May 25, RE: Spring Fire Safety Campaign. Dear fellow fire service member,

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1 May 25, 2016 RE: Spring Fire Safety Campaign Dear fellow fire service member, I first would like to thank each and every one of you who took part in the statewide Safe & Sound campaign our office launched in October to combat the increasing number of fire fatalities in the state. From October 2015 March 2016, fire deaths were down 27 percent over the same time period the previous year. It is your hard work and initiative that is helping to reverse the growing trend of fire deaths in Ohio. While we consider that first leg of the Safe & Sound campaign to be a success, fire prevention does not stop with winter heating safety. On the contrary, we must make this a year-long fight and continue to engage our communities, spreading awareness and providing our residents with life-saving safety tips relevant to the present moment. With that in mind, the Division of State Fire Marshal would like Ohio s fire community to come together and shift the focus of Safe & Sound to new, timely topics. With spring in full bloom and the summer months upon us, we should direct our efforts toward grilling, open burning, camping and other warm-weather fire safety information. Safe & Sound will continue to be a collaboration of agencies. For this new mission, our office is partnering with the Ohio Departments of Aging and Natural Resources, as well as the American Red Cross and the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. But as I have said before, YOU have the biggest potential to make a difference in YOUR community. Please find the attached packet containing tips and ideas for getting these new safety messages out to your citizens. Also attached are examples of outreach publications which cover some of the topics of our new focus. For help with an event or program, please contact Fire Prevention Chief Frank Conway at (614) or frank.conway@com.state.oh.us. Thank you, stay safe, and remember: Fire is Everyone s Fight! Sincerely, Larry L. Flowers State Fire Marshal 8895 East Main Street Reynoldsburg, OH U.S.A. An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider Fax TTY/TDD

2 Safe & Sound Spring/Summer 2016

3 Safe & Sound Campaign The Safe & Sound campaign does not end with the close of the heating season. Fire Safety & Prevention is a message of timeless importance and should be continued throughout the entire year. For the spring and summer season, the focus of Safe & Sound will shift to new, more timely topics: - Spring cleaning - Grilling safety - Outdoor fire safety (camping, campfires, open debris/leaves/trash burning, etc.)

4 How can you help? Talk to your neighbors! Safe & Sound your fire safety message! Get community leaders and media involved!

5 Safe & Sound: A Team Effort Local retailers Conduct short safety classes near the camping and outdoor entertainment sections of local stores. Ask retailers who sell camper/rv equipment to post something near that section of the store reminding shoppers to: Check the batteries in their campers smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before using them this camping season. Know how and where to access their camper or RV s emergency exit. Invite local media to the location of the store/event and see if the retailer will advertise.

6 Safe & Sound: A Team Effort Organizations and events Participate in fairs, festivals, local sporting events and door-to-door canvassing days to talk about fire safety. Visit public parks and campgrounds where residents often visit and share any safety information relevant to the activities taking place there. Attend meetings of local organizations including Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Elks Clubs, Lions Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, etc. to find out how they might be able to help spread the messages.

7 Safety Tip Sheets Several spring and summer outreach tip sheets have been added to this packet. Share these materials throughout your community!

8 Utilize Social Media Continue adding fire safety messaging to your social media lineup. Visit the National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration websites for topic-focused suggestions and examples of social media posts. There are many safety tip sheets from both websites to which you can include links. y.pdf

9 Use the Media As always, your local media is possibly the best way to reach the largest audience with an important message. Call or visit your local newspaper, TV and radio stations and ask them to team up on a story about spring and summer outdoor fire safety. Thank them for their help with the first part of Safe & Sound. Tell them their work helped to reduce heating season fire deaths over the same time last year. Remind them that you want to continue your partnership into all seasons of the year.

10 Know Your Message Once you set up an interview, it is important to know exactly what you want to say. Use the talking points in this packet as a reference point. Stick to a clear, concise message and repeat it throughout the interview. If there are safety tips or topics particularly relevant to your community, focus and capitalize on those!

