Holiday Candles: More Deadly Than You Think

For many of those served by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the coming days will be anything but a holiday. Fires caused by candles and carelessness with fire will certainly damage homes, dampen spirits - and sadly, may take lives.

As we enter the peak of the holiday season, the men and women of the LAFD ask you to join them in putting a stop to these needless and often tragic blazes.

Is there a really a problem?

Citing statistics for 2006-2010, our friends at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report that twelve percent of home candle fires occur in December, 1.5 times the monthly average.

Why is the LAFD sharing this message now?

Many Americans consider candles as benign holiday gifts, or use them with little thought of safety during Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa celebrations. Christmas Day remains the peak day for home candle fires with New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve following close behind.

The danger not always where you think...

Candles cause 3% of all home fires in our country and an alarming 1 out of every 20 home fire deaths. More than one-third of home candle fires start in bedrooms, where 42% of candle associated deaths and nearly half of associated injuries occur.

The danger is real - and far from seasonal!

Annually, an estimated 11,640 home structure fires started by candles are reported to Fire Departments in the United States. These fires result in approximately 126 civilian deaths, 953 civilian injuries and a direct property loss of $438 million.

Yes, the impact of candles can be staggering.

According to the NFPA:

• More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains or decorations, were too close to the candle.
• In nearly one-fifth of such fires, candles were left unattended or abandoned.
• An alarming number of fires are started by people (often children) playing with candles.
• 11% of candle fires start after the candle user falls asleep - a factor that was prevalent in 43% of home candle fire deaths!

To stay safe...

The Los Angeles Fire Department suggests you consider safe alternatives to candles. If candles must be used:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles at least 12" away from any flammable items, including areas cluttered with holiday decorations - and especially distant from children and pets.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Use sturdy non-combustible candle holders that won't tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in or near windows, blinds and curtains.
• No one should sleep in a room with a lit candle.
• Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never use a candle if medical oxygen is used in the home.
• Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space or checking pilot lights or fueling equipment.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles for emergency lighting.
• And finally, please consider gifts other than candles this holiday season!

Please accept our warmest wishes for a *safe* holiday season!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Provides Keys to Safe and Sane Independence Day

If you listen, the "U.S.A." chants are getting louder. "London Calling" you say? Absolutely. First, however, we celebrate our country's Independence Day! With that...red, white and blue will once again be the order of the day!  Despite its mid-week celebration this year, Wednesday, July 4, 2012, will no doubt bring out the best and in some unfortunate cases, the worst in revelers from coast to coast.

For the safety and security of all, your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reminds you once again, that fireworks of all types, even those dubbed "safe and sane", remain illegal in the City of Los Angeles. We encourage everyone to join with firefighters everywhere in support of a safe Independence Day by attending or viewing a public fireworks show sponsored and produced by professionals. For detailed information please visit:

safejuly4th.org

You may choose to spend the mid-week Holiday at home with your family or a small group. But it is Summer and you may have opted to travel by air, road or rail and spend it with the masses elsewhere or perhaps with a huge group that just happens to resemble your family. Wherever you wind up and however you do it, your LAFD would like to offer a few tips on staying safe and perhaps keeping yourself sane. Additionally, we want you to rest easy knowing your LAFD stands always at the ready for anything that may come our way.

These 4th of July Safety Tips are provided with help from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and a few of our own, we thought were worthy of mention:

• Cook, grill or BBQ intelligently. Use clean plates, store food properly and prepare it correctly. Oh yeah, and watch out for over-exposure to the grill..yes, too much to eat!
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sun damage...especially if it's your attempt to even-out that burn from the "fluorescent sun" in your office. Wear sunscreen. Apply it generously and often.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions. Find or tune into a news source.
• Be aware of changing traffic conditions, road closures and other delays.
• If in or around any body of water, please pool safely and always have someone watching the water.
• If you take to the mountains for some hiking or biking, don't go alone and please do so during daylight hours. Hydrate and pack a snack. Don't underestimate the terrain. And, if you have one, take a mobile phone with you and make sure it's charged.
• If you choose to imbibe, don't drink and drive! We all know the sobering statistics. Appoint a designated driver early, use a driver service (there are many), call a cab or just stay sober!
• Whatever you do and wherever you do it...have fun, but please exercise good judgment and common sense!

