November 3, 2025 • 30 mins
This week’s show featured Bellevue University Military Veterans Service Center manager Ashlea Rodriguez promoting their effort to fill backpacks for homeless veterans full of necessary items to assist them during the winter, Bellevue East Band volunteer parent Nate Rachwitz inviting the public to their annual craft fair fundraiser, and Ivanette Bonilla and Captain Michael Cozo discussing fire prevention.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
This is Community Matters, a weekly public affairs program to
inform and entertain you with some of the great people, organizations,
and events in and around Omaha. Now here's the host
of the program from news radio eleven ten KFAB It's
Scott for Heats.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Thank you so much for being a part of the program.
This week, we welcome back the manager of the Military
Veterans Services Center at Bellevue University, Ashley Rodriguez, is back
here on Community Matters. Ashley, welcome back to the show.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Hi, thanks so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
I know that military Veteran services mean something so much
to all of us and especially Bellevue year round. But
we're coming up for We're coming up on Veterans Day
here and you guys always do something extra special for that.
Please tell me what's going on.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Yes, So, for the past twelve years, we have collected
supply to fill over one hundred back packs for the
local homeless veteran community right here in Omaha. We work
with the Sianna Francis House and New Visions to provide
linen and hygiene and food items to the veterans that
are going to be battling the elements this winter.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
Thank you so much for doing that. How can people
help you with that?
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Yes, we have.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
All the information on our website. If you go to
news dot Bellevue dot edu, you'll see an Amazon wish list,
so just a couple clicks so you can get them
the items that we need. We also have our physical
address if you want to come in and donate the items, imperfect.
We'd love to see you any day between Monday through
Friday eight to five. Or we also have an online
(01:46):
donation area there as well.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Yeah, you can always give money then Ashley and the
crew there can turn it into some of the items
that they need. Where on campus are you located because
I don't want them just showing up at the Chancellor's
office going here's some food.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
So we are located right in the middle of Belvie
University's campus in the Administration Services Building. So our GPS
addresses on there. It's going to be eight one to
two bruin Boulevard.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Okay, good. We want to make sure everyone gets the
supply is worth they need to go. And you said
news dot Bellevue dot edu. That's where you can find
all the details about this current drive. But this is
something you have to do this week, right, Yes, right, we're.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
On a time crunch for a lot of our items.
We're getting up to where we have almost fifty percent
or seventy five percent of some items, but we're really
pushing this last week really hard. And actually it's always
unique to see the different companies that come out. We've
had companies donate snacks in the past, and we've had
(02:49):
people that bring the hygiene items travel size are the best.
So if you're already out the store shopping, just picking
up a few extra little items, bringing them over this way,
all right.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
So let's then focus then on those things that you
really need at this point. So people say, oh, okay,
you're looking for all this stuff, we'll just give you
more of the stuff that you don't need. Let's focus
people on those things that they can get that you
do need. What can they bring you.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Ashley, Yes, a lot of the items, especially like the
hand and footwarmers, socks and the gloves, all of those
we give one hundred percent of what we collect to
these backpacks. So if we're able to provide everybody with
a couple of layers or a couple of months to
use these items, the more the better. We're doing everything
(03:39):
from band aids, chapstick, lotion, all of those items. There's
not just we need one of them. It's any type
or variety whatever we can get so that they can
take them, use them, take them back to their communities.
It's a huge help.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Or of course money, as I said, you can turn
that into those things that you need as well.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
Right yes, And for those that can't donate money, we
also have a volunteer packing event on Friday, November seventh.
The registration's right there on that same website, and so
we just asked the comunity come out and if you
can't donate money, if you could donate your time and
help us sort and organize and get all of these
items packed into the backpacks so that we can make
(04:21):
sure every veteran is getting a little bit of everything.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Absolutely, that's coming up this Friday. Where at and what
time for that, Ashley.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
That's going to be Friday, November seventh, right here at
the location, and it'll be at ten am.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Okay, so ten am there at the Military Veteran Services Center.
Visit News dot Bellevue dot edu to learn more about
the Military Veteran Services Center. Ashley Rodriguez is the manager
of the center, give us an idea of what you
guys do throughout the year for this group.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
So we throughout the year we're doing different things like
collecting donations, taking a moment to honor veterans, especially those
that have limited mobility. We also have the card drives
that we do so on Veterans Day. It's just a
really great opportunity to say thank you to your service
to veterans that meets not always get seen or that recognition. However,
(05:16):
at one point they still stood up and took that
oath and said I am ready to defend my country
at whatever cost it takes. So although we have a
lot scattered throughout the year, we think it's really important
to hone in on this demographic that might not have
the ability or means to attend some of the other
events or get that recognition.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Absolutely, and it's so awesome what you guys are doing
for homeless military veterans around Veterans Day, but what you
and the rest of your group do at the Military
Veterans Services Center there at Bellevue University is impressive year round.
To learn more about this group and this upcoming drive
for homeless military veterans visit News dot Bellevue dot edu
(05:58):
and reach out to the manager of the Military Veterans
Services Center, Ashley Rodriguez, our guest here today, Ashley, thank
you so much for what you're doing for veterans year round.
Thank you for telling us about it here on community matters.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Thank you. I appreciate your time, sir.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
And thank you for being with us on community matters.
The government shutdown has had a lot of impact on
our nation's veterans, as we learned the other day in
this conversation from kfab's Morning News. Here's the host of
that program, Gary Sadelemeyer.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Joined now for a few minutes by Shannon Howard, who
is very well connected with everything that happens all the personnel,
military members and other employees that off at Air Force
Base and is the wife of former fifty fifth the
wing commander there and as a big Airman's attict supporter.
(06:48):
And I was wondering, how because we mentioned the other
day about the food donation drive for this past weekend
and the diaper drive coming up this weekend. I wonder
how everything is going for our are folks there at
off of Shannon. Good morning. Great to have you on
good morning. So what do we need to know here?
What are you seeing relative to paychecks not arriving and
(07:12):
military families and others being impacted by it?
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Sure, so we already have an issue with a lot
of military families being able to afford basic basic items,
so we have a food pantry open for them. But
with the shutdown and all the uncertainty, it's put just
further impact on military families, federal workers, and there's some
(07:39):
furloughed employees from off it. So the food drives have
been phenomenal because we are able to restock the shelves
and keep it going because now is a critical time
where people don't know whether they're going to get their paycheck.
