News from the State Fire Marshal's Office...

The snow started falling in central Ohio this morning as a reminder that winter is still upon us. Like January, February is a month where Ohio sees a large number of home fires and fire fatalities. Thus, it remains crucial that we continue spreading the messages of our Safe & Sound campaign. So far in 2016, 20 Ohioans have lost their lives in accidental fires.

Last week, I had a wonderful visit with fire chiefs and local elected officials from Henry County at their monthly meeting to discuss our office’s grant programs, new training opportunities and Safe & Sound. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with everyone there! Please continue to let us know when your region(s) are hosting similar events.

Several of your departments have initiated your own projects in line with Safe & Sound, and to those of you who have: thank you! Let these examples inspire you to start engaging in your communities if you haven’t done so already:

• The Payne Fire Department recently launched its “No Child Sleeps Unprotected” campaign with the goal of providing smoke alarms to every child in their local elementary schools. They teamed with the Paulding County Area Foundation, which is helping collect donations to purchase the alarms. Once the department obtains the smoke alarms, our office will help canvass the neighborhoods and install the smoke alarms in the families’ homes. This is a perfect example of agencies working together to promote Safe & Sound in their community.
• This Saturday, our office is assisting the Killbuck Fire Department in Holmes County with a neighborhood canvassing event following a recent fatal fire in their community.
• The Warren Township Volunteer Fire Department in Marietta is scheduled to participate in a safety day at which they, along with other fire departments and law enforcement agencies, will discuss public safety topics with local residents. We are proud to support the Warren Township Volunteer staff which has made its theme for the event “Safe & Sound”.
• Next month, our office is teaming with the Fairfield Township Fire Department and the American Red Cross to canvass local neighborhoods and install smoke alarms throughout Butler County.

Once again, you have the most influence over your community’s and residents’ safety. Please continue working with your local media and neighboring departments to reach as many Ohioans as possible with these messages of fire safety. In case it helps generate more outreach ideas, I’m attaching copies of our Safe & Sound campaign packet as well as information on the Development Services Agency’s Home Energy Assistance Program.

If you need any help from our office, or would like to share success stories of your department’s efforts in the community, you can contact Bill Krugh at (614) 752-7179 or william.krugh@com.ohio.gov.

Thank you, and stay safe.

Larry L. Flowers
Ohio State Fire Marshal