11 Combine Efforts Team up with neighboring fire departments Offer to provide more than one expert on fire safety. For example, if there is an AM talk radio station that covers your county, reach out to the station and offer to have a panel of several area fire chiefs/firefighters on air to talk about fire safety. (This works for TV and newspapers as well.) If you re attending a county fair or similar event where both your communities are represented, make it clear that all parties involved share the same messages and goal.

12 Combine Efforts Team up with neighboring fire departments Work with other fire departments to cover all media in the area. Think not only of the territory your department protects, but also the surrounding communities with which you have a mutual aid agreement and work with them as a team. If there are several newspapers in your county, have different departments reach out to different papers. That way, you are reaching all newspaper readers in your county, rather than just subscribers to one specific newspaper. (This works for radio and TV as well.)

13 News Releases Use the drafted news advisory and release included in this guide to let media know about what you are doing. Include contact information in the case that they would like an interview. Include pictures, sound bites, video (when possible) - they re more likely to run the story if you help them construct it. Always include this information: who, what, when, where and why.

14 Get an Early Start This part of the campaign is focused on spring and summer. Families have already started planning their summer vacations and camping trips.

15 Fire is Everyone s Fight State agencies and other organizations are standing behind you, and are ready to help. Contact local state offices to join forces on this campaign. If they haven t heard of our campaign, reach out to us, and we will contact them! Partners for the Spring/Summer portion of Safe & Sound include: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio Department of Aging Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing American Red Cross

16 Questions? We are here to help! If you have questions about any materials or the campaign, or if you would like to share a successful outreach event, contact Bill Krugh at (614) or william.krugh@com.ohio.gov If you need help for an event, please contact Frank Conway at (614) or frank.conway@com.ohio.gov

17 News Release Your agency s logo For Immediate Release Month XX, 2016 Contact: Fire Department Representative OHIOANS URGED TO PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY WHEN ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS THIS SPRING AND SUMMER Safe and Sound campaign aims to increase outdoor fire safety awareness. As the temperatures warm up in Ohio and residents begin spending more time outdoors, State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers and Chief of the Fire Department are asking all Ohioans to take the steps necessary to prevent and prepare for a fire emergency. Each time of the year brings different types of fire risks and hazards. By taking necessary precautions, you can save your life and the lives of your loved ones. As the weather improves, there are countless fun activities to do outside with friends and family, Marshal Flowers said. But it is very important to remember to enjoy the outdoors safely. By following some basic yet crucial safety tips, you can make sure your family and friends are safe from the hazards of fire, Chief said. Marshal Flowers, Chief and the U.S. Fire Administration offer these tips: Grilling Safety: Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outside. Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings and overhanging leaves or branches. Maintain a safety zone in which children and pets are not allowed. Keep the grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup on and in the trays below the grill. Never leave the grill unattended. Always make sure the propane tank is off and tightly closed when you re done using it. Dispose of coals in a metal can with a lid once they are cooled, and keep the can several feet away from any structure or plants. If you smell gas, turn off the tank and check the gas line connections. If the smell continues, call the fire department and have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. Campfire Safety: Always have adult supervision around campfires, and keep children, pets and anything that can burn at least three feet away from open flames. Keep campfires away from steep slopes, overhanging branches and dry leaves or grass. Clear an area down to bare soil and build a fire ring of rocks, or dig a shallow pit for your fire. Always keep water and a shovel close by in case the fire gets out of control. Before you leave or go inside, make sure the fire is out and the ashes are cold. Only use dry, seasoned wood for a campfire. Never use any kind of accelerant to start a campfire. Trash, Debris and Open Burning Safety: Open burning is prohibited by Ohio law during the months of March, April and May from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

18 Never burn on windy days. Always use a burn barrel, far away from any structures or plants, with a mesh cover. Consider alternatives such as composting and recycling. Camper/RV Safety: Replace the batteries and test your smoke alarms before using your camper or RV. Replace the batteries and test your carbon monoxide detectors. Practice your fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows how to use the emergency exit window. As always: Have working smoke alarms on every level and inside and outside of every sleeping area of your home. Test the alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least twice a year. If your smoke alarms are ten years old or older, replace the entire unit. Have a fire escape plan with a primary and secondary route, including an outdoor meeting place, of which everyone in the home knows. Once out, stay out. Call the fire department from a cellphone or a neighbor s house. # # #