Many are certainly not going to get a paycheck, and
(08:00):
it's having this access to food just it's just one
last thing to be stressed out about, so they can,
you know, not have to worry about where they're going
to be able to afford, you know, food because they
literally don't have an income.
Speaker 5 (08:17):
What is precisely or as precisely as you can tell us, Shanna,
what is the situation regarding paychecks? Because we first heard
that the first do paychecks mid month would not arrive,
and then I heard there was something about, well some
of them are arriving. What is the situation exactly?
Speaker 4 (08:36):
So I am uncertain about that too, But that's part
of the problem, that there's just uncertainty. So I'm actually
a federal worker who have been told that I will
not get a paycheck. I don't know. The military did
get paid, at least I did get paid for the
first of the month, but we just don't know. And
(08:57):
again that's part of the problem. I fortunately have an
emergency fund that I can dip into, but many military
families don't, and so they are left with literally no
income and.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
Many are basically months to months to begin with, right,
so it's hard for the money away. But the response
tell me about the response to the drive this past weekend.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
Oh amazing. So I was at the Platsmouth High Vey
on Saturday and the amount of support that we got
from cast donations to food item donations was phenomenal. We
just from one day of food actual food donated. We
(09:42):
restocked the shelves at the pantry.
Speaker 5 (09:45):
Great and now the drive this coming weekend. I'm sure
this food is still welcome, but this is primarily for
the families with young kids.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Right, correct, correct, again with the uncertainty and not having
any income. Uh, many military, young military families that the
airman's attic in the in the pantry support have children,
young children, and as you know, diapers are insanely expensive
in wipes and a necessity that they may not be
(10:16):
able to afford in general. But now the shutdown, it's
it's it's even yeah, more critical. But they have these
access to this.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
You may have some anecdotal information on this, Shannon, but
I wonder for for house payments and rent, do landlords
tend to be a little more lenient and in a
situation like this, given that these people are wearing our
country's uniform and that they have no control over the
(10:46):
income stream.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
I think that's probably a case by case thing. I
don't know the answer to that. I know that there's
on the flip side of that, you have a lot
of military families who are landlords who are also not
getting paid. Sure, so you kind of have a double whaman,
like they need that they need them to pay, but
they can't pay because they're also like being paid. So
(11:09):
I think it's probably a case by case situation. I
would I would hope, but I don't know.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Okay, just before we run here, what can people do?
Obviously the diaper and baby wipe drive is great this weekend.
If folks want to continue to contribute to either a
fund or food stuffs, are the Hive, Are the highves
still open to that or can they bring them to
the base or what?
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Of course, so they can bring it to well, they
have to have base access, so that might be a
little bit tricky there. If you on Facebook, off it
Airman's Attic would be a great place to message if
you want to send a direct donation to them. But
this weekend Hive is doing the diaper drive. But yes,
(11:52):
we will absolutely welcome food. Cash donations are always great.
Speaker 5 (11:56):
Yeah, awesome, shandam thanks appreciate.
Speaker 6 (11:58):
It very much.
Speaker 4 (12:00):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Next up on community Matters, we welcome to the show
Nate Rockwitz. I asked him, so, Nate, what's your role
with all of this? He says, I'm just a parent. Well,
anyone has ever volunteered for their kids' activities or your
neighborhood schools activities. No, you're not just a parent. You're
a foot soldier. And there's a great event coming up
this Saturday. November eighth at Bellevue East High School. So, Nate,
(12:25):
it's great to have you on the program.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
Welcome, thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
So how did you get roped into this Saturday's craft
fair at Bellevue East?
Speaker 6 (12:32):
Like so many things, I showed up first and foremost.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I was your first mistake.
Speaker 6 (12:37):
Yeah, it really was. I tell you. I started helping
with the band Boosters a couple of years ago. They
needed a fundraiser chair and no one else wanted to
do it, so I said, Okay, I guess I'll do it.
And last year you interviewed my wife, Susan for the
exact same craft fair.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
As I recalled, she got volunteered for it.
Speaker 6 (12:56):
She did as well. That's how we do our best
work because when or push comes to chefs. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
So, now this isn't a family business. This is I'm
busy and I know exactly what to do. I don't
want to do it, so I'm going to tell you
my husband what to do, and you're going to do it.
Speaker 6 (13:10):
Pretty much. And how I got roped into putting together
a craft fair, I'll never know. I'm the least talented
guy in the room on any given room.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Well, the first thing is you have to care about
that what you're raising funds for. So what's your connection
to Bellevue East?
Speaker 6 (13:25):
Simply because of my kid Now I grew up in Bellevue,
but I actually went to Bellevue West.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Are allowed to mention that here?
Speaker 6 (13:31):
It is what it is?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
The kids chieftains? How will they ever get along?
Speaker 6 (13:35):
Daywit to give me a hard time? Yeah, okay, but
my kids started doing banned immediately and it would took
me about twenty minutes for me to start helping to
load a truck. And that turned into a role on
the band booster board, and that turned into this.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
Yeah, I've been down those very early morning or late
night roads like we just need someone to do this
one little thing. And then you get there and you're like,
well I don't see that anyone's doing this. All right,
I'll do this, And next thing you know, you're in
charge of everything.
Speaker 6 (14:03):
Pretty much.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
This is going to be a really nice event. It
always is. Do you have any idea of many years
they've done this?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
So this will be our third year?
Speaker 2 (14:11):
Okay, So it's a craft fair and it's a lot
of really really interesting things, but it's for a good cause.
Let's talk about first, why we're raising the money, then
we'll talk about how people can be a part of it.
Speaker 6 (14:22):
Sure, absolutely, So the reason we're raising the money is
because you if you know anything about band, especially marching band,
Winter Winds, Winter Guard, all the activities that they do
throughout the year, you know, none of it is inexpensive. Yeah,
and so raising money that's just gas money. That's just
the gas money. We've got a semi trailer full of
props and equipment that needs to be hauled at least
four different places. Two weeks ago we were down in
(14:44):
Saint Louis. On top of that, we feed the kids.
