The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like members of the Fire Service to spread the word that residential fire sprinklers save lives.  While smoke alarms can alert residents to a home fire, they cannot extinguish a fire.  Fire sprinkler systems can!

In 2009, only 20% of reported fires occurred in one- and two-family homes but these fires caused 70% (2,107) of all civilian fire deaths.  Homes also account for the largest share of civilian fire injuries and direct property damage.

Despite the fact that these figures represent improvement over the last 30 years, they continue to be appalling.  Such losses are unacceptable.  Incorporate the following information and facts into your community meetings and encourage residents to seriously consider installing residential fire sprinklers when building a new home, or when remodeling an existing home.  The cost of installation is worth the life-saving potential of residential sprinklers.

Fire Safety Impact

The Building and Fire Research Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology has studied the impact of both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers in residential occupancies and estimates that:

1. When fire sprinklers alone are installed, the chances of dying in a fire are reduced by 69%, when compared to a home without sprinklers.
2. When smoke alarms alone are installed, a reduction in the death rate of 63% can be expected, when compared to a home without smoke alarms.
3. When both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are present, the risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 82%, when compared to a home without either.

The Benefits of Residential Fire Sprinklers

• Safer Fire Service:  The risk for firefighters decreases when residential fire sprinklers are in use because sprinklers reduce the intensity of the fire by dousing the flame earlier.
• Fast Response:  Modern residential fire sprinklers are designed to respond to fire faster than commercial or industrial sprinkler systems because they are more sensitive to heat.
• Aesthetically Pleasing:  Residential fire sprinklers are smaller and less conspicuous than commercial or industrial types.  Color variations are available and some can be installed flush with the ceiling.
• Reliable:  Fire sprinkler systems exceed a 95% “fail-safe” status in laboratory testing.  Sprinklers individually activate only if there is a fire in which the heat escalates past the sprinkler’s trigger point.
• Investment Protection:  Fire sprinklers can prevent devastating home damage by extinguishing flames quickly.  Sprinklers can limit the damage caused by smoke and fire and are less damaging than water damage caused by firefighting hose lines.
• Simple Installation:  Installing a fire sprinkler system in a home that is under construction or being remodeled requires minimal extra piping and labor and greatly increases the safety of the residents.
• Low Water Requirement:  Residential fire sprinklers can be connected to the domestic water supply and require less water than commercial and industrial systems.
• Low Cost:  Residential fire sprinklers cost about $1.61 per square foot.  This cost is about the same as upgraded cabinets or carpet.
• Lower Insurance:  Installing a fire sprinkler system has the potential to lower insurance rates 5 to 15% by meeting code requirements.

It is the position of the U.S. Fire Administration that all citizens should be protected against death, injury, and property loss resulting from fire in their residence. All homes should be equipped with both smoke alarms and automatic fire sprinklers, and all families should have and practice an emergency escape plan. The USFA fully supports all efforts to reduce the tragic toll of fire losses in this nation by implementing these features. Only fire sprinklers can detect fire AND automatically control it—affording families the time to make a safe escape and protect valuables and property.

For more detailed information about summer fire safety, go to: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/residentialsprinklers.shtm

Babies and Toddlers:  High Risk for a Number of Reasons

Babies and toddlers are at high risk for injury or death in a home fire for a number of reasons.  Children in this age range are especially vulnerable to smoke and heat.  Babies, in particular, lack the mobility to independently escape a home that is on fire.  Toddlers are curious and skillful enough to play with matches and lighters.  It’s a dangerous mix of limitations, hazards and inexperience that makes fire safety education incredibly important for parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers.

Your department can educate parents, caregivers and soon-to-be parents to Prepare. Practice. and Prevent the Unthinkable.  The USFA’s fire safety campaign, A Fire Safety Campaign for Parents and Caregivers of Babies and Toddlers, was created for use by the general public and the Fire Service.  Fire safety tips and fact-filled, easy-to-read web pages allow people to learn more about fire safety.  An assortment of free fire safety materials, including brochures, a fact sheet (available in seven different languages), poster and educational video are available for download and unlimited distribution.  You can add your department’s logo to any of the campaign materials.

Free campaign materials are available to your department at no cost:

• Print public service announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish
• Brochure in English and Spanish (hardcopy brochures available for order online)
• Fact sheet available in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese
• Poster (hardcopy poster available for order online)
• Fire escape planning grid
• Educational video (available in QuickTime and Real Video)

Take advantage of these free materials to supplement your department’s public education efforts.  For example, your department can work with the maternity center at your local hospital to incorporate these materials into new parent packets.  Make it standard practice to add copies of fact sheets and the brochure to open houses.  The possibilities to reach parents, caregivers and soon-to-be parents are limitless!