LAFD's Air Ops: "Patriotic Hydration"

Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy family and friends. Enjoy foods and libations (in moderation.) And enjoy the freedom and liberty that was made possible by those the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our independence!

May God Bless the United States of America!

And the crowd chants "U.S.A....U.S.A...U.S.A."

Submitted by, Matt Spence Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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We Need Blood! Donate and Be 'Taken Out to a Ballgame''

Baseball fans may already be aware: the booster clubs of both the Dodgers and Angels are getting their players into position to help the American Red Cross cope with its first, serious blood-shortage in more than five years.

Well, we want the rest of our Southern California community to know too: our blood supply has dropped to critically low levels!

Both booster clubs are now urging all baseball fans to help save lives by casting votes for their favorite team at the "14th Annual, Angels vs. Dodgers Booster Clubs' Blood Drive." This is an opportunity for the entire community to don their "rally caps", bring their "rally monkies" and join together to help stabilize our blood supply... a great team-win!

Fans, firefighters, friends and families may donate at any of these locations on Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Donors will receive a very special, commemorative t-shirt and a voucher for 2 tickets to an Angels or Dodgers home game. Quantities are limited.

To reserve your time on June 30 or to schedule an appointment on another day, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Be sure to enter "homerun" in the sponsor code space provided. You will also find answers to many frequently asked questions.

Unless generous blood donors step forward soon, blood products will not be available for patients in an emergency or medical crisis. Blood shortages this severe, are rare. The critically-low blood levels we face in hospitals across the country, present a challenge to each of us. Some hospitals have been forced to make terrible choices. In fact, some have begun to postpone surgeries. There are other hospitals where doctors have had to triage patients, to determine those with the greatest blood needs.

Your choice to help replenish the blood supply, may help make their choices easier.

Please join us.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Side Walk CPR' at City Hall Farmer's Market

As we recognize "National CPR Week" (remember, CPR stands for "Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation"), your Los Angeles Fire Department kicked-it-off by presenting some very helpful information, of which you and everyone you know, should take an interest. If you missed it, we urge you to revisit "'Hands-only CPR' and the 'AED': What are they?" It may truly make a difference in someone's life. And if you believe in statistics, that person may be one of your loved ones! A staggering 88% of cardiac arrests occur in the home.

So we've told you about CPR... now we want to show you! This week, Thursday, June 7, 2012; your LAFD will be at the Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market. We have nothing to sell, but we do have something to offer: a hands-on, interactive demonstration of "Hands-only CPR." If you can't make it Downtown to see us, there are several other locations throughout Los Angeles County that will offer similar demonstrations on what is being billed as "Side Walk CPR Day." 

Side Walk CPR Day

Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market

City Hall East, South Plaza

200 N. Main Street

Thursday, June 7, 2012

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Why Learn Hands-Only CPR?

 

 

• "Sudden Cardiac Arrest" is an electrical problem with the heart, where it stops beating and pumping blood. That causes the brain to shut down and the patient to suddenly collapse. It renders the patient unconscious.
• Paramedics can often restart the heart using advanced methods– but it may take a few minutes for them to arrive on-scene. That time is critical!
• "Hands-only CPR" can keep the heart and brain alive until Paramedics takes over, by keeping the blood circulating. Oxygen remains in that blood.
• Mouth-to-mouth breathing is not necessary.

Please plan to stop by and learn more. Be sure to visit the LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics who will be on-hand to demonstrate and answer any questions.

While you are Downtown, make a day of it and plan to join the LAFD at our 15th Annual "HOPE for Firefighters" event taking place only a few blocks away!

Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Hands-only CPR' and the 'AED': What are they?

They are what to do until professional help arrives. By allowing us to explain, you can help kick-off National CPR Week.

Did you know? Every uniformed member of the Los Angeles Fire Department is trained, not only in the proper administration of CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), but also in the use of the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). That's right, every member. That is a great thing and something we hope you find comforting.

Did you also know? Not only is it possible, but it is easy for you to achieve that very same level of training. Yes, YOU have the ability to save someone's life. Interested in learning how? We thought so. Please read on...

Here are a few statistics:

• 70% percent of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. The fact is, you need to know it.
• A staggering 88% of cardiac arrests occur in the home. Need we say more? 

