PUBLISHERCOLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI FIRE and RESCUE DEPARTMENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFFIRE CHIEF KENNETH MOORE

EDITORANTHONY COLOM

DESIGN & LAYOUTANTHONY COLOM

PHOTOGRAPHYANTHONY COLOM

ENGINEER WES MIMS

STAFFKENNETH MOORE - FIRE CHIEF

MARTIN ANDREWS: A-SHIFT BATTALION CHIEFCHRIS HANSEN: B-SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

MARK WARD: C-SHIFT BATTALION CHIEFNEAL AUSTIN: SPECIAL OPERATIONS CHIEF

DUANE HUGHES: CHIEF OF TRAININGTODD WEATHERS: FIRE MARSHAL

CAROLE SUMMERALL: FIRE & LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR / PIO

Columbus Fire and Rescue Department205 7th Street S.

Columbus, MS 39701(662) 329-5121

Cover photo by Anthony ColomON THE COVER:

CHIEF OF TRAINING DUANE HUGHES / SON DAYLUN, CHIEF KENNETH MOORE, ENGINEER ALAN WALKER / DAUGHTER CLAIRE, ANDFIREFIGHTER TRAINEE TERRANCE COLISTER as FIRE PUP

This publication may not be reproduced in whole, nor in part, without the written permission of

the publisher. Copyright © 2012, Columbus, Mississippi Fire and Rescue Department.

2012 FIRE SAFETY MONTH

QUIZ1) According to an NFPA survey, only 1/3 of Americans have

a. smoke alarms and a home escape plan

b. developed and practiced a home fire escape plan

c. smoke alarms in the bedroom

d. an outside meeting place

2) If a fire breaks out in your home you have _____to get out once the smoke alarm sounds?a. 30 minutes

b. 20 minutes

c. 10 minutes

d. a few minutes

3) You should know at least _________ ways out of every room in your home.a. five

b. four

c. three

d. two

4) All smoke alarms should be replaced every ________a. fifteen years

b. ten years

c. five years

d. one year

5) For the best protection, all smoke alarms should be interconnected. Why? ___________a. when one sounds, they all sound

b. you don't need to change the batteries

c. you only need to test one

d. you know they are working properly

6) If the smoke alarm sounds, you should do what? __________a. call the fire department and then leave the home

b. get outside and then call the fire department

c. remove the battery

d. wait for the fire department to arrive

7) If you have to escape through smoke ____________a. run as fast as you can to your way out

b. crawl on your stomach to your way out

c. get low and go under the smoke to your way out

d. hold your breath and walk slowly through the smoke to your way out

8) A home fire escape drill should be practiced at least how often?__________a. once a month

b. twice a month

c. once a year

d. twice a year

ANSWERS

1.B 2.D 3.D 4.B

5.A 6.B 7.C 8.D

06 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121

Washington, DC - New Safe Kids research shows only one third of parents talk to their children annually about Halloween

safety. To complete this first-of-its kind study on Halloween-safety, Safe Kids commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a poll

of 935 parents with children ages 12 and younger to assess their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to Halloween safety.

On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. On this

potentially dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians, Safe Kids strongly recommends that parents prepare children to

behave safely and for drivers to take extra precautions.

While most of the parent participants in the study have talked to their children about Halloween safety at some point, many

have not made it an annual conversation. Safe Kids urges parents to engage in repeated discussions with each child, every year

to reinforce safety messages and safe behaviors because of the risks they face on Halloween.

"Given children's limited attention spans, repeated and consistent messages about safe behaviors are key to preventing injuries,"

says Kate Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "By following the basic safety tips provided by Safe Kids,

Halloween can be a fun and safe night for children of all ages."

According to the study, 40 percent of parents allow their child to use one or more unsafe item on Halloween such as a mask,

loosing fitting clothing, and / or a sharp object - any of which could contribute to falls, burns or pedestrian injuries. These are

preventable hazards that could be avoided by following Safe Kids' safety tips.

Another key finding of this report shows twelve percent of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat

alone. Not only should these young children be accompanied by an adult, but it is also recommended by Safe Kids that no child

under 12 years of age spend Halloween night navigating the streets unsupervised. This recommendation was made to protect

children who often lack the maturity and cognitive ability to make appropriate decisions to accurately judge speeds and distance.

"It is alarming to hear that children ages five years and younger are trick-or-treating without adult supervision," added Carr. "If

they are old enough and mature enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, parents should make sure children go out in groups

and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."

