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Maine Govenor Signs Carbon Monoxide Bill

klehan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:08:00 GMT

Maine Gov. John Baldacci today ceremonially signed a measure intended to cut down on the number of carbon monoxide poisonings in Maine. LD 550 updates a law that governs the placement and testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and clarifies that both types of detectors must be powered by a battery and electricity.

"According to the Maine Center for Disease Control, between 150 and 200 people are hospitalized each year in Maine for carbon monoxide poisoning," Baldacci said at the signing. "This is a piece of legislation that is certain to improve the safety of Maine homes and I am pleased to sign it."

The measure was sponsored by Sen. Bill Diamond, a Cumberland County Democrat. It will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Lynchburg, VA, Warns of Door-to-Door Sales of Alarm Systems

klehan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:15:00 GMT

Questions about door-to-door sales of alarm systems in Lynchburg, VA, have prompted police to caution residents and remind them to check out sales deals before committing.

Over the past few weeks, the Lynchburg Police Department has received many calls about door-to-door sales of home security alarm systems in the city, according to a police department news release.

Officers ask that residents keep a few things in mind if a salesperson comes to the door.

w Anyone who sells alarm systems in the city must have a local business license and a Department of Criminal Justice Services license before they can sell the systems, the release said. Ask to see the Department of Criminal Justice Services license before conducting business.

w Residents are not obligated to provide any personal information and have the right to ask a salesperson to leave the property.

w Take time to make a decision about home security. Consider getting several estimates and comparison shopping.

w Read all information carefully and make sure to know the terms of the contract before signing. Sales personnel should also tell residents about the local alarm ordinances.

w Remember that state code gives residents the right to cancel the alarm system order within three days of the sale.

The city’s alarm system ordinance is designed to encourage the proper installation, maintenance and use of alarm systems without diverting emergency personnel for false alarms.

If dispatchers receive more than two false alarms within a permit year for any system, the user has to pay a service assessment fee. The ordinance also requires that anyone who purchases a monitored alarm systems must buy an annual alarm permit for $30 before the system is activated.

For more information, visit http://www.lynchburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=4024 or contact Amy Lowe, alarm systems coordinator, at (434) 455-4286 or e-mail amy.lowe@lynchburgva.govor Melissa Foster, deputy director of Lynchburg’s Emergency Communications Center, at (434) 455-4149 or e-mail melissa.foster@lynchburgva.gov.

U.S. Senators Introduce Carbon Monoxide Bill

klehan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar along with and Florida Sen. Bill Nelson introduced legislation Tuesday to combat deaths and injuries from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, modeled after similar legislation in Minnesota, would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to enforce stronger standards to protect people against the deadly dangers of carbon monoxide.

"When someone dies from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s not just a private tragedy," said Klobuchar. "It’s a public tragedy, too. Because we know that, so often, it could have been prevented with better safeguards."

The Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act includes two key provisions. First, it would strengthen the safety standards for carbon monoxide alarms. The legislation would make these safety standards mandatory for all carbon monoxide alarms sold in the U.S.

Second, the legislation would require that the CPSC complete its review on whether portable generators sold in the U.S. can be equipped with safety mechanisms that, among other things, detect the level of carbon monoxide in the surrounding area and automatically turn off the portable generator before the level of CO reaches a threatening level.

Minnesota has a state law that requires all homes to have working CO alarms. Experts recommend installing them on each floor and near sleeping areas. A recent survey found that half of homes nationwide do not have CO alarms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 500 people die each year in America due to accidental CO poisoning. Another 15,000 people end up in the emergency room.

According to the CDC, 73 Minnesotans died of accidental CO poisoning between 1999 and 2004.

Minneapolis, PD, Warns of Pushy Alarm Salespeople

klehan — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:52:00 GMT

The city of Minneapolis is warning residents of high-pressure door-to-door home alarm sales efforts, which can seem like a good deal, but can end up costing homeowners thousands in the long-run.

The city wants homeowners to know there are often hidden installation fees associated with new alarm systems, and all companies charge monthly monitoring fees which can range from $30 to $50 or more.

Alarm users are required to pay for false alarms in Minneapolis. On the first false alarm call, residents are charged a registration fee of $30. The second alarm in a year costs $100, and the charge goes up $100 for each false alarm after that.

The reason for the false alarm charges is the cost to taxpayers for the use of police and other emergency crews. Poor-quality alarm systems could trigger false alarms, adding up costs for the homeowner.

If a home alarm salesperson comes to your house, the city advises homeowners to take the following steps:

Make sure the business is licensed: All door-to-door salespeople operating in Minneapolis need to carry a solicitors license: a picture I.D. card that customers can ask to see. If they do not provide one, its a sign that the business may not be licensed. To find out whether a salesperson or company is licensed, please call (612)673-2562

Document your conversation: Take good notes on the offers. Get the salespersons name, the company name and phone number. Also, get a written statement - not an estimate - that lists all costs, including installation and monthly or annual monitoring fees.

