Dear Parent(s)

During the production of this program, I witnessed 7 children dying in fires in homes that did not have working smoke detectors. Forgive me for getting on a pulpit but it was tragic, saddening, heartbreaking and then maddening to know that smoke detectors could possibly have saved their lives.

I believe fire safety education needs to be a two way street between parents and children. Lives WILL be saved, so it is imperative that parents:

• Have working smoke detectors on every floor of the home.
• Teach children the dangers of playing with matches and lighters.
• Have preplanned escape routes.
• Teach the children the escape routes and practice these escape routes AT LEAST once a year.
• Remember, in case of fire, stay low, and get the heck out!

If you haven't already, please do the following now before going further on this website, we'll wait for you.

1. Get up and quickly check that your smoke detectors work. Smoke detector batteries should be checked monthly!
2. If there are no smoke detectors, go to the store NOW and get them. Tonight could be the night you need them.
3. If you haven't already, plan escape routes from every room of the house. If you have a second or third floor, buy a chain window ladder for each room, it is much better than jumping, or worse, being afraid to jump and perishing in the building.
4. Teach these escape routes to your children.

If you are in the Northwest Ohio Region or travel/vacation that way, the Toledo Fire Museum and the Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau have an excellent physical demonstration in "Jed's Room". This is a working model of a bedroom and an entertaining program of education for children. It works! Whether you are a family, scout troop, class, or just curious, call the museum. They will be glad to schedule you for one of their presentations. They can be reached at 419-478-FIRE (3473).

As another helpful tool we have compiled children's programs from across the web for your children to "play". Please, again, PLEASE get your children and have them play these games.

I am putting my money where my mouth is as well.

Many cities like Toledo have established trust funds to give smoke detectors to families that can't afford them. If you would like to donate to Toledo's Trust Fund, as I have, this link will give you the information you need for you to do so. Additionally, proceeds from our documentary will be donated to the fund.

As you can see, I have become quite passionate about this topic. I choke up even now as I write this, remembering the visions of the tragedy I witnessed, only partially presented in the documentary.

The above items are simple things, taking literally minutes, but can save lives. I beseech you; if you haven't already, for the sake of the children, take the time now.

Ken Leslie
Executive Producer