The following public service announcements are provided to you by the Marysville Division of Fire.  For further information please contact the Marysville Division of Fire, 209 South Main Street, Marysville, OH 43040, (937) 642-2065.

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Spring Flooding and High Water Dangers

Springtime in central Ohio can bring unexpected severe weather.  Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes as well as high water and unexpected flooding present serious safety concerns.  The dangers associated with high water and flooding are often underestimated.  Flash floods are sudden and usually the result of extremely heavy rain or melting snow.

The immediate danger from flash floods is from the strength of the water current as it surges through an area.  The current carries debris and causes drowning, other related injuries, and property damage.  Slowly developing floods can interrupt power, disable natural gas supplies, and make roads impassable.  People may be stranded or unable to reach their homes.

In a flash flood, the primary thing to do is move immediately to high ground.  Because of the speed in which a flash flood may occur, you have no time to save any possessions, or implement any precautionary measures.  Save your life by moving to high ground without any hesitation.  Do Not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees.  Do Not attempt to drive over a flooded road or street as you can become stranded or trapped.  Vehicles offer little to no protection in the face of a raging flood.

Be prepared...Have disaster supplies on hand, develop an emergency communication plan, and make sure all family members know how to respond in case of a flood.

During a slow rising type of flood you should:

• Secure all outdoor items or store them inside along with valuable household possessions on upper levels.

• Move vehicles, machinery, and all livestock to higher ground.

• Check emergency food and water supplies.  Keep these necessities high and dry.

• Listen to radio and television announcements and monitor our local Emergency Alert Radio Station AM 1650 for weather information and further guidance.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Firefighters Drew Pavao and Sarah Batchelder display new monitoring technology deployed by MFD in January.

Carbon monoxide (CD) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.  Over 1,500 people die and more than 10,000 seek medical attention annually.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion of natural gas, oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc (fossilized fuels).  What makes carbon monoxide so insidious is its attraction to hemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells).  Carbon monoxide has an affinity for hemoglobin that is 200 times that of oxygen.  In other words, those who succumb to carbon monoxide asphyxiate at the cellular level.  Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include flu-like symptoms, mild headaches and nausea, progressing to more severe headaches, confusion, unconsciousness, and eventually death.

There are many possible sources of carbon monoxide in your home.  Furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, space heaters, and virtually any other appliance that operates from a fossilized fuel (barbecue grills should never be operated indoors or in the garage).  There are two issues that must be considered when dealing with appliances and the possibility of carbon monoxide; one is incomplete fuel combustion and the other is inadequate exhaust removal (proper ventilation).

A carbon monoxide detector is a worthwhile investment.  It is often difficult to determine whether an alarm is false or a bona fide CO emergency.  If you carbon monoxide detector activates or you experience symptoms that you feel could be carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately.  Open doors and windows and leave your house.  If you have physical signs and symptoms call 911.  You should be seen in an emergency room.  Do not ignore potential symptoms of CO poisoning.

In the past, we had no means to identify the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the field, other than thru the detection of one of our "hand-held" gas monitors thru the ambient air.  The Marysville Division of Fire recently received a federal grant and purchased 3 Masimo RAD-57 portable CO-Oximeters.  This piece of equipment applies a probe to the finger of a patient and determines the pulse, oxygen level AND the presence or absence of CO in the patient's blood.  Within the first week of obtaining this equipment several patients were identified with elevated CO levels that might have gone undetected unless more extensive testing had been performed in the hospital.

Your best defense against this silent killer is proper maintenance of your combustion appliances, ensuring that they operate and are ventilated properly.  Common sense and proper appliance maintenance goes a long way.  It's up to you; your life may depend on it.

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Carbon Monoxide:  The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CD) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.  Over 1,500 people die and more than 10,000 seek medical attention annually.  Carbon monoxide is a flammable, colorless, and tasteless gas resulting from the incomplete combustion of fuel.

As a matter-of-fact, the gas company adds a compound called mercaptan to natural gas because methane (natural gas) does not have an odor.  This is the "rotten egg" odor you smell to make you aware of the presence (or release) of natural gas.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion of natural gas, oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc (fossilized fuels).  What makes carbon monoxide so insidious is its attraction to hemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells).  Carbon monoxide has an affinity for hemoglobin that is 200 times that of oxygen.  In other words, those who succumb to carbon monoxide asphyxiate at the cellular level.  Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include flu-like symptoms, mild headaches and nausea, progressing to more severe headaches, confusion, unconsciousness, and eventually death.

