National Safe Digging Month

April 2011will once again be National Safe Digging Month, the time of year when all Common Ground Alliance stakeholders come together to communicate how important it is that professionals and homeowners alike call 811 and follow the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages.

Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? It's as simple as 8-1-1.

Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you're planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig. In a few days, they'll send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely.

Remember, always call 811 before you start any digging project! You'll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient day in the dark.

Poison Prevention Week !

Put the Poison Control Hotline number (1-800-222-1222) on every phone to help save lives.

While household products such as cleaners and chemicals naturally come to mind as being hazardous, the SFD suggests that anyproduct bearing the words 'Caution', 'Warning' or 'Danger' be stored out of children’s reach, ideally in a locked cabinet or compartment.

It's also a good idea to survey your home, especially the kitchen, bathrooom, workshop and garage from a child's - or grandchild's point of view, so that you can know what items might be accessible or spark their curiosity.

Ten Important Poison Prevention Tips...

1. Know the things in and around your home that can poison you.
2. Put child safety locks on cabinets to safely store cleaners, medicines, cosmetics, chemicals and other poisons.
3. Keep products in their original packaging with the labels on them.
4. Look at labels for the words "Caution", "Warning", "Danger" or "Poison". Follow all directions carefully when using these products.
5. Be aware that fuels (such as gasoline), car fluids (such as anti-freeze), pesticides (such as bug killers), and lawn and garden products (such as fertilizer) are poison.
6. Do not mix household products together. Their contents could react with dangerous results.
7. Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector near your bedrooms and furnace to warn you of high levels of CO, a deadly gas you cannot see or smell. The gas collects when fuels are burned. Collected CO gas can quickly harm or kill you.
8. Have a certified service technician check heaters, stoves and fireplaces at least once each year to see that they work well.
9. Program the Poison Control Hotline number in every phone and place it near phones and on the refrigerator: 1-800-222-1222.
10. Know to call 1-800-222-1222 if someone takes poison. This number works around-the-clock anywhere in the USA to connect you with a nearby poison control center. Call the hotline whenever you have a question about poisons. It’s free, private, and can save you a trip to the emergency room!

To learn more, visit:

www.poisonprevention.org

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Clive Jones
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/23/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5108 North Ash
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99212

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 14:14 P.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 5108 North Ash. Eight fire apparatus under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Jones and Cornelius responded to this location. This response included 3 engine companies, 1 heavy rescue, 2 ladder trucks, and 2 chief command vehicles. Pumper ladder 13 was first to arrive on scene and reported a 24 foot by 24 foot detached garage fully involved. They also reported the owner of the structure was out of the building and did not need medical treatment. Pumper ladder 13 quickly extinguished the fire with aid from ladder 2. Other fire crews were assigned as they arrived SE18 to water supply and RIT, SE15 to a back up lead, SE17 to protect exposures. There were no injuries to civilians or to fire fighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: At this time the cause is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Special Investigation Unit
DAMAGE EXTENT: Building and contents are a total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 100,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Diabetes Alert Day

The SFD joins the American Diabetes Association to 'Sound the Alert' for the millions of Americans who have diabetes-but don't know it! March 22 is the annual Diabetes Alert Day. Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes.That’s more than 5,200 friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members every day. The SFD asks you to take a quick on-line test to determine your personal risk at www.stopdiabetes.com

Earthquake Safety Reminder

Each year, there are over 1,000 earthquakes with magnitude 1.0 or greater in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Of these, approximately two dozen are large enough to be felt. These felt events offer us a subtle reminder that the Pacific Northwest is an earthquake-prone region. As residents of the Pacific Northwest, we should be prepared for the consequences of larger earthquakes that could result in damage to the transportation systems and lifelines.

We've heard in the news about the devistating earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, and now Japan. These places have been damaged by sizable earthquakes leaving buildings destroyed and people without a place to call home. Though earthquakes are just another force of Mother Nature that we can’t control, there can be preventative measures taken to ensure safety. Though you won’t become an earthquake expert just by reading the tips below, it could make a tremendous difference on the safety of you and your loved ones.

Before the Earthquake

• Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the "During the Earthquake" section below. The earthquake safety tips there will prepare you for the fast action needed - most earthquakes are over in seconds so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.
• Teach all members of your family about earthquake safety. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk, along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and fireplaces.
• Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two weeks food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.
• Arrange your home for safety: Store heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable objects in cabnents with latched doors. Don't hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep.
• Anchor heavy appliances and furniture such as water heaters, refrigerators and bookcases.
• Store flamable liquids away from potential ignition sources such as water heaters, stoves and furnaces.
• Get Educated. Learn what to do during an earthquake (see below). Then you will be ready for the fast action needed. Make sure that all members of your family have this important education.
• Learn where the main turn-offs are for your water, gas and electricity. Know how to turn them off and the location of any needed tools.

