Youth Pastor, 6-month-old Son Die in House Fire

Several of my friends spent the last week at The Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago. This is a biannual conference that brings thousands of evangelical Christian leaders together.

One of the attendees of this conference returned home from this event and tragically lost his life, along with the life of his infant son.

Please take time to educate your church members and your family on the importance of smoke detectors in your home and workplaces.

From: Daily Reporter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A youth pastor and his 6-month-old son died in a house fire while his wife and two daughters were away from Michigan, officials said Friday.

Derek Taatjes, 34, of Grand Rapids was found dead in the living room Thursday night while son Dylan was in an upstairs bedroom, authorities said. The fire likely started in the basement...

Firefighters told the Press that the house lacked smoke detectors.

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Electric problem blamed for church fire - KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather Sports |

Carthage Fire Battalion Chief Roger Williams says the people inside the church reported that an electrical worker was called after the church lost power. Immediately after the power was restored, the fire was spotted coming from the roof of the church.
Electric problem blamed for church fire - KOAM TV 7 Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather Sports |


According to the United States Fire Administration faulty electrical wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires. (http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/electrical.shtm) 

The below information was also provided by USFA as helpful information in relation to electrical fires.

December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use.

Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.

Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

Safety Precautions

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Whey buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
• Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
• Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

Church Fire

The holidays are approaching fast. This is a quick reminder to remember fire safety at your church. Do not leave open flames burning unattended. Make sure that you have plenty of fire extinguishers available and that all employees are trained in their use.

http://www.fox59.com/news/sns-ap-oh--churchfire,0,2983534.story

Church fire in Ohio accidental, started near unattended advent wreath with burning candles

Fire Safety Tools Reminders:

http://www.securityatchurch.com/2009/11/how-to-use-fire-extinguisher.html

http://www.securityatchurch.com/2009/11/dry-tree-vs-watered-tree.html

http://www.securityatchurch.com/2009/11/fire-breaks-out-in-100-year-old-church.html