Every time we go to a competition. We make sure
the kids are fed. We buy them water bottles because
the last time you asked the teenager bring a water
bottle anywhere, he did not do it.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
He brought it, he just forgot you forget you left
it on the.
Speaker 6 (15:00):
Bus almost certainly. Yeah. But there's a lot that goes
into it, and so we're just here as any good
booster club to help raise funds to support that organization.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Excellent man between band, show choir, that kind of thing.
Oh yeah, you can be as busy as you want
with all of this and make it as big or
as small a spectacle as you want. And I know
that some of these competitions, you know, get a little
bit outside the Omaha Council Bluffs metro. I didn't know
you guys are going down and doing bound competitions. And
you said you were in Saint Louis we two weeks ago.
Speaker 6 (15:32):
So just as last the last weekend was State NSBA.
That was the last marching band competition of the year.
But we've got Winter Guard coming up in winter Arts
coming up. So prior to that, we were at Bands
of America Boa and Saint Louis. Prior to that we
were in Boa of Waukee, Iowa. And of course we
do a couple of other local competitions here.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
But yeah, it's and it's fun. And the reason why
the parents get so involved is because the kids love it.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
They do well.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
It's that's super cool that you're so involved. All the
details about the Bellevue East Chieftain Band is on their
website chieftain band dot com, chieftain band dot com, and
that's where you can also learn about This Saturday, November eighth,
the annual craft fair to raise funds for the Bellevue
East High School Band. So what's going on and what time?
Speaker 6 (16:25):
So it's gonna as you mentioned, it's going to be
on the eighth. It's going to start at nine am
and it'll be done by three point thirty. But we're
going to have We've got over fifty vendors that will
be there selling their wares, everything from weather goods to
woodworking to we've got a guy who's going to bring
flags made out of wood, old dilapidated panels, palettes, rather
(16:47):
I apologize. Yeah, we're going to have food there as well.
There'll be a couple of food today.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
They start off as old dilapidated palates, they.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
Do start out, and somebody, again more talented than me,
turns them into something lovely.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Want people to think, like, by the world, would I
buy an old dilapidated palate? No, no's that's how it starts.
Speaker 6 (17:06):
Finished product is finished product is usually made. Is usually
made into like an American flag or something.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, so you've you've got anything that you're thinking of
in terms of crafts, food probably as well.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Food. Yeah, absolutely, We've got a couple of trucks that
will be parked outside. I know we're going to have
a taco truck. We're going to have a coffee truck
while you're going to ice. If you're up for ConA
ice in fifty degree weather, by all means I am,
you're never a bad time for ConA ice. Inside, we'll
have a couple of food vendors, and on top of
which we'll actually have a couple of our vendors that
also bring things like baked good sourdough, bread, those sorts
(17:38):
of things.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
And this is at the high school.
Speaker 6 (17:40):
This is going to be at the South gym at
the high school. The high school's address is fourteen oh
one High School Drive. That's in Bellevue, all right.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
And in case you're directionally challenged, there's a big thing
on the wall and then the doors South Gym.
Speaker 6 (17:52):
You want, you will driving up, you will see it.
If you don't you're struggling to read.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Yeah, well that's as a Rollston care and I'd asked
that you not make fun of my education. We used
to love playing Bellevue East and Bellevue West going down.
They're great schools and it's so cool what they're doing
here at Bellevue East. This Saturday, November eighth, nine to
three point thirty it does cost a few bucks to
get in, but just a few bucks.
Speaker 6 (18:17):
It is three dollars to get in. But bring the
cash because the other thing we're doing is we're selling
raffle tickets. Good, Okay, the raffle tickets are ten dollars
a piece. Now why would raffle tickets be so expensive?
Because the top prize is going to be a four day,
three night cruise to the Bahamas Wow. On top of
which there's several local restaurants are getting us gift cards.
(18:37):
We are usually going to get some sort of donation
from Irwin's Jewelers as well as there's going to be
a one night's stay at the Courtyard by Mariott on
top of that.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Okay, so really really good prizes.
Speaker 6 (18:48):
Yeah, fantastic, And there's over a two dozen different prizes,
two dozen different gift baskets, gift cards, those sorts of things.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Excellent. You got the Bahamas cruise, You've got the old
dilapidated pallettes.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
This how much that you can so much to bring people.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
In covered the gamut? How much are the students involved
in being among the vendors.
Speaker 6 (19:08):
So the students don't usually have too much in the
way of being a vendor, and we do have a
couple of they could, absolutely, they're usually a little too
involved in band to be able to start a small
business and make friendship bracelets. But certainly we do have
a couple of younger people who are going to be
there with their own businesses, though those aren't necessarily the
(19:31):
band students, but still come on out and support local
businesses and local vendors.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
And you don't need to make a reservation or anything
like that. Just show up, show right up, get there early.
I imagine it's kind of like a garage sale where
you get some people that want to show up at
seven am, going, can you just let us in early
so we can get first look of everything. Definitely, the
craft sales sales people take them very seriously.
Speaker 6 (19:54):
Definitely, Yeah, they do get the We do get the
people who show up a little too early who want
to be let in so that they can take a
look at everything. If you've got nothing to do immediately
before the Veterans Day parade is going to be occurring
down through old town Bellevue right then and there, and
then we open the minute that parade is finished.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Perfect. You gotta love Bellevue. This time of year. We
just before you were on here, talked with Ashley Rodriguez.
She's with the Bellevue University Military Veterans Service Center, talking
about how they're doing a big drive to help out
homeless veterans and how much that really means to them
in the Bellevue University community. Of course, what mayor Hike
and Everyone's done there in that community is it's a
(20:36):
very pro America community.
Speaker 6 (20:38):
It is.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
It's great to see for stuff like this. So you
got the parade and then you come over to Bellevue
East and you can involve yourself in the craft Fair.
Just a few bucks to get in three dollars admission
and then you can see all the things. You can
buy raffle tickets beyond that, and you can benefit the
Bellevue East High School Chieftain Band. And again all the
details about this are at chieftain band dot com. Nate
(21:02):
Rokowitz is someone who got vall and told to be
a part of this. I'm so glad that you're involved here.
Thank you so much for what you're doing for the
school and the band, and thanks so much for telling
us about it on Community Matters.
Speaker 6 (21:13):
Thanks so much, Scott.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
And Thank you for being with us on community matters.