Most of us probably have friends and/or family that may not be in the best of health. Perhaps you have little ones at home. Maybe you frequent social gatherings. All are reasons to become intimately familiar with the American Heart Association's (AHA) approved method of CPR and learn how to perform it. Here is the thing...it is actually much easier than you think! It's called "Hands-only CPR."



Now, let's just say you are witness to a cardiac arrest and then, are fortunate enough to be close-by a wall-mounted AED (again...Automatic External Defibrillator). By doing so, you have put yourself in a position to truly help. Have someone grab that AED! The AED is a device that externally shocks the human heart out of a potentially fatal cardiac (heart) rhythm, allowing a normal rhythm to resume. It sounds complicated, but the AED was designed with three things in mind: 1) ease of use 2) safety and 3) reliability. It actually provides audio instruction and literally tells you what to do.

In recent years, the LAFD has embarked upon a promising program to bring AEDs to many public facilities throughout the City of Los Angeles. This Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program has the backing of medical leaders, including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. You might be surprised by how many AEDs are readily available for use... by anyone! Take note, next time you are out and about.

We hope you find this information helpful. Moreover, we hope you find it inspiring! Don't be part of the majority...don't be afraid to act! As our friends at the American Heart Association say "Don't be a bystander. Be a life saver."

Want more? Then go here to find a CPR class near you!

Thank you for caring enough to take action.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Offers Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips

The 2012 version of Memorial Day is upon us. For many, it represents the first days of Summer. With that, comes: first exposure (or maybe just over-exposure) to the sun, first cook-outs or BBQs on the grill (or over-exposure to the grill..yes, too much to eat) and the first time back into the refreshing waters of the ocean or pool.  

You may spend the Holiday Weekend at home with your family or a small group. You may opt to travel by air, road or rail and spend it with the masses or perhaps with a huge group that just happens to resemble your family. However you choose to spend it, please take a look at a few safety tips that may ensure a long and very pleasant Memorial Day Weekend... despite those distant relatives that all decided to visit from the East Coast. (Of course we're kidding!) 

These Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips are provided with help from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Public Health and a few of our own, we thought were worth mentioning:

• Cook, grill or BBQ intelligently. Use clean plates, store food properly and prepare it correctly.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sun damage. Wear sunscreen. Apply it generously and often.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions. Find or tune into a news source.
• Be aware of changing traffic conditions, road closures and other delays.
• Pool safely and always have someone watching the water.
• If you take to the mountains for some hiking or biking, don't go alone. Hike/bike during daylight hours. Hydrate and pack a snack. Don't underestimate the terrain. And if you have one, take a mobile phone with you and make sure it's charged.
• If you choose to imbibe, don't drink and drive! We all know the sobering statistics. Appoint a designated driver, use a designated driver service (there are many) or call a cab.

Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy family and friends. Enjoy foods and libations (in moderation.) And enjoy the freedom and liberty that was made possible by those the men and women who served and do serve in the United States Armed Forces. Please take pause, if only for a moment, and give thanks to those who have had the courage to enlist, shown the strength and commitment to serve and to those who gave it all. This weekend especially, we remember!

The LAFD will provide more on Memorial Day remembrance, tomorrow, in another post. Until then, may God Bless the United States of America.

 

Submitted by, Matt Spence Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Chief Speaks Proudly of 2011 Statistics at Public Safety Press Conference

LOS ANGELES - At a widely attended press conference on Thursday morning, January 5, 2012, Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings and other public safety leaders joined Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to share year-end statistics and a perspective of their agency operations in the previous twelve months.

Following the Mayor and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck, Chief Cummings offered the following remarks:


"I am here to share with you the Los Angeles Fire Department’s fire and life safety response statistics... The information I will provide is an end-of-the-year statistical report for 2011 from January 1st to December 31st:

• The Los Angeles Fire Department has continued to see a rise in emergency responses, both pertaining to Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• The total number of incidents or individual calls for service in 2011, was 379,437; an increase of 1.7%.
• 83.5% or 316,866 of those calls were for Emergency Medical Service.
• There were 826,924 individual fire department company responses in 2011; up by 3.9%.
• 661,765 of those responses were for Emergency Medical Service. That is a 4.1% increase.
• The Los Angeles Fire Department transported 195,827 patients to area hospitals. A year-to-year increase of 2.1%.
• We responded to 8099 structure fires in 2011 and the rapid actions of our firefighters saved over a billion dollars in property. That is a decrease of 12 structure fires from 2010.
• We have seen a 4.9% decrease in fire related civilian injuries with just 97 fire related injuries last year.
• Tragically, 18 civilian lost their lives in fire last year but this is the lowest fire fatality rate for any large city.
• Unfortunately, as you all may remember, we lost one member of the LAFD, Firefighter Glenn Allen who died in a line of duty death in 2011.