Ask a Colleague:  Are You a Member of the Quick Response Media Corps?

Is your colleague a part of the 3,200-member Quick Response Media Corps?  Members receive valuable fire safety materials and are some of the first to learn about USFA’s fire safety initiatives.  The membership and materials are completely free.  Invite your colleagues to become a member of the QRMC today!

Benefits of being a QRMC member:

• Some of the first to know about new USFA fire safety initiatives
• Receive 15 cause-based, USFA fire safety fact sheets for a general audience, in English and Spanish
• Receive 15 cause-based, fire safety fact sheets for use in media interviews
• Receive six, 30-second live-read radio PSA scripts on smoke alarms, escape planning, careless smoking and fire safety for children and older adults.

For more information about USFA’s Quick Response Media Corps or to enroll online, go to http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/fireprev/qr/index.shtm

Please go to www.duracell.com and click on “Power Those Who Protect Us” and then click on “Direct Donation”. Then to “Power Your Community” and this will prompt you to fill out some questions and give the code on the back of the Duracell Batteries that you have purchased. Make sure to look at DURACELL BATTERIES WHEN YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE WITH THE MALTESE CROSS LOGO ON THEM.

We have posted a story about our smoke detector/battery program on their website.

Thanks for supporting the Easley Fire Department.

Scott McClain
Assistant Fire Chief
City of Easley Fire Department
864-859-8950
864-855-7930 Fax

Ortec Employees with Firefighter and "Sparky"

Ortec Employees with Firefighter and "Sparky"

Russell Holliday (Ortec, Inc.) shaking hands with "Sparky"

Russell Holliday (Ortec, Inc.) with Firefighter and "Sparky"

Ryan Norris (Toyota of Easley) shaking hands with "Sparky"

Ryan Norris (Toyota of Easley) with Firefighter and "Sparky"

Who Is Sparky the Fire Dog?

Sparky the fire dog is a Dalmatian who has been the official mascot of the “National Fire Protection Association”, a United States organization in charge of creating and maintaining minimum standards and requirements for fire prevention, suppression training, and equipment since 1951. Sparky not only hosts his own website to teach children about fire safety and other important safety topics, but has also starred in his own series of television public service announcements.http://www.sparky.org/

The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential properties. In order to access business buildings quickly, minimize forced entry damage, and protect Firefighters from injury, we have adopted this system. Currently, more than nine thousand fire departments and the communities they protect enjoy the benefits of this proven system.

DO YOU have business buildings or property in Easley secured by locked doors or a gate? You can PREVENT UNNECESSARY DAMAGE to your building or gate in the event of an emergency by participating in this program. The KNOX-BOX® system can give the Fire Department emergency access while giving you peace of mind that your property is secure.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS:

The KNOX-BOX® boxes are constructed of ¼” solid steel with a ½” steel door and reinforced locking mechanism. They are UL listed against physical attack and for drill, pick and pull resistance. The master key to open the KNOX-BOX® is held ONLY by the Easley Fire Department. This high security key is strictly controlled and is manufactured only by the Medeco factory under direction from an authorized fire official’s signature.

A City of Easley property owner who wishes to join the system should make arrangements with their Easley fire inspector to acquire a lock box or padlock. The KNOX-BOX® shown to the right is a typical building type box. KNOX-BOX® products are purchased directly from the Knox Company. Once installed near the entrance to your property, the fire department locks your building entrance key inside the KNOX-BOX® so that it is available onsite for future emergencies.

Top Reasons to Install a KNOX-BOX®:

• Eliminate needless, costly forced entry damage that may not be covered by your insurance deductible.
• Assure immediate building entry by Easley Firefighters without delay or waiting for building keys.
• Protect inventory, equipment and supplies from unnecessary water damage caused by delayed sprinkler shut-off
• Satisfy local fire codes and emergency access ordinances
• Feel secure about emergency coverage when your building is left unattended. The Easley Fire Department holds the ONLY key to the KNOX-BOX®.
• Maintain building security after a fire alarm investigation by simply re-locking the undamaged door.
• Protect your property from thousands of dollars in damage with this one-time, low cost investment.
• Depend on the highest lock box security available with attack resistant, UL tested reliability.
• Since 1975, KNOX-BOX® has been the chosen solution in 9,000 communities nationwide-communities like the City of Easley… a proven track record!