This Fire Safety Prevention Week being discussed in this next
conversation was actually a few weeks ago, but it's never
a bad time to learn these useful tips. For more
on this with this special guest is iHeartRadio's Ryan Gorman.
Speaker 7 (21:32):
Joined now for Fire Safety Prevention Week by Ivan ep Ononia,
director of Communications for KITTA. You can learn more about
their program at Causefouralarm dot org. And I'm also joined
by Captain Michael Kozo from the FDNY Foundation. You can
learn more about that organization at FDNY Foundation dot org. So,
Captain Cozo, how does all of this impact our firefighters here?
Speaker 8 (21:54):
Thanks for having me Ryan, Just a brief explanation on
how it affects the fire fighters. Just so you know,
today's fires burn a lot hotter and faster than they
have ever in the past. When a family lacks of
working smoke alarm over a home fire escape plan, not
only does that impact the family itself, but it also
(22:15):
puts the firefighters at even greater risk. According to UL,
homes today are on average about fifty six percent larger
than homes built in nineteen seventy, which is significantly larger
when you think about it, and these buildings are built
with synthetic materials making up much of today's furnishing. These
synthetic materials burn extremely fast, faster and hotter than traditional
(22:40):
materials such as cotton, wool or linen. Also, the modern
open floor plan that you see today in our homes
provides a lot more oxygen to fuel the fire and
doesn't provide any barrier to the flame, right because it's
just wide open area in the home. When you think
(23:01):
about it, thirty years ago, once the fire started, your
average escape time was seventeen minutes. Now it's less than
two minutes. Wow, what a tremendous difference. Right, And again
firefighters are having we have to rush into these rapidly
burning homes to rescue people, which is again putting us
(23:21):
at risk as well as well as the people that
are in there. But again, our time to get in
there and get people out is drastically reduced due to
these materials.
Speaker 7 (23:32):
Now, that is just a stunning statistic. Again, thirty years ago,
once a fire started, the average escape time seventeen minutes,
Now less than two minutes. One of the most important
considerations for families thinking about fire safety in their home.
Speaker 8 (23:47):
Well, learning the basis of fire safety and being prepared
is definitely the first step in fighting a fire, and
it just so happens to be the most important as well. Right,
So I'm going to list a few that hit and
the FDNY recommend We do recommend that you create and
regularly practice in escape plan with your family. When you're
(24:09):
doing that, you want to remember the twos, the lore
of the twos, No two ways out of every room.
You want to practice two times a year, practice at
two different times during the day and a night. This
way you're really, you know, challenging yourself. You know it's easier.
Maybe it's a little easier during the day. You want
to do it at night people are sleeping, Maybe wake
(24:30):
everybody up. You know, in a common environment you don't
have to get everybody panicked and chaotic, but you just
want everybody to be into that mode and to practice
the muscle memory of what they're going to do if
the alarm does go off. When you hear the smoke alarms,
you want to get out of the house immediately. Remember
beeps that last. You want to get out sands right,
(24:52):
And that's one of the things that we go with.
You want to make sure that you're checking your batteries
and your fleate. You replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
You want to place your fire extinguishers within reach on
every level of your home, and you want to make
sure that you install carbon monoxide alarms on each floor
and near bedrooms. You should have at least one combos
(25:12):
alarm on every level of your home and the smoke
alarm in every bedroom. So you definitely want to make
sure that you are well prepared and that you're covered
with these alarms in case anything does go does go
on in your home while you're sleeping or anything else,
that these alarms are going to be your first sign
that something is going wrong and going to alert everybody
(25:33):
to get up and enact that safety plan and.
Speaker 7 (25:37):
Ivan that let me turn back to you for a moment.
One final question, how can people get involved and participate
this October?
Speaker 9 (25:44):
Absolutely, this October and every day to be honest, So
Kida actually created as a part of the Costco Alarm
campaign a jingle that also comes with a video on YouTube,
and it really is intended to help families remember us
to do, how to prepare and what to do in
the event that the smoke alarm does go off. So
(26:05):
in terms of having people get involved in the campaign,
there's three easy ways that people can get involved now
through November and like I said, from then on as
well from an education standpoint. So first's sharing the jingle
that eats that lack get out fast jingle. Share that
in social media using the hashtag cause for Alarm and
(26:27):
help us spread awareness of the importance of fire safety.
That's one thing. The second one is purchasing a kid
alarm from September through November of this year twenty twenty
three at participating retailers. That purchase will trigger a dollar
contribution from Kidda for Alarm donations to families and need
up to a retail value of one million dollars. So
(26:49):
by you getting alarms for your home, you can actually
help others that might not have the financial needs to
get alarmed for their family. So that's the second way
you can help. And the third one is learning learning
about fire safety, learning about the dismissions to provide all
families with the necessary educational resources and product solutions needed
(27:10):
to have a safe and healthy home. And you can
do that by visiting the pausefour Alarm Dot org website
again Cause for Alarm dot org. There's a lot of
tools resources. You'll see the jingle theyor you can find
out more information of where to purchase your kid alarms
to trigger the donations. So again three z ways, share
(27:30):
the jingle, purchase the alarm at participating retailers to trigger
a donation to communities and need. And then third learning
more about fire safety and leveraging all the great pools
we have on our KITA website Causito Alarm dot org.
Speaker 7 (27:43):
I've an Eponia director of Communications for KITA. You can
learn more about the work they're doing for Fire Safety
Prevention Week at causefour alarm dot org. And Captain Michael
Kozo from the FDN Y Foundation. You can find out
more about that organization and support their work at FDN
WHY Foundation dot org. Thank you both so much for
takeing a few minutes to come on the show, and
(28:04):
Captain co So thank you so much for your service
to your community.
Speaker 8 (28:07):
Absolutely thanks for having me.
Speaker 9 (28:08):
Ron, thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
Ryan.
Speaker 7 (28:10):
All right, and now let me bring in our final
guest for Fire Safety Prevention Week. I'm Ryan Gorman, joined
now by Senior Director for Public Education the National Fire
Protection Association Andrea Vastis. You can learn more at Firepreventionweek
dot org. Andrea, thanks so much for coming on the show.
What are some of the most common issues that we
see that lead to fires?
