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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Fire Prevention Big Priority in White Bear Area The White Bear Fire Department has taken a very progressive stance over the years, when it comes to fire prevention, and the efforts have paid off. (Gem Lake and several surrounding communities contract through White Bear for their fire fighting services.) As a result of things like fire inspections and distribution of free smoke detectors, there has not been an accidental fire death in the area they cover since 1986. That 26 year time span is one of the longest in the nation. In the 22 years prior to 1986, the district averaged two fire deaths every three years. Structure fires in the area totaled 50 in 1989, with a dollar loss of $916,000. Comparatively, in 2012, that number has been reduced to 26, with a resulting dollar loss of $1,004,800. This statistic is important because a fire in a structure poses the greatest risk to both citizens and firefighters. In 1989, approximately 3% of the older residential housing stock in the City had hard wired smoke detectors. In 2012, approximately 85% of the homes in the same area are equipped with this more reliable type of smoke detectors. Fire prevention programs at the White Bear Fire Department are spearheaded by Fire Inspector Mike Turnbull, who has worked there for decades. Progress has been made on saving lives and property as a result of a multi-faceted campaign that begins with education. In 2012 the department reached 552 first grade students with the "Learn Not to Burn" Curriculum. They conducted 105 students of various ages through fire prevention programs and fire station tours. They also did things like conduct an annual Fire Prevention Open House, and even brought seven students through a Juvenile Fire Setter Counseling Program. Other efforts last year included doing 589 fire inspections on commercial properties and 435 home smoke detector surveys. In addition, the department did numerous annual inspections of daycare and foster care facilities, apartment buildings and schools. Building plan reviews were completed for 127 different projects. Several years ago, the Fire Department was awarded a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from FEMA. (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) This $68,000 grant funded a multi-hazard prevention project. As a result 400 home fire safety surveys were conducted in the area, starting in 2010. Also, 510 pairs of Stove Top Fire Stop Extinguishers, 650 combination smoke and CO detectors and 500 ten year smoke detectors were placed in homes at no charge. A variety of smoke and CO detectors were provided for individuals with hearing impairments. Installation and assistance was provided to seniors or other high risk families living in single family dwellings. This project is expected to continue to be able to provide these safety devices through 2013. If you would like a fire inspection or other assistance, contact the White Bear Lake Fire Department at 651-429-8568.