when older, heavier televisions have fallen on children. If you’re a visitor at a relative’s or friend’s house, survey the room or outdoor area where children might be playing.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is located at …

The American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098

847/434-4000

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Palatine Fire Department: “Keep The Wreath Red” White Light Represents “Holiday-Related Fire”

Cardinal News — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:56:14 +0000

The Palatine Fire Department will again be participating in the annual “Keep the Wreath Red” holiday safety program. This public-safety campaign was started in the mid 50’s to increase fire safety awareness during the holidays.

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, on each of our five (5) firehouses, a wreath will be decorated only in red lights. In the event of a “holiday related fire,” we will exchange a red bulb with a white bulb. We hope, as you pass the wreaths you will consider potential fire safety problems in your home and take the time to correct them.

• Check all holiday lighting for wear or damaged wiring and replace as needed.

• Use indoor/outdoor lighting and extension cords where they are intended.

• Do not run lighting or extension cords through windows, doors or across sidewalks.

• Do not overload electrical cords. If it is hot, it is overloaded!

• Turn off all holiday lighting prior to leaving or going to bed.

• If displaying a live tree, use a sturdy tree stand and water the tree often.

• Keep the tree, wreaths and all holiday decorations away from any heat source; such as fireplaces, space heaters, candles and heating ducts.

• Make sure smoke detectors are tested and in good working order with fresh batteries.

• Use only sturdy candle holders and only place on firm, uncluttered surfaces.

• Do not place candles in windows near blinds and curtains.

• Have fireplaces and wood-burning stoves cleaned regularly.

All of the members of the Palatine Fire Department wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Turkey Fryer Safety from William Shatner and State Farm

Cardinal News — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:03:00 +0000

William Shatner knows firsthand how dangerous turkey fryers can be—so do the firefighters with the Illinois Fire Service Institute, who staged some of the common mistakes, with explosive results.

FIRE, METAL, OIL and TURKEY … and steam, too — a dangerous combination. $15 million in annual U.S. property damage is caused by deep fryer fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission more than 141 serious fires and hot-oil burns have been reported from the use of turkey fryers over the last decade.

William Shatner loves deep-fried turkey, but over many Thanksgivings and Christmases he’s made mistakes, burned himself, and nearly burned down his house. In this dramatic retelling, Bill shows us how dangerous turkey fryers can be.

WRONG. Too much oil. Placement too close to the house, or inside a garage.

TURKEY FRYER SAFETY TIPS
• Look for the newer fryers with sealed lids to prevent oil spills.

• Never cook in short sleeves, shorts or bare feet. Cover all bare skin when dunking or removing bird.

• Protect your eyes with goggles or glasses.

• Place the fryer in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures.

• Never use fryer in, on, or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, deck or any other structure that can catch fire.

• Keep a fire extinguisher designated for oil fires nearby with someone on standby with familiarity on how to operate the extinguisher.

• Don’t over-fill — the volume of the turkey can displace oil, causing it to run over and ignite when oil contacts burner flame.

• Keep fryer in full view with constant monitoring while the burner is on.

• Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

• Slowly raise and lower the turkey to reduce hot-oil splatter and to avoid burns.

• Immediately turn off the fryer if the oil begins to smoke. Smoke is a sign that the oil is about to ignite or reach its flash point.

• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don’t mix and water can cause oil to spill over, creating a fire or even an explosion.

• Do not use a hose in an attempt to douse a turkey fryer fire.

• If you do burn yourself, or someone else is burned, seek immediate medical attention.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 2:09 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012 to a report of a Turkey Fryer that ignited the side of a house in the 2200 block of North Walnut Avenue.

The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher and water hose before firefighters arrived. Firefighters pulled siding down to check for extension of fire into the house.

Third Degree Burns at Old Orchard in Mount Prospect
Serafino Alfe, 86, tripped near a turkey fryer, causing about 30 quarts of hot oil to spill onto his leg. The accident caused third-degree burns that Alfe initially didn’t seem that serious. Paramedics recognized the seriousness of the burns and Alfe was transported to the Burn Center at Loyola University Hospital.

Turkey Fryer Death
In August 2007, Israel Hernandez, 5, was playing on his driveway at his home in the 500 block of East Merle Lane in Wheeling, Illinois on a Sunday afternoon. While his parents prepared food for his cousin’s surprise party inside the house, he somehow crashed the bike he was riding into a turkey fryer container that was cooking chili peppers in boiling cooking oil. He was seriously burned from the hot oil on his back and body from his shoulders down — about 60% of his body.

Israel’s parents immediately called 911, and suffered burn injuries to their hands while removing Israel’s hot clothing. Israel was conscious and protesting his trip to the hospital because he didn’t want to miss the party. Wheeling Fire Department paramedics requested a transfer by Loyola Lifestar helicopter immediately to the Loyola University Medical Center Burn Unit where Israel Hernandez arrived unconscious. After respiratory failure, Israel Hernandez died Wednesday, four days after his burn injury. The accident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 2007. Israel fought for his life until Wednesday at 11:17 p.m. when he was pronounced dead.

Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights Firefighters’ Open House Activities at Each Headquarters

Cardinal News — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:29:43 +0000

Fire Prevention Week Open House at Arlington Heights Fire Department Station 2 last year on October 15, 2011.

Get an exciting, close-up view of firefighting equipment and fire apparatus at the Arlington Heights Fire Department’s Open House on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station #2, 1150 N. Arlington Heights Road; or from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Prospect Heights Fire Protection District at 10 East Camp McDonald Road in Prospect Heights.

The Open House is held in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13. The Fire Prevention theme for this year is “Have 2 Ways Out.” Besides learning more about Fire Prevention tips at the Open House, you will also learn about firefighting equipment and how it’s used. You will have a chance to get into a firetruck and watch exciting demonstrations of what our firefighters are trained to do.

There will also be the Safety House, fire and rescue equipment on display, face painting and games, and Sparky the Fire Dog will be there!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about fire safety and about the Fire Department that is proud to serve the residents of Arlington Heights.

Recognizing Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13

Cardinal News — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 19:40:07 +0000

Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, during the week (from Sunday to Saturday) in which October 9 occurs. Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire. In 1911, on the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA); the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

NFPA has been the official sponsor of this campaign since 1922, making it the first and longest running public health and safety observance on record.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK “HAVE 2 WAYS OUT” …

Palatine Fire Department Flashover and Sprinkler Room Demonstration last year. The demonstration shows how fast a fire spreads in less than two minutes. The fire flashover occurs in about three minutes. Compare the difference with a sprinkler system.

Palatine Fire Department had their open house last week, but Arlington Heights Fire Department will hold their open house Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

HOME FIRES
One home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010.

Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2010, 19 home fires killed five or more people. These 19 fires resulted in 101 deaths.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.

COOKING LEADING CAUSE OF FIRES SINCE 1990
Cooking has been the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries since 1990. Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause of these fires; Two-thirds of home cooking fires began with ignition of cooking materials, including food, cooking oil, fat, or grease.

Cooking caused two of every five (42%) of reported home fires, roughly one of every seven (15% ) home fire deaths, and two of every five (37% ) home fire injuries, and 11% of direct property damage from home fires in 2010.

Ranges accounted for the 58% of home cooking fire incidents. Ovens accounted for 16%.

Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than being burned in a cooking fire.

90% of burns associated with cooking equipment resulted from contact with hot equipment or some other non-fire source.

HEATING — SECOND LEADING CAUSE SINCE 1990
Heating equipment was the leading cause of reported home fires in the 1980s and has generally ranked second since them. It is the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Fires involving heating equipment peak in December, January and February, as do deaths from these fires.

The leading factor contributing to heating equipment fires was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.

Portable or fixed space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in one-third (32%) of home heating fires and four out of five (79%) home heating deaths.

Half of home heating fire deaths resulted from fires caused by heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.

SMOKING MATERIALS
In 2010, smoking materials started and estimated 17,500 home structure fires, resulting in 540 deaths, 1,320 injuries and $535 million in direct property damage. Smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths.

Sleep was a factor in two of every five home smoking material fire deaths. Possible alcohol impairment was reported in one quarter of these deaths.

In recent years, Canada and the United States have required that all cigarettes sold must be “fire safe,” that is have reduced ignition strength and less likely to start fires.

ELECTRICAL FIRES
Half (49%) of home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment. Other leading types of equipment were washer or dryer, fan, portable or stationary space heater, air conditioning equipment, water heater and range.

In 2010, electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 46,500 home structure fires resulting in 420 deaths, 1,520 injuries and $1.5 billion in property damage.

CANDLES
On average, there are 35 home candle fires reported per day.

More than one-third of these fires started in the bedroom.

More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.