Speaker 10 (28:31):
You know, so much of this really has to do
with some very simple things. I often will call it
the trifecta in terms of home fire prevention for people.
Number one is always having a working smoke alarm, because
if there is a fire, you need to be a
litter to the fire. Number two is having a home
(28:51):
escape plan because again, if there is a fire, we
need to be able to get out quickly, get out safely,
make sure everyone is accounted for. And then third is
how we're going to prevent the fire in the first place.
And there are so many different things that we can do.
This year's them Cooking safety starts with you pay attention
to fire prevention really has to do with the fact
(29:13):
that cooking is still the number one cause of home
fire and home fire injuries in North America, and so
much of it has to do with this large portion
that's just called unattended cooking. People are either walking away
from the stove thinking they have more time, they get
distracted and so so much of it are just a
(29:35):
little things that we can pay attention to that could
make a big difference in preventing the fire from starting
in the first place.
Speaker 1 (29:42):
This has been Community Matters, a weekly public affairs special
on KAT one O three, Omaha's Greatest Hits, ninety nine
point nine, KGr News Radio, eleven ten KFAB, Country's Greatest Hits,
ninety three three The Wolf, and ninety six y one
Kiss FM. Thank you so much for listening, and enjoy
the rest of your day.
This is Community Matters, a weekly public affairs program to
inform and entertain you with some of the great people, organizations,
and events in and around Omaha. Now here's the host
of the program from news radio eleven ten KFAB It's
Scott for Heats.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Thank you so much for being a part of the program.
This week, we welcome back the manager of the Military
Veterans Services Center at Bellevue University, Ashley Rodriguez, is back
here on Community Matters. Ashley, welcome back to the show.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Hi, thanks so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
I know that military Veteran services mean something so much
to all of us and especially Bellevue year round. But
we're coming up for We're coming up on Veterans Day
here and you guys always do something extra special for that.
Please tell me what's going on.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Yes, So, for the past twelve years, we have collected
supply to fill over one hundred back packs for the
local homeless veteran community right here in Omaha. We work
with the Sianna Francis House and New Visions to provide
linen and hygiene and food items to the veterans that
are going to be battling the elements this winter.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
Thank you so much for doing that. How can people
help you with that?
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Yes, we have.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
All the information on our website. If you go to
news dot Bellevue dot edu, you'll see an Amazon wish list,
so just a couple clicks so you can get them
the items that we need. We also have our physical
address if you want to come in and donate the items, imperfect.
We'd love to see you any day between Monday through
Friday eight to five. Or we also have an online
(01:46):
donation area there as well.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Yeah, you can always give money then Ashley and the
crew there can turn it into some of the items
that they need. Where on campus are you located because
I don't want them just showing up at the Chancellor's
office going here's some food.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
So we are located right in the middle of Belvie
University's campus in the Administration Services Building. So our GPS
addresses on there. It's going to be eight one to
two bruin Boulevard.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Okay, good. We want to make sure everyone gets the
supply is worth they need to go. And you said
news dot Bellevue dot edu. That's where you can find
all the details about this current drive. But this is
something you have to do this week, right, Yes, right, we're.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
On a time crunch for a lot of our items.
We're getting up to where we have almost fifty percent
or seventy five percent of some items, but we're really
pushing this last week really hard. And actually it's always
unique to see the different companies that come out. We've
had companies donate snacks in the past, and we've had
(02:49):
people that bring the hygiene items travel size are the best.
So if you're already out the store shopping, just picking
up a few extra little items, bringing them over this way,
all right.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
So let's then focus then on those things that you
really need at this point. So people say, oh, okay,
you're looking for all this stuff, we'll just give you
more of the stuff that you don't need. Let's focus
people on those things that they can get that you
do need. What can they bring you.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Ashley, Yes, a lot of the items, especially like the
hand and footwarmers, socks and the gloves, all of those
we give one hundred percent of what we collect to
these backpacks. So if we're able to provide everybody with
a couple of layers or a couple of months to
use these items, the more the better. We're doing everything
(03:39):
from band aids, chapstick, lotion, all of those items. There's
not just we need one of them. It's any type
or variety whatever we can get so that they can
take them, use them, take them back to their communities.
It's a huge help.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Or of course money, as I said, you can turn
that into those things that you need as well.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
Right yes, And for those that can't donate money, we
also have a volunteer packing event on Friday, November seventh.
The registration's right there on that same website, and so
we just asked the comunity come out and if you
can't donate money, if you could donate your time and
help us sort and organize and get all of these
items packed into the backpacks so that we can make
(04:21):
sure every veteran is getting a little bit of everything.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Absolutely, that's coming up this Friday. Where at and what
time for that, Ashley.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
That's going to be Friday, November seventh, right here at
the location, and it'll be at ten am.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Okay, so ten am there at the Military Veteran Services Center.
Visit News dot Bellevue dot edu to learn more about
the Military Veteran Services Center. Ashley Rodriguez is the manager
of the center, give us an idea of what you
guys do throughout the year for this group.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
So we throughout the year we're doing different things like
collecting donations, taking a moment to honor veterans, especially those
that have limited mobility. We also have the card drives
that we do so on Veterans Day. It's just a
really great opportunity to say thank you to your service
to veterans that meets not always get seen or that recognition. However,
(05:16):
at one point they still stood up and took that
oath and said I am ready to defend my country
at whatever cost it takes. So although we have a
lot scattered throughout the year, we think it's really important
to hone in on this demographic that might not have
the ability or means to attend some of the other
events or get that recognition.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Absolutely, and it's so awesome what you guys are doing
for homeless military veterans around Veterans Day, but what you
and the rest of your group do at the Military
Veterans Services Center there at Bellevue University is impressive year round.
To learn more about this group and this upcoming drive
for homeless military veterans visit News dot Bellevue dot edu
(05:58):
and reach out to the manager of the Military Veterans
Services Center, Ashley Rodriguez, our guest here today, Ashley, thank
you so much for what you're doing for veterans year round.
Thank you for telling us about it here on community matters.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Thank you. I appreciate your time, sir.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
And thank you for being with us on community matters.
The government shutdown has had a lot of impact on
our nation's veterans, as we learned the other day in
this conversation from kfab's Morning News. Here's the host of
that program, Gary Sadelemeyer.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
Joined now for a few minutes by Shannon Howard, who
is very well connected with everything that happens all the personnel,
military members and other employees that off at Air Force
Base and is the wife of former fifty fifth the
wing commander there and as a big Airman's attict supporter.