There are many possible sources of carbon monoxide in your home.  Furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, space heaters, and virtually any other appliance that operates from a fossilized fuel (barbecue grills should never be operated indoors or in the garage).  There are two issues that must be considered when dealing with appliances and the possibility of carbon monoxide; one is incomplete fuel combustion and the other is inadequate exhaust removal (proper ventilation).

Appliances must be properly installed and operating.  Flues and chimneys should be properly maintained and in good working order.  Sometimes a condition called "backdrafting" can occur.  This condition may exist in newer, more "energy efficient" airtight homes.  In very simple terms, the air pressure inside an airtight home may become lower than the outside air pressure, causing a reversal of the flue gases into your home.  An inadequate air supply in a room containing gas-operated appliances can also draw contaminated air and spread it throughout the house.

High-efficiency furnaces are commonly used in newer homes.  These furnaces often vent exhaust gases through the side of the home.  We have had several carbon monoxide calls in the past that involve the blockage of one of these vents.  Snow that accumulates to the level of the exhaust pipe is one of the many causative factors that can affect the proper elimination of exhaust gases in these appliances.  In most cases sensors will shut down the furnace if an exhaust pipe is blocked.  Then again, it might not.  Are you willing to bet your life on it?

Some of the warning signs of potential carbon monoxide problems in your home might include moisture inside of windows, a "high humidity smell" inside your home, and black streaks on walls and around registers.

A carbon monoxide detector is a worthwhile investment.  There are many types/variations of carbon monoxide detectors available on the market.  It is often difficult to determine whether an alarm is false or a bona fide CO emergency.  If your carbon monoxide detector activates or you experience symptoms that you feel could be carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately.  Open doors and windows and leave the house.  If you have physical signs and symptoms, call 9-1-1.  You should be seen in an emergency room.  Do not ignore potential symptoms of CO poisoning.

Your best defense against this silent killer is proper maintenance of your combustion appliances, ensuring that they operate and are ventilated properly.  You should never operate your barbecue grill indoors, even in the garage.  You should not use your gas oven to heat your home or let your car idle in the garage, even with the garage door open.  Common sense and proper appliance maintenance goes a long way.  It's up to you; our life may depend on it.

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Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

As the time change approaches on Sunday, November 4th, the Marysville Division of Fire wants to remind residents to make another change that could save their lives - changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Tragically, fire can kill selectively.  Those most at risk include:

• Children - Approximately 1,000 children under the age of 20 die each your in home fires.  Children under age five are at twice the risk of dying in a home fire.  Eighty percent of fatal home fire victims who were children were killed in homes without working smoke alarms.

• Seniors - Adults over age 75 are three times more likely to die in home fires than the rest of the population; those over 85 are 4.5 times more likely to die in a home fire.  Many seniors are unable to escape quickly.

• Low-Income Households - Many low-income families are unable to afford batteries for their smoke alarms.  These same households often rely on poorly installed, maintained or misused portable or area heating equipment - a main cause of fatal home fires.

Nonworking smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide.  The most commonly cited casue of nonworking smoke alarms:  dead or missing batteries.

Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.  In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.  Additionally, you should replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths.  Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get our safely.  Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors by pushing the test button, planning "two ways out" and practicing escape routes with the entire family.
 

Adopt a simple, lifesaving habit:  change your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks back to standard time each fall, this year on Sunday, November 4th.

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Open Flames and Decorative Material in Businesses and Places of Public Assembly

Every year at this time we are confronted with fire safety issues, particularly in the areas of utilizing open flames (i.e. candles), and the use of decorative material.  Business owners and members of the community sometimes unknowingly erect unsafe displays and decorations.  It is our goal, and part of a continuing effort, to educate the public in these and other areas of fire safety.  Many of the issues addressed below are found in the Ohio Fire Code (section noted in parenthesis).  We are always available to assist those who may have questions regarding the fire code and related safety issues.

The following is provided in the interest of public safety:

1. It is unlawful to utilize or allow to be utilized, any open flame, burning candle or candles in connection with any public meeting or gathering or similar purpose in assembly or educational occupancies without first obtaining a permit (308.3).  Candles are not permitted in areas where occupants stand, or in an aisle or exit (308.3.4d).  This includes auditorium aisles, entrances to businesses/places of assembly, etc.  With the approval of the local fire official, and when adequate safeguards have been taken, participants in religious ceremonies are allowed to carry hand-held candles.  Hand-held candles are not to be passed from one person to another while lighted (308.3.5e).

