KFD Station #1 – Toys for Tots Collection Site

Pick up a few extra gifts for less fortunate children while you are out shopping this holiday season. Kannapolis Fire Department is assisting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program as a  collection site for Kannapolis and surrounding areas.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys and games can be dropped off at Fire Station #1 (300 Firehouse Drive) between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Toys can also be brought to the Southern Piedmont Singers concert at Kimball Lutheran Memorial Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 11th at 5:30pm. This local singing group has asked that in lieu of monetary donations, attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys and games to support the Toys for Tots drive.

Donated gifts will be collected through December 12 and will be used to spread holiday cheer to Kannapolis-area children during Christmas.

This is the 2nd year that Kannapolis Fire Department has served as a collection site for Toys for Tots.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

As our nation moves back to Standard Time beginning this weekend, the Kannapolis Fire Department encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if more than one year old. Working smoke alarms significantly increase your chance of surviving a deadly home fire. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for fire and smoke.

This year, Energizer, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and thousands of local fire departments are asking families across the country to join them in this year’s Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® campaign.  The message is simple, and the habit can be lifesaving. According to the NFPA, 38% of fatal fire injuries occur in homes without working smoke alarms, while 24% occur in homes in which at least one smoke alarm is present but fails to operate.

Firefighters work tirelessly to help reduce the risk factors by educating their residents on the importance of having a working smoke alarm, but action takes place in the home.  Whether it’s providing a band-aid for a scraped knee or equipping their cars with safety seats, parents are the first line of defense for their children at home. That’s why, a focus of this year’s campaign is asking Moms and Dads to take a vital step to keep their kids safe at home – Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®.

Three “Hot” Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is just a few days away! 

Is your family ready for a safe night of trick-or-treating?

Tip 1)  Look your best this Halloween by staying away from long,  billowing costumes that could easily catch fire when near candles or Jack-O-Lanterns.

Tip 2)  Decorate with care… Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are all highly flammable.  When decorating, keep these and all other decorations away from all open flames and heat sources including light bulbs, candles, and heaters.

Tip 3)  It is SAFEST to use battery-operated candles in your Jack-O-Lanterns and other Halloween decorations.  If you do use candles, use extreme caution!

HAVE A “SPOOK”TACULAR HALLOWEEN!

Make it a safe one!

Kannapolis Fire Department Open House this Saturday!

Join the Kannapolis Fire Department this Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for the annual Fire Prevention Open House.  The theme for this year’s event is “Your Home is your Castle – Protect your Family from Fire.” The event will kick off National Fire Prevention Week.

Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character and bring gently used books for a community book drive. New and gently used books can be brought to the event and placed in marked containers.  The books collected will be distributed to children in the community and to local community organizations.

The first 500 people at the event receive goody bags filled with a variety of KFD items and safety information.

Activities include: adult fire extinguisher training, Explorer repelling demonstrations, inflatable games, Safe Kids Operation Medicine Drop, environmental activities, children’s coloring and crafts areas, “Are You Smarter than a Firefighter?” games, police and fire apparatus displays, a Legends car and the Sun-Drop monster truck.

Bring your camera for exciting photo opportunities throughout the event.

Come hungry!  The Kannapolis Firefighters’ Assistance Foundation will host its first fundraiser by selling hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks!

See you this Saturday!  Kannapolis Fire Station #1; 300 Firehouse Drive

Cabarrus Safe Kids “Operation Medicine Drop” October 8th 11:00am to 3:00pm

Do you have any out of date medications or pain medications from a recent surgery or illness and you just don’t know how to dispose of them? Bring them with you to the Kannapolis Fire Department’s annual Open House event on October 8th.

Cabarrus Safe Kids will be among the many community partners at this year’s event and will be collecting medications that are out of date, no longer needed, etc.  This is a “no questions asked” take back program they offer throughout the year called Operation Medicine Drop.

What do they do with these medications?  The Cabarrus County Sherriff’s Department destroys them in the county incinerator free of charge.  Incinerating the drugs is much safer than throwing them away or flushing them into the toilet.

What to do to prepare for Operation Medicine Drop? 

* Clean out your medicine cabinets, travel bags, and other places where medications are stored.

* Keep medications in their original bottles, if possible.

* Mark through the name of the person who received the medication but not the name of the medication itself. (Safe Kids members can also do this for you at the event.)