(06:48):
And I was wondering, how because we mentioned the other
day about the food donation drive for this past weekend
and the diaper drive coming up this weekend. I wonder
how everything is going for our are folks there at
off of Shannon. Good morning. Great to have you on
good morning. So what do we need to know here?
What are you seeing relative to paychecks not arriving and
(07:12):
military families and others being impacted by it?
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Sure, so we already have an issue with a lot
of military families being able to afford basic basic items,
so we have a food pantry open for them. But
with the shutdown and all the uncertainty, it's put just
further impact on military families, federal workers, and there's some
(07:39):
furloughed employees from off it. So the food drives have
been phenomenal because we are able to restock the shelves
and keep it going because now is a critical time
where people don't know whether they're going to get their paycheck.
Many are certainly not going to get a paycheck, and
(08:00):
it's having this access to food just it's just one
last thing to be stressed out about, so they can,
you know, not have to worry about where they're going
to be able to afford, you know, food because they
literally don't have an income.
Speaker 5 (08:17):
What is precisely or as precisely as you can tell us, Shanna,
what is the situation regarding paychecks? Because we first heard
that the first do paychecks mid month would not arrive,
and then I heard there was something about, well some
of them are arriving. What is the situation exactly?
Speaker 4 (08:36):
So I am uncertain about that too, But that's part
of the problem, that there's just uncertainty. So I'm actually
a federal worker who have been told that I will
not get a paycheck. I don't know. The military did
get paid, at least I did get paid for the
first of the month, but we just don't know. And
(08:57):
again that's part of the problem. I fortunately have an
emergency fund that I can dip into, but many military
families don't, and so they are left with literally no
income and.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
Many are basically months to months to begin with, right,
so it's hard for the money away. But the response
tell me about the response to the drive this past weekend.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
Oh amazing. So I was at the Platsmouth High Vey
on Saturday and the amount of support that we got
from cast donations to food item donations was phenomenal. We
just from one day of food actual food donated. We
(09:42):
restocked the shelves at the pantry.
Speaker 5 (09:45):
Great and now the drive this coming weekend. I'm sure
this food is still welcome, but this is primarily for
the families with young kids.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Right, correct, correct, again with the uncertainty and not having
any income. Uh, many military, young military families that the
airman's attic in the in the pantry support have children,
young children, and as you know, diapers are insanely expensive
in wipes and a necessity that they may not be
(10:16):
able to afford in general. But now the shutdown, it's
it's it's even yeah, more critical. But they have these
access to this.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
You may have some anecdotal information on this, Shannon, but
I wonder for for house payments and rent, do landlords
tend to be a little more lenient and in a
situation like this, given that these people are wearing our
country's uniform and that they have no control over the
(10:46):
income stream.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
I think that's probably a case by case thing. I
don't know the answer to that. I know that there's
on the flip side of that, you have a lot
of military families who are landlords who are also not
getting paid. Sure, so you kind of have a double whaman,
like they need that they need them to pay, but
they can't pay because they're also like being paid. So
(11:09):
I think it's probably a case by case situation. I
would I would hope, but I don't know.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Okay, just before we run here, what can people do?
Obviously the diaper and baby wipe drive is great this weekend.
If folks want to continue to contribute to either a
fund or food stuffs, are the Hive, Are the highves
still open to that or can they bring them to
the base or what?
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Of course, so they can bring it to well, they
have to have base access, so that might be a
little bit tricky there. If you on Facebook, off it
Airman's Attic would be a great place to message if
you want to send a direct donation to them. But
this weekend Hive is doing the diaper drive. But yes,
(11:52):
we will absolutely welcome food. Cash donations are always great.
Speaker 5 (11:56):
Yeah, awesome, shandam thanks appreciate.
Speaker 6 (11:58):
It very much.
Speaker 4 (12:00):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Next up on community Matters, we welcome to the show
Nate Rockwitz. I asked him, so, Nate, what's your role
with all of this? He says, I'm just a parent. Well,
anyone has ever volunteered for their kids' activities or your
neighborhood schools activities. No, you're not just a parent. You're
a foot soldier. And there's a great event coming up
this Saturday. November eighth at Bellevue East High School. So, Nate,
(12:25):
it's great to have you on the program.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
Welcome, thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
So how did you get roped into this Saturday's craft
fair at Bellevue East?
Speaker 6 (12:32):
Like so many things, I showed up first and foremost.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I was your first mistake.
Speaker 6 (12:37):
Yeah, it really was. I tell you. I started helping
with the band Boosters a couple of years ago. They
needed a fundraiser chair and no one else wanted to
do it, so I said, Okay, I guess I'll do it.
And last year you interviewed my wife, Susan for the
exact same craft fair.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
As I recalled, she got volunteered for it.
Speaker 6 (12:56):
She did as well. That's how we do our best
work because when or push comes to chefs. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
So, now this isn't a family business. This is I'm
busy and I know exactly what to do. I don't
want to do it, so I'm going to tell you
my husband what to do, and you're going to do it.
Speaker 6 (13:10):
Pretty much. And how I got roped into putting together
a craft fair, I'll never know. I'm the least talented
guy in the room on any given room.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Well, the first thing is you have to care about
that what you're raising funds for. So what's your connection
to Bellevue East?
Speaker 6 (13:25):
Simply because of my kid Now I grew up in Bellevue,
but I actually went to Bellevue West.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Are allowed to mention that here?
Speaker 6 (13:31):
It is what it is?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
The kids chieftains? How will they ever get along?
Speaker 6 (13:35):
Daywit to give me a hard time? Yeah, okay, but
my kids started doing banned immediately and it would took
me about twenty minutes for me to start helping to
load a truck. And that turned into a role on
the band booster board, and that turned into this.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
Yeah, I've been down those very early morning or late
night roads like we just need someone to do this
one little thing. And then you get there and you're like,
well I don't see that anyone's doing this. All right,
I'll do this, And next thing you know, you're in
charge of everything.
Speaker 6 (14:03):
Pretty much.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
This is going to be a really nice event. It
always is. Do you have any idea of many years
they've done this?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
So this will be our third year?