Ask about the company's policy: If the false alarm is due to faulty equipment, will you be reimbursed? Will service calls for the alarm be charged to you? Any contract should have this in writing.

Do not sign up right away or feel pressured to do so: Many sales pitches try to prompt you to act on the spot with one-time offers or other special deals. Remember, there are many alarm companies to choose from.

CO Detector Law Passes Maine House, Now to Senate

klehan — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:42:00 GMT

It is a well-known fact that all apartments in Maine must have fire detectors. But soon, carbon monoxide detectors may be added to the list of rental unit must-haves.

A bill that would require carbon monoxide detectors in all single-family homes being converted into apartments or rental units passed in the Maine Senate Tuesday.

The bill, LD 550, was sponsored by Sen. Bill Diamond (D-District 12).

"Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that you can't see, smell or taste. Every year Maine citizens die as a result of this deadly gas. The passage of this bill will help greatly in the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning," Diamond said in a prepared statement.

The bill now heads to the Maine House for a vote.

Redding, WA, Sees Burglaries Rise during Recession

klehan — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:38:00 GMT

When Ilene Taylor opened her skateboard shop in Redding, WA, last December, she never considered getting a security system.

It proved to be a costly mistake.

Taylor's Redding Skate Shop, which she owns with her son, Casey Nelson, was burglarized in March. The thieves made off with about $8,000 in merchandise and stole her laptop computer.

She thinks the culprit picked the lock on the door of the business, which is near Churn Creek Road and Hartnell Avenue, across the street from the Four Corners shopping center.

"The police called at 4:30 in the morning and told us the door was wide open," Taylor recalled. "We drove down and my son - who's a big, burly guy - I was behind him and he just about fainted. I had to catch him.

"I hate to use 'rape,' but you feel that way - very invaded."

It didn't take long for Taylor and Nelson to invest in a new security system, which includes some video surveillance. They also changed the locks in the door.

The mother-and-son business partners are thankful they had insurance, but the break-in was a setback.

"I think it kind of stunted our growth, but we are coming around now. ... But it definitely hurt us," Taylor said.

Redding Police Department statistics show there were 32 business break-ins from January to April 15, a 29 percent decrease from the same period in 2008. However, larcenies - which are all types of theft - are up 12 percent this year.

Redding Police community service officer Mike Leonard said an economic downturn has the potential for an uptick in burglaries.

"People need to survive. ... People who are unemployed need to find money to survive," Leonard said. "Some will be able to do that legally and a percentage will do it illegally."

Leonard said most businesses in Redding have burglar alarms.

"When it comes down to a choice of two businesses that offer similar opportunities, a burglar with any level of intelligence will chose the business that doesn't have an obvious alarm," Leonard said.

But businesses should also consider installing a video surveillance system, Leonard said, adding that a do-it-yourselfer can install a four-camera system for between $400 to $1,200. Having a security a company do the work could cost significantly more.

Businesses shouldn't be bashful about advertising they have security.

"Put up signs that say, 'Smile, you're on camera,' " Leonard suggested.

"Just knowing that the video camera is up there and knowing what you're doing is being recorded, is a very powerful tool to dissuade people from committing a crime."

Police Captain: Burglars Avoid Alarm Systems

klehan — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:36:00 GMT

Southern Indiana police agencies are stepping up patrols after a pair being called the “daytime burglars” allegedly struck multiple homes this week.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department worked nine burglaries in April. Seven of those have been residences in Greenville. One was at Mike’s Tavern in Floyds Knobs. On Wednesday afternoon, a woman who lives along Ind. 62 came home to find one man in her garage and another trying to gain entrance through her front door, Floyd County Detective Capt. Jeff Topping said. About 10 to 15 minutes later, there was a report of a burglary in Greenville at a home on the 8800 block of Ind. 335.

That evening, residents from the 8700 block arrived home from work to find their home had been burglarized. On Friday morning, Floyd County police learned there have been two burglaries and two burglary attempts in Salem. Police believe the burglaries and attempts likely are related.

Police believe rural homes are being targeted because there are few neighbors nearby to notice them.

Topping said many burglary suspects have told him that they will avoid houses that have a security alarm sign in the front yard. Even if the house does not actually have a security alarm, the sign could dissuade potential burglars.

“We’ve stepped up patrol and are trying to apprehend these subjects,” Topping said.

He said it is just a matter of time before they are caught by police or by a scared home owner carrying a weapon.

“People that don’t want to work are looking for a fast dollar, but a fast dollar can turn into 20 years in prison,” Topping said. “Some have already realized that crime doesn’t pay.”

Washington Govenor Signs CO Detector Bill

klehan — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on April 30, 2009, signed a bill into law designed to prevent carbon monoxide poisonings by requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in new construction.

Amy Searight came to Olympia after losing her husband to carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Go ahead, spend $20. Don't have your life changed forever," she said.

Braidwood, IL, PD Providing Free Burglar Alarms to Minimize Crime

klehan — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:46:00 GMT

The Braidwood, IL, Police Department will now supply home burglar alarms for every Braidwood resident.