During the Earthquake

• If you are indoors, stay there. Quickly move to a safe location in the room such as under a strong desk, a strong table, or along an interior wall. The goal is to protect yourself from falling objects and be located near the structural strong points of the room. Avoid taking cover near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture, heavy appliances or fireplaces.
• If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover.
• If you are outdoors, move to an open area where falling objects are unlikely to strike you. Move away from buildings, powerlines and trees.
• If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and large signs. Stay in your car.

After the Earthquake

• Check for injuries, attend to injuries if needed, help ensure the safety of people around you.
• Check for damage. If your building is badly damaged you should leave it until it has been inspected by a safety professional.
• If you smell or hear a gas leak, get everyone outside and open windows and doors. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the meter. Report the leak to the gas company and fire department. Do not use any electrical appliances because a tiny spark could ignite the gas.
• If the power is out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on. If you see sparks, frayed wires, or smell hot insulation turn off electricity at the main fuse box or breaker. If you will have to step in water to turn off the electricity you should call a professional to turn it off for you.

Product Recalls in February

In February 2011, CPSA announced 34 product recalls. Several items were recalled because they create fire hazards - this included tea lights, remote control systems, jackets, food dehydrators, heaters, vacuums, night lights, alarm control panels, portable space heaters, convertible irons, and air compressors. SFD specifically wants to make sure you’re aware of the below recalled products:

-Pier 1 Imports Recalls Golden Tea Lights Due to Fire Hazard

-Jogging Strollers Recalled by B.O.B. Trailers Due to Strangulation Hazard

-Le Creuset Recalls Glass Lids Due to Laceration Hazard

-Remote Control Systems Recalled by Niles Audio Due to Fire Hazard

-REI Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

-Felt Bicycles Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

-Resistance Stretch Tubing Recalled by EB Brands Due to Injury Hazard

-Sno-Tek Snow Blowers Recalled by Liquid Combustion Technology Due to Laceration Hazard

-Perfect Pullup Recalled by Perfect Fitness Due to Fall Injury Hazard

-IKEA Recalls to Repair Cribs Due to Mattress Support Collapse; Cribs Pose Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards

-James Perse Recalls Jackets Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

-Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Recalls Children's Watches Due to Risk of Skin Irritation

-Kristi G, SwimWays Corporation Recall Child Chairs Due To Fall Hazard

-LEM Products Recalls Food Dehydrators Due to Fire Hazard

-Atico International USA Recalls Heaters Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Dollar General Stores

-Bassinets Recalled by Burlington Basket Company Due to Fall Hazard; --New Instructions and Warning Labels to be Provided to Consumers

-Balsam Hill Recalls Pre-lit Christmas Trees Due to Shock Hazard

-Nurses Choice Recalls Holiday Keepsake Newborn Mittens Due to Choking Hazard

-Two Strangulation Deaths Prompt Summer Infant to Recall Video Baby Monitors with Cords; Firm to Provide New On-Product Label & Instructions

-Rechargeable Batteries in Video Baby Monitors Recalled to Replace by Summer Infant Due to Burn Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Babies R Us

-CPSC Investigation Finds No Problem Drywall or Environmental Factors Linked to Ft. Bragg Deaths

-Hoover Recalls WindTunnel Canister Vacuums Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

-AmerTac Recalls Night Lights Due to Fire and Burn Hazard

-MIKI HOUSE USA Recalls Children's Hooded Jackets Due to Strangulation Hazard

-Simplex Fire Alarm Control Panels Recalled by Tyco Safety Products Westminster Due to Failure to Alert Monitoring Centers

-Snow Bikes Recalled by Tech 4 Kids Due to Fall Hazard

-Portable Space Heaters Recalled by PD Sixty Distributor Due to Fire Hazard

-Lasko Recalls Portable Electric Heaters Due To Fire Hazard

-Escalade Sports Recalls Oasis Playsets Due to Fall Hazard

-WARNING: Generation 2 Worldwide "SafetyCraft" Brand Drop-Side Cribs Pose Risks of Strangulation, Suffocation; Hardware Linked to Deaths and Injuries

-Sunbeam Products Inc. Recalls Convertible Irons Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Bed, Bath & Beyond

-DeVilbiss Recalls Air Compressors Due to Fire Hazard

-CPSC Extends Stay of Enforcement for Testing and Certification of Lead Content in Children's Products Until December 31, 2011

-Briggs & Stratton Recalls Model 40 V-Twin Engine Due to Injury Hazard; Used on Sears, Husqvarna, Bad Boy Riding Mowers

Stay informed of recalled products by bookmarking or adding CPSA’s website http://www.cpsc.gov/ to your favorites and check it often.

You can also sign up on CPSA’s subscription list to receive emails about recalled products. Visit https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx to join.

Are you Ready?

As the horrific and tragic events of last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan remind us, disaster can strike anywhere with little to no warning. We are also reminded that an event on the other side of the ocean can impact lives—and livelihoods—here in Spokane. It is important to ensure that you and your family are taking steps to make yourselves more aware and more prepared, in case of an emergency here in Spokane.

There are many things you can do. And they all start with three simple steps:

1. Make a plan: Determine where your family would meet in case of emergency. Assume that your mobile phone network will be overloaded. Identify an out-of-state contact who could serve as your family’s coordinator.

