Posted on January 6, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As cold weather continues, Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson is once again reminding Hoosiers to be careful with alternative heating sources. He notes that house fires occur more often in winter, and much of that is due to alternative heating. If you need to use a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from other objects, especially anything that’s flammable.
Before using a fireplace, make sure it’s been cleaned by a certified professional. Use only dry, seasoned firewood, and don’t close the damper while there are still hot ashes in the fireplace.
Also, avoid kitchen fires by cleaning grease from burners and stovetops and staying in the kitchen while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Showing posts with label Indiana State Fire Marshal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indiana State Fire Marshal. Show all posts
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Friday, December 29, 2017
Proper Christmas Tree Disposal Urged by State Fire Marshal’s Office
Posted on December 29, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As the holiday season continues, Hoosiers are reminded to keep an eye on the live Christmas trees in their homes. The average Christmas tree lasts for about a month after purchase, before it begins to dry out and become a fire hazard, according to the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. When a tree’s needles drop, it’s time to remove it.
Fires that begin with a Christmas tree tend to be more deadly than the average house fire. The National Fire Prevention Association says about one in every 32 Christmas-tree-related fires resulted in death, compared to one in 143 for all home fires.
To prevent fires, state officials remind residents to dispose of their Christmas trees properly. You can check to see if your community offers tree disposal or pickup. If you plan to take the tree somewhere, make sure it’s secured to your vehicle, since dry trees are very light, and branches can break easily.
Another option is to dispose of the tree in your yard or garden. State officials say old Christmas trees can serve as a winter shelter for birds and wildlife. They recommend placing trees in a designated decomposition pile, rather than leaning them against any structures. You can also chop the tree for firewood. In any case, remove all decorations before disposing of your Christmas tree.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As the holiday season continues, Hoosiers are reminded to keep an eye on the live Christmas trees in their homes. The average Christmas tree lasts for about a month after purchase, before it begins to dry out and become a fire hazard, according to the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. When a tree’s needles drop, it’s time to remove it.
Fires that begin with a Christmas tree tend to be more deadly than the average house fire. The National Fire Prevention Association says about one in every 32 Christmas-tree-related fires resulted in death, compared to one in 143 for all home fires.
To prevent fires, state officials remind residents to dispose of their Christmas trees properly. You can check to see if your community offers tree disposal or pickup. If you plan to take the tree somewhere, make sure it’s secured to your vehicle, since dry trees are very light, and branches can break easily.
Another option is to dispose of the tree in your yard or garden. State officials say old Christmas trees can serve as a winter shelter for birds and wildlife. They recommend placing trees in a designated decomposition pile, rather than leaning them against any structures. You can also chop the tree for firewood. In any case, remove all decorations before disposing of your Christmas tree.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
State Fire Marshal Stresses Fireworks Purchase Safety
Posted on June 10, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Independence Day is less than a month away, and the Indiana State Fire Marshal is reminding Hoosiers about safe and legal ways to purchase fireworks.
Jim Greeson says consumer-grade fireworks should only be purchased from authorized sellers in the interest of safety.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) Fire and Building Safety Division, which is overseen by the State Fire Marshal, issues Indiana fireworks sales permits to retail establishments.
Greeson says it is acceptable to ask an employee to see the permit before completing a purchase if it is not on display.
If a fireworks retailer is not displaying a copy of its permit and cannot present it, citizens can call the IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety at 317-232-2222 to verify a retailer’s permit or report a retailer without a permit.
Additionally, fireworks cannot be sold to our bought by anyone younger than 18.
Greeson also recommends buying glow sticks instead of sparklers for young children. He notes sparklers can burn at temperatures hot enough to melt glass. Consumers should also check packages and labels to make sure only 1.4G consumer fireworks are purchased.
Greeson says any other types are illegal for consumer sales or purchase in Indiana and may be more explosive and dangerous.
All fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Visit GetPrepared.in.gov for more safety tips.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Independence Day is less than a month away, and the Indiana State Fire Marshal is reminding Hoosiers about safe and legal ways to purchase fireworks.
Jim Greeson says consumer-grade fireworks should only be purchased from authorized sellers in the interest of safety.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) Fire and Building Safety Division, which is overseen by the State Fire Marshal, issues Indiana fireworks sales permits to retail establishments.
Greeson says it is acceptable to ask an employee to see the permit before completing a purchase if it is not on display.
If a fireworks retailer is not displaying a copy of its permit and cannot present it, citizens can call the IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety at 317-232-2222 to verify a retailer’s permit or report a retailer without a permit.
Additionally, fireworks cannot be sold to our bought by anyone younger than 18.
Greeson also recommends buying glow sticks instead of sparklers for young children. He notes sparklers can burn at temperatures hot enough to melt glass. Consumers should also check packages and labels to make sure only 1.4G consumer fireworks are purchased.
Greeson says any other types are illegal for consumer sales or purchase in Indiana and may be more explosive and dangerous.
All fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Visit GetPrepared.in.gov for more safety tips.
Friday, May 12, 2017
State Officials Warn of Deadly “Gray Death” Heroin
Posted on May 12, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
State officials from several agencies are warning of an extremely potent and potentially deadly mix of heroin that has made its way into Indiana.
It’s known as Gray Death and is a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids. At least one person has overdosed in central Indiana this week.
Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. It’s 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Law enforcement officials say it’s often mixed in with drugs like cocaine or crystal meth, and often end users have no idea their drugs have been tainted.