19 News Advisory Your agency s logo For Immediate Release Month XX, 2016 Contact: Fire Department Representative (NAME OF LOCAL) FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOLD FIRE SAFETY CLASSES THIS WEEKEND WHO: WHAT: WHERE: WHEN: DETAILS: (Name of local) Fire Department Representatives (Name of local) Fire Department will hold free community fire safety classes to educate residents about how to prevent and prepare for fires. (Name of local) Fire Department 123 Main Street Columbus, Ohio Day, Date, Time As part of the Safe and Sound campaign, members of the (Name of local) Fire Department want to educate community members on the safe practices related to cooking/grilling, camping, and other outdoor entertainment. During this class, participants will learn the purpose and proper use of smoke alarms and fire escape plans, as well as what to do and how to respond in the event of a fire. Participants will also learn about basic fire safety, including tips and reminders for safely enjoying the outdoors this spring and summer. This course is free and open to the public. # # #

20 KNOWING A FEW FIRE SAFETY GRILLING TIPS WILL HELP EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE SUMMER. Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill and campfire. Only use your grill outside. Keep it away from siding and deck rails. This will keep kids and pets safe. Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire. Open your gas grill before lighting. STAY FIRE-SAFE THIS SUMMER! Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled. Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit or patio torches. Never leave any of them unattended. For more information and resources, visit and

21 Grilling Safety There s 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 burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling. SAFETY TIPS KKK Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. KKK The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. KKK Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. KKK Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. KKK Never leave your grill unattended. KKK Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. CHARCOAL GRILLS KKK There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. KKK If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. KKK Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. KKK There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. KKK When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. Your Source for SAFETY Information NFPA Public Education Division 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA Propane Grills Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it. FACTS! July is the peak month for grill fires.! Roughly half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns.

22 Ohio Revised Code Regarding Kindled Fires ORC is under the authority of the Ohio Division of Forestry. This law prohibits outdoor open burning statewide in unincorporated areas during the months of March, April, May, October, and November between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. This ban includes burning of yard waste, trash, and debris, even in a proper burn barrel. During Spring, wildfire danger is high before plants have turned green, and in Fall, fire danger is high due to abundant dry leaves and dead grass. Warm, windy weather in both seasons also contribute to elevated fire risk. Always be sure to use a proper burn barrel when burning outdoors during legal hours. Call your fire department for info about local burning regulations. Call ODNR Forestry at with questions Ohio Administrative Code Regarding Outdoor Burning OAC is enforced by the Ohio EPA EPA notification is required for many types of open burns in Ohio. Call with questions or visit: for complete rules and to find your local EPA office or air pollution control agency. EPA Basics for Homeowners Materials NEVER to be burned at any time or any place in Ohio: 1. Food Waste 2. Dead Animals 3. Materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt, or made from petroleum OTHER RESTRICTIONS: 1. Fires must be more than 1000 feet from neighbor s inhabited building 2. No burning when air pollution alert, warning, or emergency is in effect 3. Fire/smoke cannot obscure visibility on roadway, railways, or airfields 4. No waste generated off the premises may be burned 5. No burning within village or city limits or restricted areas FOLLOW OPEN BURNING LAWS! AVOID CITATION! BE SAFE! Cooperative Education Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry forestry.comments@dnr.state.oh.us Follow us on Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau TTY/TDD: websfm@com.state.oh.us Follow us on

23 Summer Fire Safety Follow these simple outdoor tips to help you and those you love stay fire safe this summer season! A ttend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals. E njoy outdoor celebrations and cookouts but remember to keep a 3-foot safe zone around grills and campfires. B uild campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn. For information and resources on this subject, visit:

24 Summertime Burn Safety Summer is the time to enjoy vacations, camping, picnics and the Fourth of July; however, summertime also brings fires and burn injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking. Wear short sleeves or roll them up when cooking on the grill. Use long-handled barbecue tools. Keep a 3-foot safe zone around grills, fire pits and campfires. Attend public fireworks displays; this leaves the lighting to the professionals. First aid for burns: Place the burn in cool water for three to five minutes. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth. See your doctor if the burn is larger than your palm. For more information and free resources, visit