* Bring your unwanted medications to the event and drop them off at the Cabarrus Safe Kids table.

For questions or comments about Operation Medicine Drop or the Kannapolis Fire Department Open House event, contact Maria Bostian at 704-920-4280.

See you there! 

October 8^th from 11am – 3pm

Kannapolis Fire Station #1 – 300 Firehouse Drive

Training Pays off for Kannapolis Fire Department Explorers

Kannapolis Fire Department Explorers had a great time at the Millers Ferry Jr. Fire Muster on Saturday, September 10th!  The weather was perfect for a day of friendly competition against Jr. Firefighter groups from across the state.

Ten Explorers and three advisers attended the day-long event, making up two different teams.  They received trophies for their 3rd  place finish in Bucket Brigade and 2^nd place finish in the Firefighter Challenge.   The group came home with  two plaques as well.

While the trophies and plaques are exciting, they don’t top the sense of accomplishment these young adults feel.  They worked hard.  They trained hard.  On Saturday, their hard work paid off!

Hard work, training, team work, dedication… these are just a few of the values that KFD Explorers learn in their bimonthly meetings.  For more information on how you or your young adult can join this exciting program please contact Lead Explorer Adviser Scott Smith at ssmith02@cityofkannapolis.com or call 704-920-4260.

The 15 Minute Home Safety Inspection Challenge

In just 15 minutes, imagine the things you can do to improve the safety of your loved ones around your home.  Grab a pen and a notepad, step out in front of your home and let the safety inspection begin.  Work your way from the front of the house, inside each room and out into the backyard.  Record your finding as you go.  Then, follow up on your findings and make any corrections!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AS YOU APPROACH THE HOME

* Can you see your house numbers from the street?  If not, emergency workers may have a hard time finding you!  Clear away tree limbs or vegetation that might cover your house numbers.

* Is there an easy pathway to get to inside your home?  Look for missing bricks or pavers that may be fall hazards.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR INSIDE THE HOME

* Are there wide walking paths in your house?  Think about an emergency call… could a stretcher easily be brought inside?

* Is your house free from clutter?  Extra clutter can be a safety concern as well as a fire hazard.

* Are matches, lighters, and candles kept out of reach of children and pets?

* What is the setting on your hot water heater?  Many experts recommend that the temperature be set at less than 120° F.

* Does your home have WORKING smoke alarms?  By working, do they create a strong sound when tested?  If your alarms are not working, replace the batteries or even the alarms immediately. Remember, a working smoke alarm may save your life!

* Are you cooking in a safe manner?  Stove tops should be free from pots and pans when not in use.  Also remember, when cooking to have the lid of a pan out and ready just in case a fire starts.

* Now check your outlets – Are any of them hot to the touch?  If so, this is a safety concern.  Also make sure not to overload your outlets with too many plugs.  When more outlets are needed, use a surge protector.

* Do you smoke indoors?  Move all smoking areas OUTSIDE of your home.  Never smoke in bed or in a chair while drowsy.  This could be deadly!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR OUTSIDE THE HOME 

* Can you walk easily around your yard? Carefully inspect the ground around your home noting any deep holes or humps that are trip hazards.

* Do you have a playground, swing, or trampoline?  If so, check the bolts and other important pieces.

* How are your pets?  Remember, pets are “people” too.  Does your outdoor lot or kennel provide adequate shade and protection from the elements?  Does your pet have plenty of fresh food and water within reach?

* Other hazards – Children love to play, and one of their favorite games is “Hide and Seek.”  Secure all vehicles and outdoor buildings when not in use.

15 minutes could save your life!  For more information about home safety inspections, contact the Kannapolis Fire Department at 704-920-4261.

What’s for Supper? Grilling Safety Made Easy

There is nothing like outdoor grilling.  It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food.  But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard.  They can be very hot, causing fires and burn injuries.  Follow these simple tips and you will be on your way to safe grilling and delicious meals!

ALL GRILLS SHOULD BE –

• used outdoors.
• placed well away from the home, deck railing and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• kept away from pets and children.
• cleaned to remove grease or fat build up.

FAST FACT – More than half of home grill structure fires begin on either a courtyard terrace or patio, or an exterior balcony or open porch!

CHARCOAL GRILLS –

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid.  Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.  Do not put coals in a paper bag, plastic bag, or in a trash container.

FAST FACT – In 2004-2008 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,700 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues. 

