HFC former firefighter (with dogs) and Dearborn Fire Dept. host Fire Safety Awareness program Oct. 11-13

In honor of the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week (which is the week of Oct. 9-15), HFC Campus Safety is hosting a Fire Safety Awareness program Oct. 11-13.

Events on both campuses

HFC Campus Safety Associate Michael Charette, a 30-year veteran of the Southfield Fire Department, will conduct a fire extinguisher demonstration (with his dogs):

• Tuesday, Oct 11 (East Campus) 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - south side of Student & Culinary Arts Center (M)
• Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - south side of Student & Culinary Arts Center (Md

The Dearborn Fire Department will be on the main campus for a fire prevention presentation:

• Oct. 12 at 1:00 p.m.
• Oct. 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Four tips and info that can save you in the event of a fire

The following information will give you a preview of the program.

1. HFC’s Campus Safety officer and former firefighter shares the EDITH plan for home safety

HFC Campus Safety Associate Mike Charette, who was previously a firefighter with the Southfield Fire Department for 30 years – the last 10 in fire prevention – will give a presentation about various fire safety plans and a demonstration showing people how to use a fire extinguisher, as well as other firefighting equipment.

“If your home is on fire, you need a family action plan. Getting out of a burning building is your main objective. You need to follow EDITH – Exit Drills in the Home. Once the fire detector goes off or see or smell smoke, you need to evacuate immediately, following the family action plan. No exceptions. And you should know several ways to get out of your home. Once you have left the building, you need to meet your family at a designated meeting place, determine which family member isn’t present, and call 911. Let the firefighters take it from there.”

Here is a guide to create a Home Fire Escape Plan.

2. Charette’s PASS strategy for fire extinguisher

Charette will demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher if you ever finds yourself in a fire. When using a fire extinguisher, people need to follow the PASS (Pull the Pin, Aim the Nozzle, and Sweep it from Side to Side) acronym. He will also have his firefighter helmet, coat, and boots on display.

“It’s a great experience for people to see how things work, especially kids,” he said.

3. Sonny and Murphy (and your dogs, too) can sense danger -- learn how!

Charette will have his two dogs, Sonny and Murphy, present at the program. He said pets – particularly dogs – seem to have an instinct, almost a sixth sense, when it comes to danger.

“Pets will come to you when something’s wrong and try to communicate that to you. They’re just as valuable as a smoke detector,” said Charette. “I will teach you how to read the signs when your pet is warning you of danger.”

4. Hear a chirp, make a change -- it can save your life

You need to check their smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work. In Charette's experience, he has investigated fires where the batteries in smoke alarms were dead, the batteries were swapped out for other battery-powered devices, or the smoke alarms weren’t even activated.

“So many people have died in those type of scenarios. It’s sad. It’s tragic. What makes it all the more tragic is that it could’ve been prevented had they taken the proper precautions. These precautions don’t take long, and they could very well save your life and the lives of your loved ones,” said Charette.

If your smoke alarm chirps, that means it needs immediate attention. The batteries need to be replaced.

“There’s a saying, ‘Hear a chirp, make a change,’” said Charette. “Replace the batteries or the entire alarm if it is older than 10 years. If you don’t remember how old it is, replace it!” Functioning smoke alarms can and do save lives.

The Fire Safety Awareness Program is free and open to the HFC community. Bring your kids if you want. For questions or more information about this program, contact Charette at 313-317-1787 or mcharette@hfcc.edu .