In preparation for Halloween, Safe Kids coalitions across the country will team up with Walk This Way program sponsor FedEx

to provide kids with reflective materials to promote visibility, including zipper tags that can be attached to costumes and trick-

or-treat bags, as well as important safety information to children, parents, and drivers. The Halloween study was made possible

through funding provided by FedEx.

To ensure a safer celebration of Halloween, Safe Kids and FedEx recommend the following tips to parents and caregivers:

Trick-or-Treating Safety:

Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, choose light colored costumes that fit properly

and avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.

Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the

wrapper is faded, torn, or unwrapped.

What Drivers Need to Know:

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move

in unpredictable ways.

Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on early in the day so you can spot children from

greater distances.

Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

For more tips on how to help kids become safer pedestrians on Halloween, as well as throughout the year, visit

www.safekids.org and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/safekidsusa.

In 1999, Safe Kids Worldwide and program sponsor FedEx created the Safe Kids Walk This Way Program in the United States

to teach safe behaviors to motorists and child pedestrians and create safer, more walkable communities. This year will mark the

twelfth yeah anniversary of the program.

Safe Kids Releases First-of-Its Kind Halloween

Research Study Twice As Many Child Pedestrians Are Killed While Walking on Halloween

Commemorating a conflagration

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration

that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned

more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on

October 9, 1871.

According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow - belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary - kicked over

a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you've heard some version of this story

yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O'Leary, for more than 130

years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.

The 'Moo' myth

Like any good story, the 'case of the cow' has some truth to it. The great fire almost certainly started near the

barn where Mrs. O'Leary kept her five milking cows. But there is no proof that O'Leary was in the barn when

the fire broke out - or that a jumpy cow sparked the blaze. Mrs. O'Leary herself swore that she'd been in bed

early that night, and that the cows were also tucked in for the evening.

But if a cow wasn't to blame for the huge fire, what was? Over the years, journalists and historians have offered

plenty of theories. Some blamed the blaze on a couple of neighborhood boys who were near the barn sneaking

cigarettes. Others believed that a neighbor of the O'Leary's may have started the fire. Some people have specu-

lated that a fiery meteorite may have fallen to earth on October 8, starting several fires that day - in Michigan

and Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago.

The biggest blaze that week

While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn't the

biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The

fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, and roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16

towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.

Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks

unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area 'like a

tornado,' some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin that suffered the worst damage.

Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.

Eight decades of fire prevention

Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they'd been through; both blazes pro-

duced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public

officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals

Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the

anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed not with festivities, but in a way that

would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. The commemoration grew incre-

mentally official over the years.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since

1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.

According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention

Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States

has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

History of Fire

Prevention Week

Kitchen Safety The kitchen is often one of the busiest and most dangerous places in the home. Young children are at the greatest risk for injury.

65% of all residential fire calls are related to the kitchen. More injuries occur in the kitchen than any other room in your home.

Here are some simple safety tips to help keep your kitchen safe:

Turn handles inward when using

pots and pans on the stove.

Place hot dishes on center of table

or counter, not close to the edge.

Clear toys and other objects away

to prevent fall injuries

Do no store snack foods above the

stove. This may encourage climbing.

Do no allow electrical cords to dangle over the edge of counter or table.

Keep items that catch fire easily away from stove, toasters and hot plates.

Use only appliances which have a laboratory testing label, i.e.; UL or FM.

Do not over load electrical outlets.

Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.

Keep stoves clean and free of grease and oil.

When cooking, wear tight fitting clothing or shirts with short sleeves.

Do not leave food unattended on the stove.

Clean vent filters regularly.

Microwaves Follow cooking directions on food packages.

When food is cooked, stir and let sit for a few minutes. This can prevent burns to the lips and mouth.

Popcorn can burn easily in a microwave. Follow package directions carefully.

Do not cook food in metal containers. It may cause a fire.

If a fire starts, close the door and unplug the cord.

Barbecue GrillsEvery year people using barbecue grills start hundreds of fires. Damage can be extensive. Careless use of barbecues cost you mil-

lions of dollar and often, tragically, destroys more than property.

The Uniform Fire Code, adopted by the City of Tempe, prohibits grilling on patios and balconies in multi-family complexes. For

safety sake, barbecue in designated areas only.

In single family residences, move the barbecue grill out from under patio covers. If using charcoal grills do not use gasoline as a

starter fuel, use charcoal light fuel only. Do not add more fuel after the coals have already been lit. Most importantly keep children

away from the grill to avoid them knocking it over or burning themselves.