PROPANE GRILLS –

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using the first time each year.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.  Do not attempt to move the grill.

WINTER GRILL SAFETY – A grill, hibachi, or barbecue should never be used in a tent, camper or residence as a source of heat!  Stay safe!  Use these devices for outdoor cooking only!

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Install, Inspect, Protect

The Kannapolis Fire Department, along with  the U.S. Fire Administration, is working to reduce fire deaths and injuries by urging residents to install smoke alarms in their home and inspect and maintain them on a regular basis.

WORKING Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

A working smoke alarm can help you and your family escape a deadly home fire. It can also help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents. A working smoke alarm continuously scans the air for smoke or fire, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It never sleeps.

Follow these tips for installation, inspection and protection:

Where should smoke alarms be installed?  The first thing to know is the right locations for smoke alarms.  Smoke alarms need to be installed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the home.  They can be mounted on the wall or the ceiling but should not be installed in the corners of the room.  For the best location, see the manufacturing information provided with the device.  Avoid mounting them in drafty areas, near windows, near the stove/oven, and outside of bathrooms.

How should smoke alarms be inspected?  Smoke alarms have a job to do… smell for smoke and fire in your home.   They will not be effective if they are not free from dust and debris.  Dusting or vacuuming every month is recommended.  Also, test smoke alarms by pressing the test buttons each month to make sure their warning is loud and clear.

What should you do if your smoke alarms are making a less-noisy “chirping” sound?  Smoke alarms are designed to notify you if the battery is low.  This chirping sound is a reminder to change the batteries in your alarms.  It is recommended to change all smoke alarm batteries together. If you have a 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm the batteries do not get changed in these devices.

Do you have smoke alarms that are hardwired into your homes electrical system?  If so, a  battery back-up is usually present in these smoke alarms.   If not, install at least one battery-operated smoke alarm in case of a power outage.

Can you use your car without any gas?  Can you run a marathon without eating a good breakfast?  The answer is a simple – No!  Just like our vehicles need energy and our bodies need fuel; the smoke alarms in your home need energy as well.  Never take the batteries out of smoke alarms to use in a radio, a toy, gaming device, etc.  Those batteries are the “fuel” to keep your battery-operated smoke alarms working for you and your family!

Do you rent your home?  Under North Carolina General Statute 42.42 (5) Landlords are  required to provide smoke alarms either battery operated or electrical having an Underwriters Laboratory or equivalent national testing laboratory approval.

Do you need assistance purchasing or installing working smoke alarms in your residence?  In an effort to keep our citizen safe, the Kannapolis Fire Department offers smoke alarms and installation services to community members who who own their own homes and provide proof of need.  For information on the department’s smoke alarm program, contact the Risk Reduction Division at 704-920-4261.

Inspector Scott Carpenter installs a smoke alarm in a Kannapolis residence

Do what you can to protect you and your loved one! 

• Install and maintain working smoke alarms
• Create a safe meeting place outside the home and conduct practice “drills” both during the daytime and at night
• Practice fire safety in your home by staying in the kitchen while cooking – using deep ashtrays for discarded smoking materials – and putting matches and lighters out of reach of small children!

How Hot is Too Hot?

On an 80° day in just 20 minutes,

the temperature inside the car can reach 109°!

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE IN THE CAR!

Children’s bodies are more delicate than those of adults.  Their bodies warm up 3 to 5 times faster than ours.

Did you know that at a core temperature of 107°, brain cells are damaged and internal organs begin to shut down?

On average, 38 children die in hot cars each year from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside motor vehicles. Even the best of parents or caregivers can overlook a sleeping baby in a car; and the end result can be injury or even death.

Here are some helpful tips to remember for keeping your child safe around cars during these hot summer days:

1. Never leave your child alone in or around the vehicle.
2. Always lock the vehicle when parked.  Make sure that your child does not have access to the keys.
3. Always remember – a vehicle is not a toy or a babysitter.
4. Place something important in the back seat such as a cell phone, a briefcase, or a purse – you will look in the back and remember that your child is with you.
5. If you share the responsibility for taking your child to daycare, school, lessons, etc. create a plan.  Agree to have your child’s care provider, teacher, tutor, or coach call you immediately if your child does not arrive on time.

Summer is a time for good times with family and friends.  Avoid a tragedy by diligently watching your child when around vehicles.  Call 9-1-1 immediately if they become trapped inside and cannot get out.