Officials from Indiana State Police, State of Indiana Emergency Medical Service, Stare Fire Marshal and Indiana State Department of Health say the drugs put emergency responders as well as users and their families at risk.
State EMS Medical Director Dr. Michael Olinger says even a tiny amount of the wrong substance can be deadly. Opioids can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets and spray and can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder.
Olinger says there’s always a chance family members or friends may come into contact with dangerous substances while working to save their loved one.
Response personnel should exercise extreme caution with any suspected opioid delivery method. Always wear gloves and masks when responding to any situation where carfentanil or fentanyl is suspected, and cover as much skin as possible when responding to any potential overdose situation.
Signs of exposure include respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness or profound exhaustion, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin. The onset of these symptoms may occur within minutes of exposure.
Seek immediate medical attention, as carfentanil and other fentanyl-related substances can work very quickly. Any needle stick should be medically evaluated as soon as possible.
Do not touch any potential drug materials or paraphernalia. Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder. Avoid coming into contact with needles, bags or other paraphernalia. Do not disturb any powder that may be in the area.
Responders should also be ready to manage the victim’s airway in the event of exposure. Opioids override the body’s breathing reflex, causing victims to suffocate. Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose, but it might not be available.
Providing breathing assistance could help prolong the victim’s life while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Even if naloxone is available, always send an overdose victim to the hospital for monitoring. Naloxone may wear off before the effects of the opioid, making it possible for the victim to stop breathing again.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
State officials from several agencies are warning of an extremely potent and potentially deadly mix of heroin that has made its way into Indiana.
It’s known as Gray Death and is a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids. At least one person has overdosed in central Indiana this week.
Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. It’s 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Law enforcement officials say it’s often mixed in with drugs like cocaine or crystal meth, and often end users have no idea their drugs have been tainted.
Officials from Indiana State Police, State of Indiana Emergency Medical Service, Stare Fire Marshal and Indiana State Department of Health say the drugs put emergency responders as well as users and their families at risk.
State EMS Medical Director Dr. Michael Olinger says even a tiny amount of the wrong substance can be deadly. Opioids can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets and spray and can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder.
Olinger says there’s always a chance family members or friends may come into contact with dangerous substances while working to save their loved one.
Response personnel should exercise extreme caution with any suspected opioid delivery method. Always wear gloves and masks when responding to any situation where carfentanil or fentanyl is suspected, and cover as much skin as possible when responding to any potential overdose situation.
Signs of exposure include respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness or profound exhaustion, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin. The onset of these symptoms may occur within minutes of exposure.
Seek immediate medical attention, as carfentanil and other fentanyl-related substances can work very quickly. Any needle stick should be medically evaluated as soon as possible.
Do not touch any potential drug materials or paraphernalia. Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder. Avoid coming into contact with needles, bags or other paraphernalia. Do not disturb any powder that may be in the area.
Responders should also be ready to manage the victim’s airway in the event of exposure. Opioids override the body’s breathing reflex, causing victims to suffocate. Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose, but it might not be available.
Providing breathing assistance could help prolong the victim’s life while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Even if naloxone is available, always send an overdose victim to the hospital for monitoring. Naloxone may wear off before the effects of the opioid, making it possible for the victim to stop breathing again.
Monday, June 27, 2016
State Fire Marshal Informs Hoosiers About Fireworks Laws
Posted on June 27, 2016
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
As Independence Day draws near, the State Fire Marshal’s office is reminding Hoosiers about fireworks laws currently on the books.
In Indiana, the person setting off the fireworks may be held liable for damage to any property. In addition, fireworks are only allowed to be discharged on the owner’s property, or on the property of someone who has consented to it. Some communities may have specially designated areas for fireworks usage.
According to a press release, starting June 29th through July 9th, fireworks may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. until two hours after sunset. Otherwise, local ordinances are responsible for determining their times of use.
Damaging property with fireworks may result in a $5-thousand fine and up to one year in prison. The State Fire Marshal’s office also says that children discharging fireworks are expected to be in the presence of an adult.
Fireworks retailers are expected to be licensed and abide by the rule that no one under the age of 18 may purchase them.
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
As Independence Day draws near, the State Fire Marshal’s office is reminding Hoosiers about fireworks laws currently on the books.
In Indiana, the person setting off the fireworks may be held liable for damage to any property. In addition, fireworks are only allowed to be discharged on the owner’s property, or on the property of someone who has consented to it. Some communities may have specially designated areas for fireworks usage.
According to a press release, starting June 29th through July 9th, fireworks may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. until two hours after sunset. Otherwise, local ordinances are responsible for determining their times of use.
Damaging property with fireworks may result in a $5-thousand fine and up to one year in prison. The State Fire Marshal’s office also says that children discharging fireworks are expected to be in the presence of an adult.
Fireworks retailers are expected to be licensed and abide by the rule that no one under the age of 18 may purchase them.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Stay Safe When Buying and Using Fireworks
If your Independence Day celebrations include the use of fireworks, the Indiana State Fire Marshal has a few tips for keeping yourself safe.
Only purchase fireworks from a vendor with a valid Indiana fireworks sales permit. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says if a fireworks retailer does not have a permit on display and is unable to provide one when requested, residents should call the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Division of Fire and Building Safety at 317-232-2222.
Additionally, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks. It’s also illegal to buy fireworks other than 1.4G consumer fireworks. Other types may be more explosive.
Once you get the fireworks home, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place, and keep them out of the reach of children. Because of the intense heat produced by sparklers, the State Fire Marshal says to think about buying glow sticks for kids instead.
More fireworks safety tips can be found on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website.
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