In 2010, candles caused 3% of home fires, 4% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries and 5% of direct property damage from home fires.

– SOURCE NFPA

RED FLAG WARNING Risk For Wildfires Remains in Effect Until 9:00 PM Monday

Cardinal News — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:18:15 +0000

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
1048 AM CDT MON OCT 8 2012

WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE IL-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-DUPAGE-COOK-
LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-IROQUOIS-FORD-
LAKE IN-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-

…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT /10 PM EDT/
THIS EVENING…

* AFFECTED AREA…NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

* WINDS…SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH.

* TIMING…THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL DEVELOP BY MID DAY PERSISTING
THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING AND WILL AID IN LOWERING RELATIVE
HUMIDITY VALUES.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AS LOW AS 25 PERCENT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW…OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS…LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Become a fan of The Cardinal weather page. Submit your pictures or just stay up-to-date on weather topics — go direct to the Arlington Cardinal Weather photos. For a list of all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages, go to Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …

Red Flag Warning Fire Risk for Brush and Wildlands Effective Monday 7 AM CDT Until 9 PM CDT

Cardinal News — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:29:19 +0000

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
515 PM CDT SUN OCT 7 2012

WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE IL-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-DUPAGE-COOK-
LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-IROQUOIS-FORD-
LAKE IN-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-
515 PM CDT SUN OCT 7 2012 /615 PM EDT SUN OCT 7 2012/

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT /8 AM EDT/ TO 9 PM
CDT /10 PM EDT/ MONDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY…WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT /8 AM EDT/ TO 9 PM CDT /10 PM EDT/ MONDAY.

* AFFECTED AREA…NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

* WINDS…SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH.

* TIMING…THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL DEVELOP MONDAY MORNING AND
PERSIST THROUGH EARLY MONDAY EVENING AND AID IN LOWERING
RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AROUND 25 PERCENT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Palatine Fire Department Open House Saturday, October 6, 2012

Cardinal News — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:07:06 +0000

As a part of National Fire Prevention Week, the Palatine Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Open House” on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at Station 84, located at 220 W. Illinois Avenue in Palatine from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. This family-friendly, interactive event will feature fire and rescue vehicles and equipment on display, station tours and refreshments. Our Dive Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Bike Medic, and Fire Investigation teams will also have their equipment on display. Demonstrations and activities will include an auto extrication presentation, a flashover room / residential sprinkler comparison and a fire behavior class presented by our department’s own, “Mr. Wizard.” Representatives from the Palatine Police Department and the Palatine Emergency Management Agency will be in attendance along with other participating agencies including Nicor, Flight-for-Life, Com Ed, Metra, Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Batteries Plus, Northwest Central Dispatch and ADT.

The tentative schedule of events is:
Flight for Life Helicopter (weather dependent) 10:00 am
Vehicle Extrication Demonstration 11:00 am
Mr. Wizard Fire Behavior Demonstration 12:00 noon
Flashover / Sprinkler Room Demonstration 1:00 pm
Vehicle / Equipment Displays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Station Tours 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Public Education Trailer Display 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House Saturday, October 13, 2012

Cardinal News — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:08:37 +0000

There will also be the Safety House, fire and rescue equipment on display, face painting and games, and Sparky the Fire Dog will be there!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about fire safety and about the Fire Department that is proud to serve the residents of Arlington Heights.

Woman Injured: Fireworks Demonstration at Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Goes Bad in Mount Prospect

Cardinal News — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:13:08 +0000

Not sure what category to file this report …

“Everything happens for a reason?”

Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”?

“No good deed goes unpunished?”

About 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2012 all three epigrams applied when a press conference and fireworks safety demonstration went awry in the rear parking lot of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance office. The press conference started at 11:00 a.m. and brought major media together with The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is a reputable group of firefighters, fire administrators, medical experts, and safety-minded experts and citizens. They’re famous for their Burn Camp summer camp for burn victims, which is now referred to as Camp “I am Me”. If anyone knows about suffering from burns, its firefighters. And these dedicated individuals go beyond the call of duty to help kids that are burn victims.

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance also knows safety. They work on fireworks legislation and warn citizens and consumers about fire safety issues.