The announcement was made at the April 28 regular meeting of the Braidwood City Council. Acting Chief Brandon Myers said the department was now implementing the Home-BASE Project.

Home-BASE stands for "Home Burglary and Security Education" Project. The program is designed to reduce the amount of reported residential burglaries and thefts within the city of Braidwood. Burglaries and thefts account for the majority of crimes statewide, averaging just over 76 percent of all crimes reported annually.

In small communities, such as Braidwood, burglaries and thefts account for nearly 90 percent of all reported crimes. The Home-BASE Project is designed to educate community members on how easily a home can be burglarized. More importantly, the program provides strategies to help prevent these crimes from occurring.

The cornerstone of the Home-BASE Project is the distribution of residential burglar alarms by the Braidwood Police department. The city was provided with 1,728 window/door contact alarms by the Spring Grove, Illinois based corporation Intermatic Inc. Along with these alarms, Intermatic Inc. provided 3,456 adhesive electronic security decals, a total retail value of over $16,000.

"There are enough alarms and decals to provide nearly every home in the city with one alarm and two decals." Myers stated. "A program such as Home-BASE will go along way in repressing the major crime facing Braidwood and will help prevent the victimization of each of our citizens."

Myers also reminded citizens that the use of a home security system is not the only available method to prevent burglaries. Chief Myers encouraged the residents of Braidwood to lock their doors and use their lights.

"Every layer of defense put to use will help protect a homeowner from an unlawful break-in," Myers added.

Intermatic Inc. specializes in consumer energy control and various home security products. Intermatic products are widely distributed. They can be found at most retailers as well as quality electrical wholesalers.

Morton, PA, NOw Requires CO Detectors

klehan — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:38:00 GMT

The Morton, PA, council recently enacted an ordinance requiring carbon monoxide detectors in every residence and commercial establishment in the borough. The ordinance requires compliance by July 1.

Solicitor Jay Wills said the detectors are to be installed on every floor in a building used for habitation.

He noted the detectors will be needed before a certificate of occupation will be issued when a property changes hands, or for new construction.

Alycee Nelson Ruley told council the annual senior citizens prom, hosted by the Teens For Positive Empowerment organization will be 6 p.m. April 25 at the borough community building. Tickets are $8 and the minimum age for attendance is 50.

In another matter, Sunday Dyitt, president reorganized Morton Borough Fourth of July Committee, told council the committee is planning an Independence Day parade and needs financial help.

She estimated a budget of $1,677 for the event. Council promised to help fund the parade and fund raising events were also discussed.

Weston, CT, EMTs Want CO Detectors in Every Home

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Emergency workers in Weston, CT, are moving closer to their goal of equipping every house in Weston with a carbon monoxide detector by Thanksgiving of this year.

Lou Dempsey of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Chief John Pokorny told the Board of Selectmen last Thursday, April 2, that representatives from the fire department, EMS, and police have been discussing an awareness program that includes ultimately equipping every home in Weston with the life-saving detectors.

Mr. Dempsey explained that on Thanksgiving night this past year, his wife’s sister, brother-in-law, and their two children died of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning while on vacation in Colorado. The house they were staying in — they had won the trip at a charity auction — was not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.
“We want to prevent this from happening to anyone else,” Mr. Dempsey said.

The town is partnering with Kidde, the largest manufacturer of CO detectors. Kidde has agreed to donate about 200 detectors for those who cannot afford one, and the company will sell the rest at a 30% discount, for a total cost of about $40,000.

Reacting to “the look on your faces,” Chief Pokorny laughed and told the selectmen, “Don’t worry, we’re not asking for money. You can relax.”

Mr. Dempsey said they are planning to fund the project from “sources we are identifying now,” including the Kiwanis Club of Weston, the Paul Newman Fund, and the Weston Women’s Club. The fire department will purchase the detectors and volunteers will install them.

Mr. Dempsey estimated that about 30% of homes in Weston already have carbon monoxide detectors. The fire department is developing a plan to identify those houses in town that do not.

Because building codes in Connecticut do not include any requirement to have CO detectors, the group is hoping to create a town ordinance that would do so. And then, they hope to bring the idea to other towns.

“We’re really trying to make a plan others could use. We want to expand this. We want to go as far as we can,” Chief Pokorny said.

Selectman Glenn Major asked that information on the proposed ordinance be brought before the board as soon as possible so as to expedite the process. “The process to have that approved takes a couple of months,” he said.

Chief Pokorny said they were close to working out the details on the ordinance.

Due in large part to the deaths of Ms. Dempsey’s sister and her family, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter just signed legislation into law requiring CO detectors in most new homes in that state. The measure requires all homes and apartment buildings offered for sale after July 1 to have carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.

Homeowners and apartment owners also will have to install detectors if they complete any major renovations or additions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 500 people die each year in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning. It can be caused by a malfunctioning furnace, water heater or stove, or by objects blocking a flue.