Knox-Box Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a KNOX-BOX® system?
   It’s a high-security box system, designed to give firefighters and emergency services immediate access to locked buildings, elevators, and other secured areas.
2. Why install a KNOX-BOX®?
   Installation of a Knox-Box on your property will not only allow firefighters faster access in case of an emergency, but will also prevent expensive forcible entry should emergency services be required while the premises are unoccupied. Costly front doors and entry ways needn’t be harmed if entry keys are available on-site!
3. How secure is a KNOX-BOX® system?
   Security has always been a Knox strong point. Designed for maximum protection, each virtually indestructible box features a special high-security Medeco lock and key. This Medeco restricted locking system guards against unauthorized key duplication. Keys aren’t even available to locksmiths or lock distributors–only The Knox Company can supply these keys! The KNOX-BOX® system offers maximum security at every step. Each city has an exclusive key code. All KNOX-BOX® stations in that city are keyed alike–and only the Easley Fire Department has master keys.
4. How is a KNOX-BOX® installed?
   Each KNOX-BOX® is shipped with complete mounting instructions; however, the Easley Fire Department will assist you in choosing a proper location for mounting. After installation is completed, the Easley Fire Department will conduct an inspection of the installation and lock building keys inside the box. As soon as building keys are locked inside the box, it is ready to provide immediate access to emergency personnel– 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Knox-Box Online Purchase Procedure

1. Go to their website: http://www.knoxbox.com.
2. Click on “Product Line” to determine your product choice.
3. Click “Online Purchase” to begin the order process.
4. Enter the zip code (29640 or 29642) where the KNOX-BOX® will be located.
5. Select “Easley Fire Dept – 310 Popefield Rd – Easley, SC 29642″ then click continue.
6. Select the item to be purchased, and fill in all required fields.
7. Click “Add to Cart” and proceed to checkout.
8. Select the applicable entry from the choices, and click next.
9. Complete the billing information

When your KNOX-BOX® arrives, contact the Easley Fire Department at 864-859-8950. We will meet with you to determine the best location for you new KNOX-BOX®, and once it has been installed, the key(s) will then be secured. Please keep in mind that if key changes are made to the building, the Easley Fire Department needs to be notified immediately so the replacement keys can be placed into the KNOX-BOX®.

The City of Easley donated a 1966 Ford C-850 Fire Pumper to the Pickens County School District’s Career Center to use for educational purposes.

This truck was taken out of service by the City of Easley Fire Department after being a Front Line piece of equipment from 1966 to 1998.

It was used as a reserve engine until September 2008. This truck was used for 42 years, and refurbished only one time during its tenure.

Firehouse Subs donated a Thermal Imaging Camera to the Easley Fire Department December 10th, 2007. This type of camera costs around $12,000.00. The camera will be placed on a front line pumper truck.  Firehouse Subs is located at 6310-A Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley SC 29640, phone (864) 859-5450,  Amber Bilbery, Manager

Thank you Fire House Subs!

The camera will allow the Firefighters to maneuver in a fire by giving them the ability to see through the darkness and smoke. The camera will be very helpful in showing the firefighters exactly where the fire is hottest and where it is spreading. Being able to see these things will allow the fire department to better concentrate their efforts in working the fire and will also help with safety issues.

Thermal imaging technology was initially introduced by the military to the fire service. It is widely considered one of the most important technological advancements in the fire service since the introduction of the breathing apparatus approximately 35 years ago. The Easley Fire Department is proud of this new piece of equipment as it can significantly assist them in accomplishing their primary mission of saving lives. The camera will allow firefighters to enter deeper into highly hazardous environments in order to stabilize an incident. It will also allow firefighters to complete searches for victims in near-zero visibility conditions quickly and with an added degree of safety.

This camera technology will assist the Easley Fire Department in carrying out their second mission of protecting property from fire. In addition to firefighters using their training and senses to locate fire that has extended beyond the point of origin, the thermal imaging camera will aid in finding, with a greater degree of accuracy, hidden and remaining fire that has burned its way into void spaces. This can minimize property damage and reduce the chance of a fire rekindling. For example, when responding to a fire call, when firefighters arrive on the scene, there is often smoke coming from every window, which is usually the case in any fire. Once on the scene, Easley firefighters can now use this camera and walk around the outside of the structure and locate the room or area that is the hottest, and most likely, the source of the fire, or certainly the area needing the firefighters’ immediate attention.

It’s All About SAFETY!

The MSA Fire Service Thermal Imaging Camera offers high performance safety

• 320°F High Sense Mode Range – gives high image definition over the widest temperature range of any Fire Service TIC
• Twice the Low Sensitivity in the 320° to +1000°F range, compared to all other Fire Service TICs – for great imaging!

It all adds up to the highest ISDR* of any Fire Service TIC – with clearer, sharper, more detailed images over the entire temp range.
*Instantaneous Scene Dynamic Range is the combined value of a sensor’s sensitivity and temperature range to determine the number of temperature differences that can be seen at any given instant.

For more information on this new camera, visit the MSA website.