2. Make a kit: Assume you will need food and water for at least 72 hours for every member of your family, including any pets. Be sure to pack first-aid supplies, a flashlight and emergency radio and other key items (follow this link to see a more complete list.)

3. Get trained: Join the Spokane CERT Team. CERT Teams are a valuable resource for our community, and training is free and open to the public. Learn CPR and basic first aid.

Resiliency begins with the readiness of every household and every neighborhood, and preparedness is an ongoing effort. Every step helps.

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Jan Doherty / Public Education Officer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/11/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W. Riverside Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: When you change your clocks ahead one hour to begin Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 13 please remember to also check on the condition of your smoke detectors. The sad fact is that two out of three home fire deaths happen in households without WORKING smoke detectors.
* Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries in your smoke detectors. Buy a supply of batteries to keep on hand in case your detector begins to "chirp" in the middle of the night.
* If your detectors have long-lasting lithium batteries, chirping may indicate that it is time to change out the entire smoke detector. Lithium batteries should last up to 10 years.
* Look at the labeling on the back of your detectors to find their exact date of manufacture. Smoke detectors must be replaced every 10 years. This applies to both hardwired and stand-alone battery only detectors.
* Examine the labeling on the back of your detectors to determine whether you have IONIZATION or PHOTOELECTRIC smoke detectors. Make sure you have at least one PHOTOELECTRIC detector on each level of the home. In a slow-burning, smoldering type of fire the photoelectric detector sounds an alarm at least 10 to 40 minutes faster than an ionization detector. In a fast-burning, flaming type of fire the ionization detector sounds the alarm 15 to 55 seconds faster.
* If you have problems with "nuisance alarms" when you cook or someone takes a shower, replace ionization detectors located within 20 feet of the kitchen or bathroom with PHOTOELECTRIC detectors.
* Know that you can purchase a good detector, ionization or photoelectric for about $15. Combination detectors that have both IONIZATION and PHOTOELECTRIC technology cost under $30.

If you have questions on smoke detectors, please call Spokane Fire Department at (509) 625-7058 or contact Jan Doherty at jdoherty@spokanefire.org.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Haworth/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/8/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4827 N Addison
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, March 8th, at 0100 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded 3 engines, 1 ladder, 1 pumper-ladder, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs to a reported structure fire at 4827 N Addison. The Northside Battalion Chief arrived first and reported smoke coming from the front door of a single story, wood constructed residence. Engine 15 was the first arriving fire company and advanced a preconnected hose off of their truck to the front door. Other arriving companies were assigned to search the residence to ensure all occupants were out, remove the smoke, and connect a supply hose to a hydrant. The fire was found in the kitchen and was extinguished before it had a chance to spread to the rest of the house. All occupants had been asleep, but they were alerted by a smoke detector and escaped. Again this fire underscores the critical importance of having a working smoke detector in your home.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The fire was likely caused by cooking oil being left on the stove.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The kitchen sustained heavy fire damage with smoke damage to the rest of the first floor. The tenents were unable to return to their home and are spending the night with neighbors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/7/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W Riverside
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: Yesterday, off-duty members of the Spokane Fire Department competed in the annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle. The department fielded a team of 47 firefighters in one of the world's largest individual firefighter competitions, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This year, approximately 1300 firefighters from around the world climbed the 69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps of the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle to raise funds for blood cancers research. The Spokane City Fire Department raised $23,534.85 this year, nearly double what the team raised in 2010. Last year's event raised more than $780,000 in total and donations are still being accepted for this year. Log onto: www.firefighterstairclimb.org, click on the "Donate Now" icon, enter the team name: Spokane, and click on the "Make a Gift" link.

Many area firefighters excelled at the event, with several placing in the top 30 including Paul Kimball and Mark Knokey of Spokane Valley, Steven Harms of Spokane County Fire District #9 and Jason Keen and Eric Ross of Spokane City. Race results can be found at http://www.llswa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FF_results

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/7/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 812 E. Jackson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: This morning, March 7th, 2011 at 04:10 am the Spokane Fire Department dispatched 6 apparatus to a reported fire in a home located at 812 E. Jackson.

Ladder 2 under the direction of Lt. Don Waller, arrived at the fire scene within 4 minutes. Lt. Waller reported that he had a residential home with light smoke showing from the basement. He verified that all occupants were out of the home and started assigning incoming fire crews.

Hose lines were brought into the basement and onto the first floor. An additional search of the home was made. Crews making the search found a small dog in a crate and brought it out to the family. The small dog was unharmed.

Crews in the basement located a fire in a crawl space and extinguished it. The crawl space was difficult to access due to clearances and heavy smoke. Firefighters were on the scene for over an hour verifying that the fire was out and had not spread to other areas.

The fire was confined to the crawl space area in the basement. The upper portion of the home sustained heavy smoke damage. There were no injuries at this fire and the cause is still under investigation. Early indications are that the cause is electrically related.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire cause is still under investigation at this time, possible electrial.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire confined to basement.
DOLLAR LOSS: 18000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE