Summer Fire Safety Tips

It's that time of year again. Memorial Day weekend, a time when families begin spending more time outside camping, grilling and having a good time. But each year, 10,000 Americans are injured in incidents involving fireworks and 5,000 are injured in grill fires. In 2009, in Ohio alone 19 people died and 207 people were injured in fires during the summer months.

And with that in mind, the Division of State Fire Marshal has released some information to help people prepare for fire safety this summer in case of an emergency. Interim State Fire Marshal, Donald Cooper, issued the following statement, "Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories with vacations, reunions and picnics. Taking a few simple precautions, knowing fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone enjoy a safe summer."

So, how can you ensure a safe summer for yourself and your family? First of all, remember that the only fireworks that can legally be discharged in the sate are trick and novelty devices that smoke, sparkle, snap, and snake. Children should never handle fireworks and any adult in charge of handling the fireworks should be familiar with the different types and understand the hazards. Reading the instructions is an absolute must.

When it comes to sparklers, light only one at a time and hold it away from your body. Sparkler wires can burn up to 1800 degrees and will remain hot after burnout. They should be placed in a bucket of water. If someone is burned, hold the wound under cold water for a few minutes and if necessary seek medical help.

When it comes to building campfires, it's important to build them away from dry areas of grass and leaves where they can easily spread. Also, keep them away from overhanging trees. Keep your campfires small and keep water and a shove around for dousing or putting out a fire when you're finished. Never leave your campfire unattended. If you're in a park, make sure you know the official park rules for extinguishing campfires.

One of the most popular summer activities is grilling, which makes grilling safety a top priority. Before getting started make sure the connection between the gas tank and fuel line is okay and never overfill your gas tank. Never wear lose clothing around a grill and be careful when using lighter fluid. If your fire is already burning don't add more lighter fluid. Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children and teach your children that in the event they do spot either of those items, they should report it to a trusted adult immediately. Also, make sure your kids know how to "stop, drop, and roll," as well as call 911 in the event of an emergency.

When it comes to charcoal make sure you douse hot coals with water when you're finished cooking and never place them in a container made of plastic, paper, or wood. Grilling in an enclosed area is something you should never do because of the production of carbon monoxide.

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Free Fishing Days in Ohio

If you're looking for something to do this upcoming weekend, why not go fishing? The state of Ohio is offering "Free Fishing Days" on Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This means anyone can fish in any of the state's public waters without having to have a fishing license. Normally, if you're over the age of sixteen, you must purchase a licenses to remove fish, frogs, and turtles from any Ohio water. Fishing licenses are $19 and are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, and online at WildOhio.com.

Free Fishing Days began in 1993. The goal was to promote fishing as recreation in the state and encourage residents to buy a license. It's good for all Ohioans and includes all public water, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. According to Ohio.gov, about 1.3 million people fish in the state each year. It also allows kids to experience the fun of fishing and provides families with a fun bonding activity.

If you do plan to take your child fishing, there are a few tips to remember. Keep it simple. Don't worry about the size of the fish your kid catches, they will be excited to catch anything. A simple rod and reel costs just between $15 and $30 and is easy for people of all ages to use. You'll probably want to take children shore fishing and don't plan to spend the entire day doing the same thing over and over. Also, be patient. As Ohio.gov says, "By concentrating all your attention on your young angler, you'll likely be developing a fishing buddy for a lifetime." And don't forget to bring a camera!

If you are interested in getting a license and fishing year-round, Ohio is a great place for the sport. In winter and early spring, walleye and steelhead trout can be found in northern streams. Spring is also great for catching sugeye and crappie. When the weather gets warmer, Lake Erie is known for its yellow perch, walleye and smallmouth bass and the Ohio River is a great place for striped bass fishing.

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Dayton Shrinks While Cincinnati Grows

The U.S. Census Bureau released some preliminary estimated data on Tuesday and according to the Dayton Business Journal, Dayton's metro area is shrinking, losing 1.5 % of its population in 2009. Dayton's population dropped from 848,000 to 835,000, making it the 61st largest city in the United States (it was the 54th). The official information won't be released until December.

On the other hand, the Cincinnati-Middletown metro area, the largest metro area in Ohio, gained about 162,000 people since the last census was taken. Currently, it is the 24th largest metro area in the United States with a population of 2.1 million people. It was also the 24th in 2000, when the last Census was taken. Many experts believe that after the 2010 data is retrieved, the Cincinnati and Dayton areas will be joined together to form one large metro area.

In the rest of the state, Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor also lost rank. In 2000, it was the 23rd largest city and became the 26th in 2009. It's population dropped from 2.15 million to 2.1 million. Columbus, on the other hand, gained population over the last ten years, going from 1.6 million to 1.8 million people. However, it lost rank, moving from 31st to 32nd place.

In other nearby cities, things didn't change too much. Indianapolis, Indiana stayed at 34th place, but saw a rise in population: 1.5 to 1.7 million people. Louisville, Kentucky moved up from 43rd to 42nd largest metro area and saw an increase in population as well (1.16 to 1.26 million people).

New York - Northern New Jersey - Long Island is the largest metro area in the United States, with a population of 18.3 million, with Los Angeles - Long Beach - Santa Ana's 12.4 million coming in second and Chicago - Naperville - Joliet's 9.1 million coming in third place. For the complete list with more information, visit Buffalo Business First.

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Hayneedle Comes to Monroe

Hayneedle is moving its distribution center to Monroe. The online retailer received a nearly $100,000 tax credit from the state of Ohio for signing a lease with Industrial Developments International for a 501,357 square-foot building at the Monroe Logistics Center. This will be the company's primary distribution center; it's 50% larger than their current primary center, which the company says will allow for future growth. The company will begin occupying the center on June 1, 2010.

“This region is ideal for consumer-direct distribution. It provides for more rapid delivery to our customers than any other region,” Tom Clement, director of logistics and distribution strategy, said in a statement.

The tax credit awarded by the state is good for six years, as long as Hayneedle remains in Monroe for at least nine years. It's estimated that the distribution center will provide at least 50 new local jobs, with potentially more to come in the future. Hiring will begin prior to the June opening. According tot he Ohio Department of Development, the company will generate a $1.4 million annual payroll. Also, the site is eligible for a 15-year, 100% real estate property abatement.

The building, which is brand new, was constructed by Atlanta-based Industrial Developments International and they will continue to act as property managers. Even so, Hayneedle staff led the site selection and development of the building, and they were represented by brokers Bob Bunton of Cincinnati and David Maenner of Omaha. The building is being submitted for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, which is a "nationally accepted benchmark that defines the standards for high-performance and environmentally responsible development." It features natural lighting; reduced energy and water usage; motion-sensor lighting; and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, and coatings.

Hayneedle began in 2002 with just three employees, under the name of NetShops. It has been recognized by Internet Retailer and Inc. Magazine as one of retail's fastest growing companies. It only changes its name to Hayneedle in 2009, in an attempt to develop multiple niche ecommerce stores. They are based in Omaha, Neb., and funded by Insight Venture Partners and Sequoia.

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Ohio's Schools Ranked Fifth in the Nation

Just weeks after Monroe High School was ranked one of the top schools in the nation, Education Week has announced that Ohio's public school system ranks as the fifth best school system in the nation, behind Maryland, New York, Massachusetts and Virginia. The publication gives the schools an overall grade of "B minus." Last year, Ohio ranked sixth and the state ranked seventh in 2008, marking steady progress.

"This report confirms what the members of Ohio's educational community have known for several years - Ohio has a strong system that is viewed as a national leader. I would like to commend the administrators, teachers, students and policy makers who have helped strengthen Ohio's education system," said Deborah Delisle, Ohio's superintendent of public instruction.

Governor Ted Strickland also commented on the accomplishment, "Ohio's schools deserve a thunderous round of applause for making continuous strides each of the past three years in the Education Week rankings. We have made quality, affordable learning a priority for our students, knowing that a modern education with dedicated teachers and relevant assessments will help prepare our children for success in the future. I believe that our comprehensive education reform plan will further strengthen Ohio's national position for years to come. I appreciate the efforts of Ohio's educators, State Superintendent Deborah Delisle and members of the State Board of Education Board for their tireless efforts to strengthen our schools so our students can compete with students anywhere on earth."

Six areas of education were examined. Ohio received the highest grade, an "A" (or third best in the nation) in "standards, assessment, and accountability." This area focuses on learning expectations, how challenging assessments are, and how they influence school accountability. It also noted that Ohio's math and science standards are being used as models for other states in the country.

51 states currently participate in the Quality Counts report but Ohio was one of the most recognized, as it works to offer quality education to students, no matter their zip code.

In other areas of the report, Ohio ranked 18th in school finance, yet still spends more per pupil than the national average. In the "Change for Success" category, which looks at "preparation, school performance, and education and economic outcomes," Ohio went down from 24th in the nation last year to 25th in the nation this year. One reason for this is the low number of children who attend preschool, as well as the low number of adults with college degrees in Ohio.

Teachers are absolutely the key to success for Ohio's students. This year, Ohio ranked 14th in the nation in the category "Teaching Profession" and was named as one of thirteen states where achievement is directly linked to teacher evaluations.

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ODNR Urges Ohioans to Be Cautious on Frozen Water

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is urging Ohioans to use caution this winter when they are out on frozen water. Citizens should be prepared in case they happen to fall through the ice. As temperatures drop, more and more people will be out, attempting to ice fish, skate, and take part in other activities. Below you'll find some tips for handling emergencies and overall preparedness.

• Keep in mind that ice-covered water is NEVER safe.
• If you want to learn to ice fish or you are new to the sport, find a licensed guide. You can call the ODNR Division of Wildlife at 419-625-8062 or visit WildOhio.com to get a list of certified guides. Also, ask local bait shops about any known spots with dangerous ice in the area where you will be fishing.
• Never go out alone and always let someone know when you will be on the ice and when you will be returning. Always take your mobile phone wrapped in plastic.
• Make sure your life jacket or float coat is Coast Guard approved. Not only does it provide you with flotation, but it can also help protect against hypothermia.
• If you want to go sledding or ice skating, the local stream may not be the safest place but there are tons of alternatives. Check with your local metro park district to see where conditions are good for these activities. Some state parks even offer free access to designated skating areas. These include Delaware State Park in Delaware County and Dillon State Park in Muskingum County.
• Understand wind chill. Just because a thermometer reads one temperature, doesn't mean you should take it literally. The wind chill can cause your body to lose heat as though the temperatures are much lower.
• Keep two ice picks, screwdrivers or large nails with you. They will create leverage for pulling yourself out of the water and work better than your bare hands. It may also help to carry a whistle or noisemaker with you so that you may alert people when you are distressed.
• Dress in layers, paying closest attention to your head, neck, sides, and groin. These are the primary areas for heat-loss. Wool and modern synthetics work better than cotton which is slow to dry.
• Also, make sure you keep an extra set of clothing in your car or a safe, dry area.
• Avoid alcohol. Not only does it reduce your reaction time, but it lowers your internal body temperature and makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
• Do not drive your car, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or any other vehicle onto the ice. This is extremely dangerous and most insurance policies won't cover vehicles that drop through ice.
  
  
  

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The 2009 Monroe Community Wide Garage Sale

Come on out for a weekend of rummaging at the Monroe Community Wide Garage Sale. It will be held Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 8AM to 5PM and Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 1PM to 5PM. Enjoy searching for those hidden treasures or look to make a profit on you old, unnecessary things. It is not even necessary to sign up to sell your things.

Blue and yellow balloons will mark the garage sale spots and help everyone locate the sales. Maps and listing addresses will be available at 8AM on Friday, June 5, 2009. After 5PM on Friday, this valuable information can be picked up in the lobby of the Monroe Police Department at 223 South Main Street, Monroe, Ohio 45050.

Join the City of Monroe in their Community Garage Sale! You're sure to have a wonderful time!

Check out the original Monroe Community Wide Garage Sale story.