Cookout and Campfire Safety

As summer nears and the weather finally starts to warm a bit, many of us will be gathering with family and friends to cook out and enjoy a bonfire.  With the changing seasons we just want to take a second to provide a few tips and reminders for outdoor safety this year.

Grill Tips

• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Campfire Tips

• Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
• Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
• Never leave campfires unattended.

Staff Awards and Special Recognition

This past week the Glen Lake Fire Department recognized Firefighter/EMT Pablo Cevallos and Firefighter/EMT James Wendels for their dedication to training above and beyond the standard requirements. Each firefighter with the department is required to log at least 240 hours annually and while everyone has exceeded this standard, Cevallos and Wendels set the bar for this new annual award.

In addition, the Department recognized Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Brown for his dedication to health and wellness. Together with Dr. Lemak of Leelanau Urgent Care and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Department has recognized Brown's efforts to maintain and improve his physical conditioning as well as overall health.

Our staff trains daily over a wide variety of tasks and objectives ranging from fire attack and emergency medicine to marine operations and physical conditioning.  These firefighters have set a high standard for the Department that will continue to motivate and drive success for our Department as we continue to improve and serve the communities of Glen Arbor and Empire.

Firefighter/EMT Pablo Cevallos receiving his training recognition award from Lt. Bill Parker, Training Officer. 

Firefighter/EMT James Wendels receiving his training recognition award from Lt. Bill Parker, Training Officer. 

Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Brown Receiving the health and wellness award from Chief Dodson and Suzanne Miller Allen representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips and Facts

Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, roughly two-thirds of all home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms detect and alert people to fire in its early stages, giving people the time needed to escape safely. That’s why it’s so important for every home to have them in all required locations, including bedrooms.

We offer the following tips for making sure the smoke alarms in your home are maintained and working properly:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.

• If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they’re ten years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

Glen Lake area residents with questions and/or concerns about the updated smoke alarm requirements may contact our daily duty crew at 231.334.3279 or by stopping by the nearest GLFD station. They can also visit NFPA’s Web site at www.nfpa.org/smokealarms for more information.