In Case of A Fire Many fires that start in the kitchen are caused by overheated grease or oil.

Grease fires are put out by smothering the fire; that means not letting air get to the fire.

Cover the pan or fryer with a tight fitting lid. Slide the lid over the fire from the side. Turn the appliance off.

Do not pour water onto a grease fire, it will make the fire worse.

Do not carry the burning pan or fryer to the kitchen sink or outdoors.

Grease fires can be put out with a fire extinguisher.

Provide a minimum 2A10BC multi-purpose fire extinguisher for your kitchen.

Locate the extinguisher in a visible, accessible area. Read the instructions provided on the extinguisher on it

proper and safe use.

If the fire spreads rapidly, call the fire department at 9-1-1.

Burns, Scalds The most common injury in the kitchen are burns and scalds. To treat a burn:

Cool a burn/scald with cool running water. Get medical attention immediately if burn area is charred, red and blistered.

Do not put butter, ointments or other types of creams or liquids on the burn. These can cause infections.

COLUMBUS FIRE AND RESCUESAFETY TIPS

F Fire Marshall Todd Weathers has

announced that fire and life safe-

ty inspections for Columbus will

begin October 1, 2012.

"Efficient and accurate inspec-

tions are the goal this year", said

Fire Marshall Weathers.

Columbus Fire & Rescue will

conduct the inspections of all city

businesses during normal busi-

ness hours under normal cir-

cumstances. Past inspections

and code violations have creat-

ed confusion with some area

business owners. Fire Marshall

Weathers stated "education of

the business owner is essential

to successful inspections."

Proper fire extinguisher sizes

as well as appropriate use of

extension cords are some of

the more common violations

often found during annual

inspections. Each business is

required, by the Fire Marshal,

to have a minimum of one ten-

pound ABC extinguisher.

Extension cords and flexible

cords shall not be affixed to

structures, extend through

walls, ceilings, floors, under

doors or floor coverings, nor

be subject to environmental dam-

age or physical impact and shall

not be used in the place of per-

manent wiring.

In Every disaster there are les-

sons to be learned and problems

that are resolved. The Great

Chicago Fire of 1871 was the

first recorded disaster that enact-

ed the use of fire codes. Fire

Prevention Week was instituted

and fire education became a pri-

mary mission of municipal

departments across the country.

The result of this fire left 300

Chicagoans dead, 90,000 home-

less and claimed property loss of

over $200 million. Schools have

never been immune to fire

tragedy. Three of great historical

interests are Lakeview Grammar

School in Collinwood, OH (176

dead), New London

Consolidated School in TX (294

dead) and Our Lady of Angels

School in Chicago (95 dead).

Each of these fatal fires led to

improvements which benefit

schoolchildren today. Exit drills

are mandatory; construction is in

accordance to code, more school

inspections and greater emphasis

on installed fire protection,

alarms and first aid firefighting

equipment.

Code compliance and annual

inspections are mandatory for

business owners, but what can

you do at your home? "One

inexpensive item every home

should have is a smoke alarm",

said Carole Summerall, Safety

Educator for Columbus Fire &

Rescue. Smoke alarms often

cost between $5 and $20, but

more importantly, they can dou-

ble your chance of surviving a

house fire. "Another thing that

is beneficial to all emergency

agencies is to have your address

posted on your home. It should

be visible from the road and is

recommended to be at least

four inch numbers." Columbus

Fire & Rescue observes Fire

Prevention week for the entire

month of October. We will be

in all city schools and daycares.

When your child comes home

with fire prevention homework,

please take the time to check your

smoke alarm, go over a home fire

drill and have an escape plan that

everyone in the household

knows. You and your family's

safety is in your hands.

2012 FIRE & LIFE SAFETY INSPECTIONS TO BEGIN

OCTOBER 1Inspection of all Columbus Businesses geared toward safety of all citizens

06 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l (662) 329-5121 SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES I C

A checklist to help parents and caregivers consider hazards and make

decisions about slumber parties and sleepovers.

"Before you permit your child to sleep over with a friend, talk to the child's parents," says

Judy Comoletti, NFPA´s Division Manager for Public Education. "Depending on what you

learn, it can either uncover serious fire dangers or give you peace of mind during your child's

sleepover."

Before you say "yes"How well do you know the home?

Is the home clean? Does it appear to be structurally sound?

Is the home in a safe area?

If the home has security bars on doors and windows, do you know for certain that the

bars have quick release devices inside, so your child could get out in an emergency?

