01/21/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/21/2025 14:57
Columbus, Ohio - As firefighters and EMS across the nation recognize Community Risk Reduction Week this week, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is highlighting the important work of its Fire Prevention Bureau to protect the lives of Ohioans.
Community Risk Reduction Week was created to promote educational programming and demonstrations that explain the importance of fire safety, with an emphasis on fire prevention, which is one of the main goals of SFM's Fire Prevention Bureau. By analyzing data reported by the state's fire service, the Bureau is able to identify specific trends and develop strategies and educational materials that can be implemented in response.
"Through its education efforts and many community risk reduction programs and initiatives, the Fire Prevention Bureau has undoubtedly saved many lives throughout the state," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "The Bureau is able to take data collected from the state's fire service and use that information to identify ways to reduce fires, especially fire injuries and fatalities. This important work helps to protect Ohioans and what matters most to them."
One example of how the Bureau responds to emerging trends is its Thermal Fuse Program. Data has shown that the most common cause of known fire fatalities in Ohio is related to smoking, with 40% of those fatalities caused by individuals who were smoking while on oxygen. In response to this data, the Bureau established its Thermal Fuse Program to provide life-saving equipment to fire departments across the state so they can be shared with Ohioans free of charge.
When installed on oxygen home therapy system tubing, thermal fuses will stop the flow of oxygen once fire is detected, quickly stopping further spread of the fire. (B-roll showing a thermal fuse in operation is available for download below.) To date, more than 60 fire departments across Ohio have enrolled in the Thermal Fuse Program.
Project Sound-Off is another example of how the Bureau has acted on an identified need. The program helps educate elementary school children on the importance of smoke alarms and the key role they play in keeping families safe from home fires. Through this program, students learn how to spot and correct home fire dangers, and how they can plan for a fast and safe escape in the event a fire occurs.
"Successful community risk reduction starts with getting data from our fire departments," said Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Anita Metheny. "We are able to analyze this data to identify situations that are dangerous to Ohioans and then develop a plan to equip our partners with the tools they need to educate the community and help keep them safe."
For more information about the State Fire Marshal's Community Risk Reduction program, click here.
CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SOTS
Anita Metheny (muh-THEE-nee), Fire Prevention Bureau Chief, Division of State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Commerce
CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE THERMAL FUSE B-ROLL(Please note: This media may not play or download via all mobile devices. Newsrooms are encouraged to access media directly via computer.)
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About the Division of State Fire Marshal
The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.