About 11:30 a.m. a legal fireworks product was demonstrated. The directions from the manufacturer were followed, but a small fireball shot out the side directly at the media. The little fireball hit a staff member of an Illinois Fire Safety Alliance member who was wearing sandals, and received a burn. The burn was serious enough to require Mount Prospect firefighter/paramedics to respond to the scene, and transport the fireworks victim to Northwest Community Hospital. Mount Prospect firefighter/paramedics responded about 11:29 a.m. Tuesday to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance in the 400 block of West Northwest Highway to a report of a fireworks injury.

Remember with fireworks, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Even professional fireworks launcher staff get seriously injured or even killed by the big fireworks. About 30 years ago a launcher at a professional Mount Prospect 4th of July show was injured when a rocket traveled up the inside of his forearm — splitting open his skin and causing severe burns. He arrived at Northwest Community Hospital in severe pain.

“Everything happens for a reason?” Unfortunately a woman was injured in the fire safety demonstration. Maybe the message will have a little more meaning this year. Safety first, when it comes to fireworks. Watch out for exposed skin and eyes near fireworks and firecrackers. If you can be injured by the legal products, you should stay away from the illegal products, and maybe leave the fireworks up to professionals over 100 yards away.

NWS RED FLAG WARNING for Wildfire Risk Northern Illinois

Cardinal News — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:53:03 +0000

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
1056 AM CDT THU MAY 24 2012

…HIGH FIRE DANGER DUE TO WARM…DRY AND WINDY CONDITIONS THIS
AFTERNOON…

.IT WILL BE WARM…DRY AND WINDY THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.
LACK OF RAINFALL IN RECENT WEEKS HAS PRODUCED DRY CONDITIONS. THIS
COMBINATION WILL CREATE CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR THE SPREAD OF
WILD FIRES.

WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE IL-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-DUPAGE-COOK-
LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-IROQUOIS-FORD-
LAKE IN-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-
1056 AM CDT THU MAY 24 2012 /1156 AM EDT THU MAY 24 2012/

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ THIS
EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND STRONG WINDS FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS
AND NORTHWEST INDIANA…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND STRONG WINDS…WHICH IS IN EFFECT
UNTIL 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ THIS EVENING.

* AFFECTED AREA…NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

* WINDS…SOUTH 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH OVER ILLINOIS
AND SOUTH 15 TO 25 WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH OVER INDIANA.

* TIMING…THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AS LOW AS 25 PERCENT.

* IMPACTS…SMALL FIRES COULD EASILY SPREAD AND BECOME WILDFIRES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

News Flash: Gasoline and Vapors Are Highly Flammable and Mix with Air

Cardinal News — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:05:06 +0000

Gasoline vapor, which is heavier than air, also rapidly mixes and spreads with air. Unrestrained vapors of gasoline are quickly flammable.

Many accidents involving gasoline occur when gasoline is used to light bonfires. The gasoline vaporizes quickly after being poured and mixes with the surrounding air. As in the video above, when ignition is attempted, the vapor surrounding the bonfire instantly ignites in a large fireball, engulfing the person holding the ignition source.

Gasoline also floats on water. Gasoline fires are not extinguished well with water.

Respect the vapors. Keep storage containers tight — a good rule because it prevent gas from oxidizing and becoming a gummy nuisance that is bad for engines.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH: Northeast Illinois, North Central Illinois, Northwest Indiana Saturday Morning Through Afternoon

Cardinal News — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:57:35 +0000

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
620 PM CST FRI MAR 9 2012

WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE IL-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-DUPAGE-COOK-
LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-IROQUOIS-FORD-
LAKE IN-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-
620 PM CST FRI MAR 9 2012 /720 PM EST FRI MAR 9 2012

…FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND STRONG
WINDS FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA…

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

* AFFECTED AREA…ALL OF NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS
ALONG WITH NORTHWEST INDIANA.

* WINDS…SOUTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH.

* TIMING…LATE MORNING INTO THE AFTERNOON.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…UNDER 30 PERCENT DURING THE AFTERNOON.

* TEMPERATURES…IN THE UPPER 50S TO NEAR 60.

* IMPACTS…CONDITIONS MAY BECOME FAVORABLE FOR THE RAPID GROWTH
OF WILD FIRES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE
RED FLAG WARNINGS.

PHOTOS from Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House Saturday

Cardinal News — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:22:07 +0000

Arlington Heights Fire Station 2 (October 15, 2011).

See photo album (Facebook membership not required) Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House 10.15.2011 on Facebook.com/CardinalEmergencies

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Arlington Heights held its annual Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Arlington Heights Fire Station 2, 1150 N. Arlington Heights Road.