Is your child comfortable in the home and with all the occupants?

Are you comfortable leaving your child in the home overnight?

How well do you know the parent(s)?Are they mature, responsible and conscientious?

Will they supervise the children throughout the stay?

Are they cautious with smoking materials, matches and lighters, and candles?

Ask the parentsAre there working smoke alarms on every level, inside and outside each sleeping area?

Are the alarms interconnected?

Do they have a well-rehearsed fire escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting

place outside?

Where will your child be sleeping? Is there a smoke alarm in the room? Are there two

escape routes from the room?

Will the parents walk through their escape plan with your child?

Do the parents prohibit bedroom candle use by children?

SLEEPOVERCHECKLIST

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES I COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE I 07

HHow did a white polka-dotted dog, known as a Dalmatian, come to be associated with firefighting and turn out

to be the most recognized symbol of the fire service? Dalmatians have been around for about 600 years. So, to

understand how the Dalmatian became the number-one firehouse mascot in England and the United States, we

must take a long look back in history.

The dog's origins are unknown. However, Dalmatians appear in an Italian wall painting dated about 1360 A.D.

and in 1780 the name "Dalmatian" was used in the English language. Weighing 25 to 55 pounds and standing 19

to 23 inches high, the Dalmatian was the perfect size to serve as a coach dog. In Great Britain, Dalmatians are

still nicknamed "English coach dogs" and "plum pudding dogs." The Dalmatian is a very physical breed, with a

strong, muscular body, and able to run great distances without tiring.

The Dalmatian also has what seems to be a natural calming effect on horses. This trait about the breed was seen

very early on, and soon the Dalmatian was identified with horses. During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries when

the mode of travel was by horse or by carriage, the Dalmatian became a society dog, and trained to run alongside

women's carriages. They became known as Coach dogs or Ladies dogs because of this. In fact, the term coaching

is referring to how the Dalmatian will take up position just off the side and towards the rear of a horse and run

with them. In the 1700's, Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches. Typically two

Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the coach. When other dogs tried to run out and scare

the horses, the Dalmatian team would chase them away. Over the years, Dalmatians formed a close bond with

horses. During this time, horse theft was very common. Because of the potential for theft, stagecoach drivers

would typically sleep in a hammock strung between two stalls where they would watch for thieves. However,

because of the bond between the Dalmatians and the horses, the driver could sleep in a hotel or house if he

owned a Dalmatian. Why? Because the Dalmatians would sleep with the horses and guard against horse theft.

It was during the era of horse drawn fire apparatus that the Dalmatian became forever tied to the Fire Service.

These firehouse horses were required to spend hours at a time at a fire scene, or hours inside the firehouse wait-

ing for a call, and despite many misbeliefs, these firehouse horses were not broken down old hags, but fine spirit-

ed horses. The Dalmatian became the horses' pet, as it were, to help keep them calm. There are many reports

and stories of seeing a fire team rushing to the scene of a call, with a Dalmatian or two running between the

horse teams. Once on the scene of the call, the Dalmatian took over as guard dog, insuring that nothing was

stolen from the apparatus. The Dalmatian is a very loyal breed to its owners, and an admirable foe when chal-

lenged. Because of the dog/horse bond, the Dalmatian easily adapted to the firehouse in the days of horse-

drawn fire wagons.

Since every firehouse had a set of fast horses to pull the pumper, it became common for each group of firefight-

ers to keep a Dalmatian in the firehouse to guard the firehouse and horses. When the alarm came in, the

Dalmatian led the way for the horse-drawn pumper. In this way, the Dalmatian became the firefighters' compan-

ion and a symbol of the fire service. Today, Dalmatians are still found in many firehouses in England, Canada,

and the United States. Because of this loyalty, the Dalmatian continued in the Fire Service.

Today, in many large cities, the Dalmatian is the guard dog of the fire truck while at the scene of fires and res-

cues. In its long history in the Fire Service, there are also reports of how the Dalmatian has rescued trapped fire-

fighters or victims. Overall, the Dalmatian is a brave and valiant dog. The Dalmatian is still the number one sym-

bol of the fire service next to the bells on fire trucks. It is by far the subject of the most frequently asked ques-

tion, "Do you have a fire dog?", of children when they visit at stations or when firefighters are seen in public.

What a memorable sight to see is a Dalmatian on or around fire trucks and what a tradition it is in the fire serv-

ice.

History of Dalmatians in

the Fire Service

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES I COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE I 13