Now I would like to put these numbers in perspective...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which compiles fire department statistics on a national level, reported that in 2010:

In regard to the number of fires per thousand, civilian deaths per million, civilian injuries per million and property loss per capita, the Los Angeles Fire Department averaged 48% below the National levels.

I am proud to attribute this to the tireless efforts by the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

In looking back over the year [2011], the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to several major newsworthy incidents.

There was the 405 Freeway closure in July, where the Los Angeles Fire Department worked closely with its public safety partners in preparation and flawless execution of the closure of this major thoroughfare, insuring adequate medical and fire protection.

On September 5, 2011 the Los Angeles Fire Department simultaneously fought two major brush fires threatening the Sun Valley and Mandeville Canyon areas. Due to the aggressive firefighting efforts, these fires were contained to 50 total acres with no loss of life, structures or property.

On the afternoon of October 31st, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s quick work saved one of Hollywood’s most historic structures, the Magic Castle, known throughout the world as the headquarters for Magicians everywhere.

On December 1st, 2011 the City of Los Angeles faced one of the worst wind storms in recent history. The LAFD had 2,447 incidents in one 24 hour period. This is a one-hundred-percent increase in call load for a single day.

Along with the 149 fire companies and 130 ambulances which respond daily to render aid, the LAFD prides itself in its specialized units. The Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section investigated 1,509 fires including their vital role in the identification and capture of the serial arson suspect in the New Years arson fires; our Fire Prevention Bureau Brush Inspectors handled 179,451 brush inspections; and our Marine Division responded to 441 calls in 2011.

These are just a few of the specialized units that your Fire Department has available to respond in your time of need.

Today, I proudly stand before you with the leaders of Public Safety Agencies that respond to your needs 24 hours a day, without fail. Together, we are capable of handling any problem or emergency you may face. Even during these very tough and trying economic times, we remain committed to your needs and remain steadfast in providing the highest level of professional and compassionate service at all times."

# # #

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Claims Life of Pacoima 'Senior' on Christmas Morn

PACOIMA - The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a small fire on Christmas Morning that sadly claimed the life of a "senior" resident at an independent-living facility.

At 10:19 am, Firefighters responded to a reported "Structure Fire" at 11060 North Norris Avenue. They quickly ascended the six-story "Pledgerville Senior Citizen Villa" and had to force-entry into a single unit on the third floor, where they found a smoke-filled apartment.

Quick work was made of the small fire that required merely a single fire-extinguisher. Unfortunately, little time was also required for the fire to have tragically claimed the life of the unit's 90 year-old, female resident. She apparently had lived alone.

The fire-fatality required the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section to respond, where they spent most of Christmas Day conducting their investigation. The fire was deemed "accidental" in nature and Investigators stated "the most probable cause as candles...that appeared to have somehow ignited the victim's clothing." The manner in which that took place is unclear, as the fire remains under active investigation. The victim's official cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. Dollar-loss estimates were not yet available.

The LAFD extends their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, for this tragic loss. Your LAFD is saddened by such incidents and finds them extremely difficult to report, especially on Christmas Day. We do so only to highlight safety and underscore the importance of exercising extreme caution anytime you are around or in use of an open flame, regardless of the source. This holds true not only through the Holiday Season, but at all times.

Friends, there are numerous articles that can be found in our archives, here, on www.fergco.co, some of which are "linked" in this article. Please take the time to review them with your loved ones. Simple steps and observance of key safety tips can help prevent tragedy from occurring.

Please allow yourselves to spend your Holiday Season with family and friends...SAFELY! And from all of us at the Los Angeles Fire Department...today, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

Dispatched Units:
E98 T98 E298 RA898 E7 RA7 E275 T75 E91 EM15 BC10 BC12 E77 RA98 BC12 AR2 DC3 AR11 AR36


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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