Oregon Lawmakers Urged to Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:03:00 GMT

Choking back tears, Kari Rittenour urged a House committee on Wednesday to require that most homes and apartments in Oregon be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to prevent tragedies like the one that took the life of her stepbrother and his family last Thanksgiving.

"It is the silent killer," Rittenour said of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in the United States.

Rittenour's stepbrother, Parker Lofgren, his wife, Caroline, and their children, Owen and Sophie, died of carbon monoxide poisoning from an undetected lead while staying in a rental home in Aspen, Colo. Rittenour said the family was safety conscious and that their own home was equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

"If this can happen to them, it can happen to anyone," she said.

The House Human Services Committee heard Rittenour during a hearing on House Bill 3450, which would require carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all homes and apartment at the time of sale or rental or when a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury told the committee that carbon monoxide can be fatal within minutes but that many deaths could be prevented by the installation of the detectors, which cost about $20. She said 19 other states already have laws that deal with the issue.

"We're not asking Oregon to do anything risky or innovative," Kafoury said.

There appeared to be widespread support for the bill on the committee and there was no outright opposition. Without being specific, state Fire Marshall Randy Simpson said he supported the legislation but that it may need to be amended and representatives of Oregon homebuilders and the makers of manufactured homes said they were concerned about the application of some technical aspects of the bill.

In the end, the committee decided to form a work group to devise changes to the bill before voting on it.

Charleston, OR, FD Checking /Installing Smoke Detectors on April 15

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:23:00 GMT

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshall, a working smoke alarm doubles your chance of surviving a fire and the Charleston, OR, Fire District is spreading that message with a first of it's kind campaign in the community.

Next Wednesday, April 15th, Charleston firefighters and volunteers will be going door to door for their first ever Smoke-Alarm Campaign.

The campaign is funded by the state through FEMA.

And Charleston Fire District was awarded 50 smoke alarms and $250 to use in the community.

Charleston Fire Chief Mick Sneddon says they are targeting two areas for the campaign.

"We are just going to blanket the community but we are going to focus on the Wallace and Barview areas."

Sneddon says it's important to test you're smoke alarm at least once a month to make sure it's working properly.

If you would like your alarm checked and you live in the Charleston Fire District, you can call 888-3268.

Alarm and Sprinklers Avert Disaster at Rehab Facility

klehan — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:20:00 GMT

In Terre Haute, IN, as a building’s charred remains smoke in silence, it’s difficult to remember that it could have been much worse.

“The point we’re trying to get across is that yes, there’s going to be damage. But if there had not been a sprinkler system in place, the damage would have been so much more,” said Robert Kleinheinz, the Illinois regional manager of the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

Kleinheinz was speaking in reference to Saturday afternoon’s fire at the Greene County Rehabilitation Center, where 22 residents escaped after a combined sprinkler and alarm system alerted them of the blaze.

Gus Matthias, owner of the building, said the fire alarm sounded and security personnel had everyone out before the fire department arrived.

“Certainly the firewalls did their job. The sprinkler did its job and the alarm system did its job,” he said. “Everything the building could do to keep itself from burning to the ground was done.”

Only 22 of the building’s 40 residents were inside at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported.

According to statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association, 1,557,500 fires were reported in America during 2007. The result was 3,430 civilian deaths, 17,675 civilian injuries and $14.6 billion in property damage.

But it’s tough to know what those numbers would have been without prevention mechanisms.

“The quicker the response time, the less damage,” said Darrick Scott, assistant chief of the Terre Haute Fire Department.

An unchecked fire doubles in size every 30 seconds, Scott said, noting time is of the essence.

“Sprinkler systems help check the fire, keep it at bay,” he said, explaining most are tied to an alarm system which immediately notifies authorities through smoke or heat sensors.

Bill Fairbanks, fire safety specialist for Indiana State University, said 95 percent of the time a sprinkler system can knock a fire out in its initial stages. “Those are pretty well accepted statistics,” he said.

ISU has about 30 buildings outfitted with water-based sprinkler systems, and new ones are going into some of them such as Buford Hall.

“The new president is taking a proactive stand,” he said of ISU President Dan Bradley. “It’s a very gratifying position,” he said, but “it’s not an inexpensive thing to do.”

Kleinheinz, whose organization works with contractors across the country, said costs vary widely on location and project size.

“It’s all building dependent,” he said. Factors ranging from the number of occupants to structural layout influence the project cost.

But regarding the fire in Bloomfield, he said the costs have to be weighed against the alternative. “That fire was probably held in check or partially extinguished by those sprinklers and saved those people,” he said.

“A lot of people think these are just for big buildings,” Scott said of alarm and sprinkler systems. “In the west coast it’s getting real popular in residential.”

Scott said there are no local laws requiring personal residences to maintain smoke alarms or other systems, but in rental properties, landlords must provide a smoke alarm and the tenant is required to maintain the battery. “A good smoke detector is pretty cheap at most of your home improvement centers,” he said.