Speaker 2 (14:11):
Okay, So it's a craft fair and it's a lot
of really really interesting things, but it's for a good cause.
Let's talk about first, why we're raising the money, then
we'll talk about how people can be a part of it.
Speaker 6 (14:22):
Sure, absolutely, So the reason we're raising the money is
because you if you know anything about band, especially marching band,
Winter Winds, Winter Guard, all the activities that they do
throughout the year, you know, none of it is inexpensive. Yeah,
and so raising money that's just gas money. That's just
the gas money. We've got a semi trailer full of
props and equipment that needs to be hauled at least
four different places. Two weeks ago we were down in
(14:44):
Saint Louis. On top of that, we feed the kids.
Every time we go to a competition. We make sure
the kids are fed. We buy them water bottles because
the last time you asked the teenager bring a water
bottle anywhere, he did not do it.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
He brought it, he just forgot you forget you left
it on the.
Speaker 6 (15:00):
Bus almost certainly. Yeah. But there's a lot that goes
into it, and so we're just here as any good
booster club to help raise funds to support that organization.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Excellent man between band, show choir, that kind of thing.
Oh yeah, you can be as busy as you want
with all of this and make it as big or
as small a spectacle as you want. And I know
that some of these competitions, you know, get a little
bit outside the Omaha Council Bluffs metro. I didn't know
you guys are going down and doing bound competitions. And
you said you were in Saint Louis we two weeks ago.
Speaker 6 (15:32):
So just as last the last weekend was State NSBA.
That was the last marching band competition of the year.
But we've got Winter Guard coming up in winter Arts
coming up. So prior to that, we were at Bands
of America Boa and Saint Louis. Prior to that we
were in Boa of Waukee, Iowa. And of course we
do a couple of other local competitions here.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
But yeah, it's and it's fun. And the reason why
the parents get so involved is because the kids love it.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
They do well.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
It's that's super cool that you're so involved. All the
details about the Bellevue East Chieftain Band is on their
website chieftain band dot com, chieftain band dot com, and
that's where you can also learn about This Saturday, November eighth,
the annual craft fair to raise funds for the Bellevue
East High School Band. So what's going on and what time?
Speaker 6 (16:25):
So it's gonna as you mentioned, it's going to be
on the eighth. It's going to start at nine am
and it'll be done by three point thirty. But we're
going to have We've got over fifty vendors that will
be there selling their wares, everything from weather goods to
woodworking to we've got a guy who's going to bring
flags made out of wood, old dilapidated panels, palettes, rather
(16:47):
I apologize. Yeah, we're going to have food there as well.
There'll be a couple of food today.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
They start off as old dilapidated palates, they.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
Do start out, and somebody, again more talented than me,
turns them into something lovely.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Want people to think, like, by the world, would I
buy an old dilapidated palate? No, no's that's how it starts.
Speaker 6 (17:06):
Finished product is finished product is usually made. Is usually
made into like an American flag or something.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Yeah, so you've you've got anything that you're thinking of
in terms of crafts, food probably as well.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Food. Yeah, absolutely, We've got a couple of trucks that
will be parked outside. I know we're going to have
a taco truck. We're going to have a coffee truck
while you're going to ice. If you're up for ConA
ice in fifty degree weather, by all means I am,
you're never a bad time for ConA ice. Inside, we'll
have a couple of food vendors, and on top of
which we'll actually have a couple of our vendors that
also bring things like baked good sourdough, bread, those sorts
(17:38):
of things.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
And this is at the high school.
Speaker 6 (17:40):
This is going to be at the South gym at
the high school. The high school's address is fourteen oh
one High School Drive. That's in Bellevue, all right.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
And in case you're directionally challenged, there's a big thing
on the wall and then the doors South Gym.
Speaker 6 (17:52):
You want, you will driving up, you will see it.
If you don't you're struggling to read.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Yeah, well that's as a Rollston care and I'd asked
that you not make fun of my education. We used
to love playing Bellevue East and Bellevue West going down.
They're great schools and it's so cool what they're doing
here at Bellevue East. This Saturday, November eighth, nine to
three point thirty it does cost a few bucks to
get in, but just a few bucks.
Speaker 6 (18:17):
It is three dollars to get in. But bring the
cash because the other thing we're doing is we're selling
raffle tickets. Good, Okay, the raffle tickets are ten dollars
a piece. Now why would raffle tickets be so expensive?
Because the top prize is going to be a four day,
three night cruise to the Bahamas Wow. On top of
which there's several local restaurants are getting us gift cards.
(18:37):
We are usually going to get some sort of donation
from Irwin's Jewelers as well as there's going to be
a one night's stay at the Courtyard by Mariott on
top of that.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Okay, so really really good prizes.
Speaker 6 (18:48):
Yeah, fantastic, And there's over a two dozen different prizes,
two dozen different gift baskets, gift cards, those sorts of things.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Excellent. You got the Bahamas cruise, You've got the old
dilapidated pallettes.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
This how much that you can so much to bring people.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
In covered the gamut? How much are the students involved
in being among the vendors.
Speaker 6 (19:08):
So the students don't usually have too much in the
way of being a vendor, and we do have a
couple of they could, absolutely, they're usually a little too
involved in band to be able to start a small
business and make friendship bracelets. But certainly we do have
a couple of younger people who are going to be
there with their own businesses, though those aren't necessarily the
(19:31):
band students, but still come on out and support local
businesses and local vendors.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
And you don't need to make a reservation or anything
like that. Just show up, show right up, get there early.
I imagine it's kind of like a garage sale where
you get some people that want to show up at
seven am, going, can you just let us in early
so we can get first look of everything. Definitely, the
craft sales sales people take them very seriously.
Speaker 6 (19:54):
Definitely, Yeah, they do get the We do get the
people who show up a little too early who want
to be let in so that they can take a
look at everything. If you've got nothing to do immediately
before the Veterans Day parade is going to be occurring
down through old town Bellevue right then and there, and
then we open the minute that parade is finished.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Perfect. You gotta love Bellevue. This time of year. We
just before you were on here, talked with Ashley Rodriguez.
She's with the Bellevue University Military Veterans Service Center, talking
about how they're doing a big drive to help out
homeless veterans and how much that really means to them
in the Bellevue University community. Of course, what mayor Hike
and Everyone's done there in that community is it's a
(20:36):
very pro America community.
