Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths. Know what to do before, during and after a storm. This will help keep you and your family safe from a winter fire. Safety Tips Test all smoke alarms. Do this at least once a month. This way you will know they are working. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test the alarms. Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home. Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you. Be ready in case the power g...

This time of the year the weather brings a chill into your home. Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement central heating or to heat one room. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has come up with information on the risks of Portable Space Heaters. I am forwarding this information onto you and your family. Two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric heaters. The  NFPA has a great flyer for you to download on Portable Space Heaters that covers all this information on it.  If you plan to use portable electric space heaters, make sure to follow these tips and recommendations: Heater Checklist Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory. Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from anything that can burn, including people. Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection. Place the heater on a solid, flat surface. Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it ti...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has come up with information on the risks of Portable Generators. I am forwarding this information onto you and your family. Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky and deadly. Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, heavy snow falls or summer storms can all lead to power outages. Many people turn to a portable generator for a temporary solution without knowing the risks. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. Half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a flyer to download Portable Generato...

It is getting that time of year when everyone is looking forward to spring and summer and fun activities on Lake Michigan. Navigating Lake Michigan is different for paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists then the inland lakes. Here are some safety tips to help keep you safe. Always check the weather in your starting point and ending point Never go out alone. Always use the buddy system. Leave your route information with someone reliable and stick to the route. Always wear a life preserver and pack a waterproof container with a cell phone and waterproof flashlight or flares. Know how safe your craft is and how to handle your craft. Try to stay out of the shipping lane to avoid being hit or capsized. Keep the shoreline in sight at all times. Try to stay away from break walls so as to not get capsized.  Take a safety course with your local paddles club.