From the least expensive smoke alarm to a sophisticated heat-activated sprinkler system, experts agreed that anything people can do to slow a fire and speed up emergency response will help.

Farmington, CT, PD Gives Seniors Safety Tips

klehan — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

You leave the interior door between the garage and the house open because you’re only going to the store for a few minutes.

You haven’t checked if your house alarm is working in months, or better yet, you don’t bother to turn it on when you leave.

It takes the average burglar about two to two-and-a-half minutes to grab what he’s looking for and leave, said Farmington police detective Brian Killiany.

But in that time you could lose thousands of dollars or an heirloom collection that represents a lifetime of treasured memories.

“The elderly are excellent targets because they tend to forget all the stuff they’ve accumulated over the years,” Killiany told seniors during a home-safety seminar Tuesday at the Community and Senior Center. “And immediately after you’ve been burglarized you feel violated and spend tons of money upgrading security.”

The seminar was part of a community policing initiative designed to offer some simple yet cost-effective tips to make seniors and their homes less of a target.

The seniors meet regularly on Tuesdays and enjoy presentations on a variety of topics, from exercise to home health care to safety issues, said Nancy Parent, director of Recreational and Community Services.

“The value of having something like this is in being informed,” Parent said. “It’s being not informed that creates fear.”

Burglars are “sneak thieves,” Killiany said. They prefer to come in through an easy access entry when no one is home. “Most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which is usually when mothers run errands because the kids are at school,” Killiany said. “They don’t want to interact with you. They do their homework. Most professional burglars are smart; they know when someone’s home.”

There are easy steps to take to make it harder for someone to break in, Killiany told the group. Most seemed like common sense, but as the detective pointed out, you actually have to use them.

Use solid doors, not hollow ones, for exterior entrances. If you don’t have deadbolt locks, buy expensive ones that are attached through to the stud. Leave the key in when you’re home — but take it out and actually lock the deadbolt when you leave.

If you have an alarm system, know how to use it properly — and make sure you actually use it. Have the system installed by a licensed reputable company, not your cousin who dabbles in electrical work, and if possible, make sure the alarm is loud.

“Remember, the average burglar takes only two minutes,” Killiany pointed out. “They’ll be long gone by the time we get there. But if you have a noisy alarm, it will scare them off. You want to bring as much attention to your home as possible.”

Other tips included making sure bushes and plants are trimmed back and don’t offer good hiding places for thieves. Knowing your neighbors — and having them know your habits, is a good idea as well. “They know whose car belongs and whose doesn’t,” he said. “It’s not such a bad thing, having nosy neighbors.”

The bottom line, Killiany said, residents need to make good security practices a habit, not an afterthought. “After you’ve been burglarized you feel violated,” he said. “It gives you the willies, your home is your castle. I know people who have actually moved after being burglarized because they felt someone else was sure to break in again.”

Frank Decicco admitted he took Killiany’s words to heart and will be installing deadbolts as soon as possible. “I think it was really informative,” the 78-year-old said. “I keep putting it off, but the deadbolt all the way into the stud is a good idea. I definitely learned quite a bit. Now the thing to do is act on it. No more excuses.”

Iredell County, NC, To Fine for False Alarms

klehan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Beginning Wednesday, false fire alarms will mean the possibility of a fine in Iredell County, NC.

An ordinance, adopted by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, will impose civil fines on what are called excessive alarms — more than three in a 12-month period.

Iredell County Fire Marshal Lloyd Ramsey said it is expensive for the county's volunteer fire departments to respond to repeated false alarms.

The city of Statesville instituted a policy of charging for false alarms a number of years ago.
The fine process is as follows:

- One to two in a 12-month period: no fine

- Three to four in a 12-month period: $50 civil penalty

- Five to six: $100

- Seven or more: $250

These fines are for each false alarm above the number considered excessive.

Ramsey said the alarm ordinance effects every business, home, church, factory or any other type of occupancy that has any type of automatic or manual fire alarm system. Ramsey said that includes sprinkler, standpipe or any other automatic extinguishing system which sends a signal to an alarm-monitoring center when activated.

The money collected through fines will go back to the volunteer fire department whose district includes the building where the alarm is activated.

There is an appeals process, Ramsey said. An appeal will be heard by at least two members of the Iredell County Fire Tax Board, a group which includes one commissioner and other members appointed by the board of commissioners.

False fire alarms comprised nearly one fifth of the fire alarm activations county firefighters answered in 2008.

Brad Brawley, assistant communications director for Iredell County, said activations either deemed false or accidental totalled 341 in 2008. County firefighters responded to a total 1,594 fire alarms in 2008.

The remainder of the alarms were attributed to other causes, including smoke in a building or a malfunction in the alarm system.

The county's volunteer fire departments will keep track of false activations and send those to Ramsey or someone in his office.

The fire marshal's office will then notify the owner of the violation and include the dates and times and the fines.

The county finance department will be responsible for collecting the fines.

The entire ordinance can be viewed on the county's Web site at www.co.iredell.nc.us/welcome.asp. Anyone with questions can call the fire marshal's office at (704) 878-3035.