The Open House was held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 9-15. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Protect your Family from Fire.” Some of the best ways to protect your family from fire is to make sure everyone in the family is familiar with smoke alarms and home fire escape planning.

The paramedics ambulance and Tower Ladder truck Tower 1, and the rescue boat seemed to be the favorite exhibits. Some of the activities planned at the Open House included special Fire Department team demonstrations, displays of fire equipment, and a visit from “Sparky the Fire Dog,” face painting, button creations and important fire safety handouts. Get a close-up view of all that the Fire Department does to help keep your family and our community safe.

AHFD Tower 1 in October 2000 at Arlington Heights Fire Station 2.

See more fire photos from the official Arlingtoncardinal.com FIRE-RESCUE-EMS Facebook albums.

Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House Today

Cardinal News — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:23:59 +0000

Arlington Heights Fire Station 2 (October 20, 2000).

UPDATE: New photo album Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House 10.15.2011 on Facebook.com/CardinalEmergencies

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Arlington Heights is scheduled to hold its annual Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Arlington Heights Fire Station 2, 1150 N. Arlington Heights Road.

The Open House is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 9-15. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Protect your Family from Fire.” Some of the best ways to protect your family from fire is to make sure everyone in the family is familiar with smoke alarms and home fire escape planning.

Some of the activities planned at the Open House include special Fire Department team demonstrations, displays of fire equipment, and a visit from “Sparky the Fire Dog,” face painting, button creations and important fire safety handouts. Get a close-up view of all that the Fire Department does to help keep your family and our community safe.

AHFD Tower 1 in October 2000 at Arlington Heights Fire Station 2.

See more fire photos from the official Arlingtoncardinal.com FIRE-RESCUE-EMS Facebook albums.

RESCHEDULED: Palatine Fire Department and Palatine High School to Conduct Full Scale Fire Drill

Cardinal News — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:45:50 +0000

The Palatine Fire Department and Palatine High School have rescheduled the full scale fire drill for 9:10 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2011 due to weather.

The Palatine Fire Department and Palatine High School originally scheduled the drill at 9:10 a.m. Thursday, October 13, 2011.

The drill is designed for the Fire Department to work together with the staff of Palatine High School to practice the plan for the evacuation of the students who are part of the Physically Handicapped Program.

There are approximately 30 physically handicapped students from throughout District 211 that attend Palatine High School. In the event of a fire in the school, there is a plan in place for sheltering the physically handicapped students who are in classrooms on the second and third floors in pre determined areas of refuge. Staff members at the High School then display a green or red flag out the classroom window. A green flag means that students are there but not in danger. A red flag means students are there and need immediate assistance.

The drill will utilize all Fire Department vehicles that would normally respond to the school on an activated fire alarm. The drill will simulate a fire alarm activation in the school due to a fire on the east side of the building. The school staff will display the appropriate flags and the Fire Department will remove a school staff member out of one of the classroom windows into the bucket of the tower ladder. The Fire Department will also package a manikin for removal through the window into the bucket simulating an incapacitated student.

The Palatine Fire Department has been preparing for this drill since the end of the last school year. Department and school representatives have met for planning meetings, and the Fire Department members have participated in training drills at the school and their training tower.

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Arlington Heights Fire Department Open House, Saturday, October 15

Cardinal News — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:40:14 +0000

Arlington Heights Fire Station 2 (October 20, 2000).

Op-Ed: Wheeling High School Students Put “Feelings” Before Fire Safety

Cardinal News — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:38:41 +0000

On September 26, 2011, Wheeling Fire Chief Keith MacIsaac did his job. He attended a homecoming coronation assembly at Wheeling High School, discovered a life safety hazard, and ordered paper decorations removed because they were too close to hot lights near the ceiling.

When members of the Wheeling High School student council claimed the decorations were fire retardant, the fire chief took a sample of the paper and tested it by lighting it on fire. And it burned. A check of the paper decoration manufacturer’s packaging did not make claims that the paper was fire retardant. The packaging included a warning to consult with the local fire department before use.

Apparently student council members and a student council adviser didn’t appreciate the fire safety and life safety work of Fire Chief Keith MacIsaac and decided to attend the Village Board Meeting and — as one witness put it — whine about how their feelings were hurt. They claimed they were psychologically and emotionally devastated. The students added that they thought the paper was fire retardant.

The Village Board and school officials backed the fire chief’s actions.