2. The use of combustible decorative material in a manner, which is inconsistent with the intent of the Ohio Fire Code, is a serious problem.  All decorative materials must be either noncombustible or flame-resistant.  No decorations or other objects shall be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof (806.1.3c and 1027.4).  In applicable businesses and occupancies, curtains, draperies, hangings and other decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall be flame-resistant (805.1).  There is a particular problem with the use of decorative material (such as straw, hay, corn shocks, and live Christmas trees) during this time of year.  Such material should never be placed inside a building or against the side of a building.  Each year we are called to, or discover a business in which these types of materials are placed against a building, and often next to an entrances/exit.  This is a particularly dangerous practice.  Carelessly discarded smoking materials could very well lead to ignition and subsequent destruction of property, including the resultant fire blocking the exit of people within the building.

During the holiday season, and at other times throughout the year, we are confronted with the use of candles, decorative materials, and open flames in inappropriate areas.  The Marysville Division of Fire is always ready to assist and inform the public on fire safety issues.  Our "perspective" is based on professional experience as well as tragic historical events, many of which fostered these and other sections of our nation's fire codes.  Not only are many of these issues common sense, they are also the law.  Let us work together to protect our community and increase general fire safety awareness, particularly during the upcoming holiday season.

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Community Warning and Information Radio Station

The City of Marysville now has a community information AM radio station.   Citizens of the City of Marysville can tune to AM Radio 1650 to receive emergency broadcasts and other useful information regarding traffic, city services, and upcoming events.  This system is also directly tied to our "tornado sirens", so that when they are activated, an emergency alert/message is transmitted as well.  The Emergency Alert Radio Station (EARS) is designed to keep you, the citizens of Marysville, better informed of not only threatening weather, but other important community information and events.  This system will continuously be updated as needed to keep you better informed, and prepared, to meet the sudden threat of severe weather.

Pictured above City of Marysville employee Duane Lord installing an information sign on London Avenue.

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Community Early Warning System

There are several means by which we can now alert the community in the event of a tornado warning or other adverse/threatening weather.

The City, in partnership with the county has also instituted the "CodeRED System".  This is a system where thousands of homes can be notified in the span of a few minutes of an emergency requiring prompt action.

Today, the City came on online with another means to keep the community informed.  Through a community information AM radio station, citizens of the City of Marysville can tune to AM Radio 1650 to receive emergency broadcasts and other useful information regarding traffic, city services, and upcoming events.  This system is also directly tied to our "tornado sirens", so that when they are activated, an emergency alert/message is also transmitted as well.  The Emergency Alert Radio System (EARS) is designed to keep you, the citizens of Marysville, better informed of not only threatening weather, but other important community information and events.  This system will gradually evolve over the next 30 days, and after that be updated as needed to keep you better informed, and prepared, to meet the sudden threat of severe weather.

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Tornado and Severe Weather Preparedness

There will be a state wide Early Warning System test on Wednesday, March 28^th at 0950 AM. When you hear the sirens ask yourself; are you prepared?

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Fire Hydrant Access and Visibility

For us to effectively access a water supply during an emergency, it is critical that fire hydrants be readily accessible and visible to responding crews.  Recent severe weather has made this a challenging task.  Significant snowfall accumulation brings out the snow plows, snow blowers, and shovels.  It is incumbent on us all, as a community, to ensure that fire hydrants are not visually or physically obstructed.

Some of our hydrants in outlying areas also have elevated hydrant markers to identify their location.  It is important, even with those that are clearly identified, to be readily accessible in an emergency.  Even when we aren't dealing with severe weather, we sometimes encounter situations where vehicles, weeds, shrubs, etc. block access to or visibility of fire hydrants.  It's not only a safety issue; it's a legal issue as well.

The Marysville Division of Fire needs your help so we can help you.  Please keep fire hydrants clear of snow and other obstructions.  Further information can be obtained by contacting the Marysville Division of Fire at (937) 642-2065.

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Fire Prevention

The Marysville Division of Fire recently obtained a fire safety education robot with the assistance of homeland security monies and donations from area businesses and civic organizations.  "Freddie the Fire Truck" is a self-propelled, remote control educational tool designed to enhance fire safety education efforts.  "Freddie" has red lights, a siren, blinking eyes, squirts water, and performs a host of other maneuvers that captivate a young audience, emphasizing important educational points.  The fire safety education robot also has companion materials including coloring books, badges, pencils, etc.