CDC: Older Women Living Alone Vulnerable to Intrusions

klehan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:46:00 GMT

Older women who live alone are vulnerable to unwanted intrusions in their homes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caregivers of older women often evaluate crime risk and home security, but fail to identify women's intentions to reduce intrusion risk. In a new study, a University of Missouri professor has found that in order to feel safe at home, older women need to recognize safety risks and perceive themselves as capable of preventing intrusions.

"Older women's intentions to ensure accessibility to their homes for family, friends, and neighbors can override their concerns about preventing intrusions," said Eileen Porter, professor in the Sinclair School of Nursing. "Health care providers need to engage older women in conversations about the risks they perceive and their intentions to reduce those risks."

Previously, researchers had not evaluated the use of intention as a component of home safety assessments. The findings of this study reveal the need for safety interventions to supplement basic safety tips, Porter said.

"To ensure that older people avoid victimization at home, health care providers often focus on providing recommendations such as locking the doors and installing security systems," Porter said. "However, it is not enough to ask if they are locking their doors, because the meaning of that term varies among people. Some women, who affirm that they are 'locking the door,' are locking their front door at night and during certain seasons of the year, but otherwise leaving front and back doors unlocked."

Older homebound women who express worry about intrusions can benefit from carrying a portable phone or subscribing to a personal emergency response system, Porter said. Women who own portable phones but do not carry them can benefit from conversations about why they choose not to carry phones and questions about how they would reach help quickly if possible situations arise.

"Caregivers and nurses should develop individualized safety interventions based on older women's intentions to protect themselves and reduce intrusion risks," Porter said. "Nurses should conduct multiple interviews and ask questions about safety perceptions, potential reasons for reaching help quickly and how to reach help immediately."

Porter interviewed 40 homebound women, ages 85 to 95 and living alone, about their perceptions of feeling safe at home and precautions to protect themselves. The women reported various intentions about reducing intrusion risk, perceived capabilities in intrusion situations, and frequency of carrying devices that enable them to reach help quickly. Their main intentions to reduce risks at home were keeping watch, keeping out of harm's way, preventing theft and vandalism, discouraging people who might want to get in, and keeping those people out. Porter says these issues are important to consider when developing assessment questions and safety interventions.

The study, "Reducing My Risk of Intrusion, An Intention of Old Homebound Women Living Alone," was published in October, 2008 in Nursing Research. The study, "Contemplating What I Would Do If Someone Got in My House, Intentions of Older Homebound Women Living Alone," was published in 2008 in Advances in Nursing Science. The studies were funded by a grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging.

Metro, TN, Alarm Registration Due by April 1, 2009

klehan — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:52:00 GMT

Metro, TN, residents and business owners with burglar or fire alarm systems must renew their permits by the end of the day April, I, 2009, the Metro Clerk’s Office said.

Permits for residential properties cost $20. Permits for businesses or non-residential properties are $50.

Annual permit registrations are required by Metro law. An expired permit or failure to display a valid permit could result in a fine and court costs totaling $104.50.

For registration information, call the Metro Clerk’s Office at 615-862-6779. The office is located on the second floor of Metro's historic courthouse at 1 Public Square.

Pinellas County, FL, Firefighters Warn of Smoke Alarm Scam

klehan — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:46:00 GMT

Fire officials from several Pinellas County municipalities are warning residents about a company that is promoting hard-wired fire alarm systems that end up costing thousands of dollars.

The St. Petersburg company is allegedly directing sales calls to mainly mobile home parks. Complaints have been reported in Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Largo and Seminole.

So concerned are firefighters over the scam that they met on March 17 at Largo City Hall to discuss a course of action.

Deputy Chief Ray Hansen of Pinellas Park in a letter to fire Chief Doug Lewis said the company claims to be affiliated with area fire departments, thereby misleading people into believing that the alarm systems are officially endorsed when they are not.

“Since all fire departments provide battery powered alarms at no charge the public needs to be made aware that fire departments are not involved in this company’s sales program,” Hansen said.

Liz Monforti of Palm Harbor Fire Rescue said both Palm Harbor and Largo fire officials have received reports that a company is contacting residents of mobile home parks. The sales representative who calls identifies herself as Elizabeth, Jeanine and Jeanie.

Monforti said in at least one case someone left a message on an answering machine, saying they represented the Pinellas County Fire Prevention Task Force. The toll free number that was left has since been disconnected.

In Largo, Monforti said, a resident purchased the product “for thousands of dollars.

“Largo police could not do much since the resident allowed the company representative into their home and signed a contract,” Monforti said in a report.

Fire officials have no problem with the product or safety information that is being distributed. It’s the way sales calls are conducted that has them concerned.

“We want residents to know that their fire departments are not affiliated with any smoke alarm company,” Monforti said. “We provide battery operated smoke alarms at no charge.”

Fire Inspector Alison Shanabrook of Seminole Fire Rescue said a call to the St. Petersburg company resulted in a price quote of $2,291 for smoke alarms that were not hardwired.

Suzanne Boisvert of the Pinellas Park fire department said she recently presented a fire safety program to a homeowner’s association. Shortly thereafter some of the residents began receiving calls from someone who was promoting expensive fire alarms.

Fire officials in that city alerted residents of the scam and the calls stopped, Boisvert said.

Persons who receive calls from shady salespeople pitching smoke alarms are urged to contact their local police or fire department.

Officer Donna Saxer of the Pinellas Park police crime prevention bureau said there is no reason to spend a lot of money on fire detectors.

“Local fire departments provide them for free,” Saxer said. “Buying one at Home Depot or Lowe’s will cost only a few dollars.”

Saxer warned residents not to allow strangers into their homes. People should also be very wary of telephone solicitations, she said.

Free Smoke Alarms From Lauderdale County, MS, Volunteer Fire Department

klehan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:25:00 GMT

Officials with Lauderdale County, MS, Volunteer Fire want the public to be aware that many Lauderdale County residents are eligible for free smoke alarms.

Those eligible include the elderly and families with children 14 years old and younger living in the home. The smoke alarms are free, but there is criteria that must be met. For example, before you are given an alarm, a fire inspection must be conducted in your home to decide the best place to locate the alarm, Additionally, those getting free alarms will have to go through a fire safety demonstration.

Only Lauderdale County residents are eligible for these alarms. City residents are not included.

Temple U. and Philly FD Offer Adapted Alarms to Special Needs Families

klehan — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:55:00 GMT

Temple University is teaming up with the Philadelphia Fire Department to keep special needs families safe with adapted fire alarms.

Aimed at those with hearing disabilities, the three part device is made up of a traditional smoke alarm connected to a strobe light and bed vibrator.

Scotland County, SC, Burglaries Up 50% - Police Urge Alarm Systems

klehan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Break-ins increased by more than 50 percent in Scotland County, SC, from January of 2008 to January of 2009, according to local law officials.

The Scotland County Sheriff's Department had 44 reported break-ins in January of this year, but just 29 the year before, according to records. This represents an increase of 52 percent.

In January of this year, the Laurinburg Police Department had 48 reports of breaking and entering, compared to 31 the previous year, according to police statistics. That is a 55 percent increase.

Captain David Newton of the sheriff's office, and Lt. Chris Young, LPD, said the top two reasons for the rise in break-ins are unemployment and drug dependencies.

Young said that people are stealing items like electronics, guns and jewelry - to trade for cash or drugs.

Young identified several problem areas in town - Charlotte Street, Mary town, Sunset Drive and portions of South Main Street.

Newton would not pinpoint specific any problem areas, saying instead that burglaries are across the board.

He said that they will have a string of break-ins in one area and when they make an arrest, a new series will start somewhere else with another burglar.

"Most burglaries occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - while people are at work," said Newton.

He said that people generally find times when the house is not occupied, looking for cars and lights on. They'll often knock on the door and, when no one answers, they'll kick in the door and go in.

Young added that not all alleged break-ins are real.

"Some may be insurance fraud," Young said.

He said the city had arrested between five and 10 burglars during that time span, but added that many were responsible for multiple break-ins.

For example, police arrested 19-year old Sean Paul Barnes, of John Russell Road in Raeford, last week and charged him with breaking into both Scotland Place Civic Center and Bella Luna.

Barnes, who is on probation in Hoke County for breaking-and-entering, is also being charged with breaking into four vehicles in Hoke county.

Officials say Barnes may serve as an example of another trend - people from outside the county coming into Laurinburg or Scotland County to commit crimes.

Young said that, with Laurinburg's proximity to South Carolina and Robeson County, the city sees a lot of crime by non-residents.

Newton said a lot of stolen property moves to Robeson County.

Newton said the best thin people can do is purchase an alarm system. An alarm system acts as a deterrent and it also lets the Sheriff's office know there is a problem when someone breaks in.If you have information on any break-ins in or around Scotland County, contact your local law enforcement agency or anonymously report your tip to Scotland Crime Stoppers.

Scotland County Sheriff's Office - (910) 276-3385

Laurinburg Police Department - (910) 276-3211

Maxton Police Department - (910) 844-5667

Wagram Police Department - (910) 369-2400

Scotland Crime Stoppers - (910) 291-3333

According to the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, physical security constitutes 90 percent of burglary prevention. If your building is locked and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, and conspicuous, chances of a successful burglary are minimized. The agency has the following recommendations to help prevent burglaries:

• Locks on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double-cylinder deadbolts with movable collars. They should be recessed into the door and should have at least a one-inch throw containing a hardened steel insert protected by a latch guard.

• Padlocks should be made of hardened steel and mounted on bolted hasps. Keep them locked to prevent exchange. File off serial numbers to prevent new keys being made.

• Entry doors should be of solid construction, metal lined, and secured with heavy metal crossbars.

• Door jams must be solid. Exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.

• Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Use heavy metal grates on all windows, except possibly display windows.