It is always difficult to get important fire safety information to the youngest members of our community, and it is precisely this segment of our population that is the most vulnerable.  "Freddie" is quickly establishing himself as a character that the children can relate with.  We are anxious to get "Freddie" out into the community to meet the kids and spread his important fire safety message.

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"Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery"

An average of 1,100 children die each year in home fires.  You can help to prevent needless fire deaths and injuries by changing your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.  When you change your clock back to standard time this month, remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms too.  Once you've changed the batteries, be sure to test the alarms.  This simple act cuts the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half.  The Marysville Division of Fire reminds you:

"CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, CHANGE YOUR BATTERY"

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Decorative Materials, Candles and Open Flames

Every year at this time we are confronted with fire safety issues, particularly in the areas of utilizing open flames (i.e. candles), and the use of decorative material.  Business owners and members of the community sometimes unknowingly erect unsafe displays and decorations.  It is our goal, and part of a continuing effort to educate the public in these and other areas of fire safety.

Around Halloween, many communities and some private organizations create their own version of a "haunted house".  Unfortunately many of these facilities lack the necessary fire protection and life safety safeguards required to provide a minimum level of fire safety.  The Division of Fire typically has one of our inspectors evaluate the situation with respect to use, occupancy classifications, fire protection, means of egress, fire protection/alarm notifications, combustibility of decorative materials, exit and emergency lighting, and emergency procedures.  Many of the issues addressed below are found in the Ohio Fire Code (section noted in parenthesis).  If you are in doubt or are aware of a temporary facility that you believe is in need of inspection, please contact the Marysville Division of Fire at (937) 642-2065.  The following is provided in the interest of public safety.

It is unlawful to utilize or allow to be utilized, any open flame, burning candle or candles in connection with any public meeting or gathering or similar purpose in assembly or educational occupancies without first obtaining approval as outlined in 308.3 of the OFC (Ohio Fire Code).  Candles are not permitted in areas where occupants stand, or in an aisle or exit.  This includes church pews and auditorium aisles, entrances to businesses/places of assembly, etc.

During the holiday season, and at other times throughout the year, we are confronted with the use of candles and open flames in inappropriate areas.  The Fire Department often has a different perspective on the use of candles and decorative material than most people do.  Many of out Nation's fire codes were written because of a major fire and large loss of life.  This section of the code, in particular, is based on common sense and historical occurrences of fire because of inappropriate use of open flames and candles.  Consider the following facts:

• Over the last decade, candle fires have tripled.  In 2001 alone, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to fire departments, an all time high.  These fires resulted in 190 deaths, 1,450 injuries and an estimated property loss of $265 million.

• Forty-one percent of U.S. home candle fires begin in the bedroom, causing 24% of the deaths resulting from these fires.

• A special study found that the candles were being used for light in one-third of the fatal home candle fires, generally because power to the home had been shut off due to nonpayment (24%) or as a result of a temporary power outage (7%).

• December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month.

• Seven out of 10 households in the U.S. now use candles, with younger adults more likely to use them than older adults.

The use of combustible decorative material in a manner, which is inconsistent with the intent of the Ohio Fire Code, is a serious problem.  All decorative materials must be either noncombustible or flame-resistant.  Electric light bulbs should not be decorated with paper or combustible materials.  Overhead decorative material such as burlap, fish netting, or similar-type material should not be suspended from the ceiling of any building, unless approved (OFC 801).

There is a particular problem with the use of decorative material (such as straw, hay, corn shocks, and live Christmas trees) during this time of year.  Such material should never be placed inside a building or against the side of a building.  Each year we are called to, of discover a business in which these types of materials are placed against a building, and often next to an entrance/exit.  This is a particularly dangerous practice.  Carelessly discarded smoking materials could very well lead to ignition and subsequent destruction of property, not to mention the resultant fire blocking the exit of people within the building.

The Marysville Division of Fire is always ready to assist and inform the public on fire safety issues.  Our "perspective" is based on professional experience as well as tragic historical events, many of which fostered these and other sections of our nation's fire codes.  Not only are many of these issues common sense, they are also the law.  Let us work together to protect our community and increase general fire safety awareness, particularly during the upcoming holiday seasons.