• Good visibility should be maintained through windows; expensive items should be removed from displays before closing.

• Lights must provide optimum visibility inside and out, with vandal-proof covers over the outside lights and power source.

• The perimeter must be well-lit, especially around all entry points.

• Alarm systems should be from a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check the system on a daily basis. Advertise its presence to deter break-ins.

• The cash register should be in plain view from outside so it can be easily monitored. Leave the drawer open when empty or not in use.

• Safes should be fireproof, burglar resistant, anchored securely, and in plain view. Leave them open when empty, and use them to lock up valuables when the business is closed.

• Change combinations when anyone with safe access leaves your employment.

• Maintain good visibility. Landscaping, boxes, and trash bins near the building can give a criminal cover or access to the roof.

• Check your building exterior (roof, cellar, walls, etc.); secure all openings larger than 12x12.

• Perimeter fences should keep intruders out and allow good visibility of your business by neighbors and police. Alarms on fences can give you additional protection. Guard dogs inside fences are also effective in deterring unauthorized entry.

• Your North Carolina Driver's License number or Social Security number should be engraved, and Operation ID stickers displayed, on enticing objects.

• Keep accurate records of serial numbers on all items to help in recovery.

• Tightly anchor all equipment/merchandise to a secure base to delay the efforts of a burglar.

• A closing security check should include the entire interior of your business so you do not lock an aspiring burglar inside. Check the exterior to make sure that there have been no security breaches.

Lake Alford, FL, Approves Alarm Permit/Fine Ordinance

klehan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Lake Alfred, FL, wants to jump on the money bandwagon for the city with the tentatively approved law last recently, which means its citizens will have to pay an annual permit fee of $25 to the city to have an alarm system in their homes or businesses or face a $100 fine for not registering.

Fourth and fifth false alarms bring a $50 penalty with fine increases per additional violations. Why not penalize with the third false alarm and free the other residents of the annual fee?

Residents are losing jobs or a working less hours leaving them with less money and are concerned about break-ins as the economy weakens. The city's response is to reach into the resident's pockets and extract some more revenue for the city.

It appears that elected officials meet more often as fund raisers listening to their crying city managers. Residents within the various municipalities are subject to paying for services twice.

The residents are taxed for services and then are expected to pay an additional fee should they need the services.

In disaster situations, this is called price gouging.

Colorado Bill Requiring CO Detectors To be Signed into Law

klehan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:20:00 GMT

A bill requiring carbon monoxide detectors in Colorado will be signed into law on March 24, 2009, by the governor.

Signing of the "The Lofgren and Johnson Family Carbon Monoxide Safety Act," House Bill 1091, by Gov. Bill Ritter takes place at 3:30 p.m. at Denver Fire Station No. 10.

The new law, which requires carbon-monoxide detectors in new and resold homes and rental properties, is named after members of the Lofgren family from Denver and Lauren Johnson, a 23-year-old University of Denver graduate student.

Four Lofgren family members - Parker Lofgren, 39, his wife Caroline Lofgren, 42, and their children, Owen, 10, and Sophie, 8 — died of carbon-monoxide poisoning in November while vacationing in Aspen. Johnson died in January of carbon-monoxide poisoning in her apartment near the DU campus.

The Aspen home and the Denver apartment did not have carbon monoxide detectors.

In the spirit of the new law, an anonymous donor is equipping 375 Habitat for Humanity homes in the Denver metro area with carbon monoxide detectors, and the donor has pledged 200 more for future homes, the Habitat organization said in a press release.

The Habitat donation is in memory of the Lofgren family.

Berlin, CT, Residents Warned of Scam Calls from Fake Fire Marshal

klehan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:49:00 GMT

Berlin, CT, residents need to be on the alert for a scam artist, the fire marshal said March 23, 2009.

Fire Marshal Steven Waznia said a Berlin resident reported that someone call him claiming to be from the fire marshal's office and asked for personal information. He said the questions were about fire and burglar alarm systems, and whether they were tied in to the Berlin 911 Call Center.

The Berlin man reported that the caller claimed to be the town's fire marshal, but that he didn't believe him.

"It was looking for, does he have a fire alarm system, a security system? Is it wired to the town hall? Is it wired to the public safety communication center?" Waznia said. "And that's the kind of information we don't want people giving out.

When the concerned homeowner stopped by Town Hall, Waznia said the call didn't come from his office.

"We don't conduct surveys, and if we did, we'd do it in person with the proper credentials," he said.

The fire marshal said he advised the homeowner to go ahead and make a report to Berlin police, because making a call like that is against the law.

"They could be subject to arrest for criminal impersonation for impersonating a public official," Police Capt. Gary Klett.

No one's sure exactly what led to the call, Waznia said, but guesses range from sales pitches to a sinister plan.

"It could have been a sales person trying to get information to sell a new system, but it could have been anybody," he said.

"They could be trying to case out your house to see if they should burglarize it or any number of other things," Klett said.

Police and fire marshal said homeowner should keep that type of information private.