Speaker 6 (20:38):
It is.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
It's great to see for stuff like this. So you
got the parade and then you come over to Bellevue
East and you can involve yourself in the craft Fair.
Just a few bucks to get in three dollars admission
and then you can see all the things. You can
buy raffle tickets beyond that, and you can benefit the
Bellevue East High School Chieftain Band. And again all the
details about this are at chieftain band dot com. Nate
(21:02):
Rokowitz is someone who got vall and told to be
a part of this. I'm so glad that you're involved here.
Thank you so much for what you're doing for the
school and the band, and thanks so much for telling
us about it on Community Matters.
Speaker 6 (21:13):
Thanks so much, Scott.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
And Thank you for being with us on community matters.
This Fire Safety Prevention Week being discussed in this next
conversation was actually a few weeks ago, but it's never
a bad time to learn these useful tips. For more
on this with this special guest is iHeartRadio's Ryan Gorman.
Speaker 7 (21:32):
Joined now for Fire Safety Prevention Week by Ivan ep Ononia,
director of Communications for KITTA. You can learn more about
their program at Causefouralarm dot org. And I'm also joined
by Captain Michael Kozo from the FDNY Foundation. You can
learn more about that organization at FDNY Foundation dot org. So,
Captain Cozo, how does all of this impact our firefighters here?
Speaker 8 (21:54):
Thanks for having me Ryan, Just a brief explanation on
how it affects the fire fighters. Just so you know,
today's fires burn a lot hotter and faster than they
have ever in the past. When a family lacks of
working smoke alarm over a home fire escape plan, not
only does that impact the family itself, but it also
(22:15):
puts the firefighters at even greater risk. According to UL,
homes today are on average about fifty six percent larger
than homes built in nineteen seventy, which is significantly larger
when you think about it, and these buildings are built
with synthetic materials making up much of today's furnishing. These
synthetic materials burn extremely fast, faster and hotter than traditional
(22:40):
materials such as cotton, wool or linen. Also, the modern
open floor plan that you see today in our homes
provides a lot more oxygen to fuel the fire and
doesn't provide any barrier to the flame, right because it's
just wide open area in the home. When you think
(23:01):
about it, thirty years ago, once the fire started, your
average escape time was seventeen minutes. Now it's less than
two minutes. Wow, what a tremendous difference. Right, And again
firefighters are having we have to rush into these rapidly
burning homes to rescue people, which is again putting us
(23:21):
at risk as well as well as the people that
are in there. But again, our time to get in
there and get people out is drastically reduced due to
these materials.
Speaker 7 (23:32):
Now, that is just a stunning statistic. Again, thirty years ago,
once a fire started, the average escape time seventeen minutes,
Now less than two minutes. One of the most important
considerations for families thinking about fire safety in their home.
Speaker 8 (23:47):
Well, learning the basis of fire safety and being prepared
is definitely the first step in fighting a fire, and
it just so happens to be the most important as well. Right,
So I'm going to list a few that hit and
the FDNY recommend We do recommend that you create and
regularly practice in escape plan with your family. When you're
(24:09):
doing that, you want to remember the twos, the lore
of the twos, No two ways out of every room.
You want to practice two times a year, practice at
two different times during the day and a night. This
way you're really, you know, challenging yourself. You know it's easier.
Maybe it's a little easier during the day. You want
to do it at night people are sleeping, Maybe wake
(24:30):
everybody up. You know, in a common environment you don't
have to get everybody panicked and chaotic, but you just
want everybody to be into that mode and to practice
the muscle memory of what they're going to do if
the alarm does go off. When you hear the smoke alarms,
you want to get out of the house immediately. Remember
beeps that last. You want to get out sands right,
(24:52):
And that's one of the things that we go with.
You want to make sure that you're checking your batteries
and your fleate. You replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
You want to place your fire extinguishers within reach on
every level of your home, and you want to make
sure that you install carbon monoxide alarms on each floor
and near bedrooms. You should have at least one combos
(25:12):
alarm on every level of your home and the smoke
alarm in every bedroom. So you definitely want to make
sure that you are well prepared and that you're covered
with these alarms in case anything does go does go
on in your home while you're sleeping or anything else,
that these alarms are going to be your first sign
that something is going wrong and going to alert everybody
(25:33):
to get up and enact that safety plan and.
Speaker 7 (25:37):
Ivan that let me turn back to you for a moment.
One final question, how can people get involved and participate
this October?
Speaker 9 (25:44):
Absolutely, this October and every day to be honest, So
Kida actually created as a part of the Costco Alarm
campaign a jingle that also comes with a video on YouTube,
and it really is intended to help families remember us
to do, how to prepare and what to do in
the event that the smoke alarm does go off. So
(26:05):
in terms of having people get involved in the campaign,
there's three easy ways that people can get involved now
through November and like I said, from then on as
well from an education standpoint. So first's sharing the jingle
that eats that lack get out fast jingle. Share that
in social media using the hashtag cause for Alarm and
(26:27):
help us spread awareness of the importance of fire safety.
That's one thing. The second one is purchasing a kid
alarm from September through November of this year twenty twenty
three at participating retailers. That purchase will trigger a dollar
contribution from Kidda for Alarm donations to families and need
up to a retail value of one million dollars. So
(26:49):
by you getting alarms for your home, you can actually
help others that might not have the financial needs to
get alarmed for their family. So that's the second way
you can help. And the third one is learning learning
about fire safety, learning about the dismissions to provide all
families with the necessary educational resources and product solutions needed
(27:10):
to have a safe and healthy home. And you can
do that by visiting the pausefour Alarm Dot org website
again Cause for Alarm dot org. There's a lot of
tools resources. You'll see the jingle theyor you can find
out more information of where to purchase your kid alarms
to trigger the donations. So again three z ways, share
(27:30):
the jingle, purchase the alarm at participating retailers to trigger
a donation to communities and need. And then third learning
more about fire safety and leveraging all the great pools
we have on our KITA website Causito Alarm dot org.
Speaker 7 (27:43):
I've an Eponia director of Communications for KITA. You can
learn more about the work they're doing for Fire Safety
Prevention Week at causefour alarm dot org. And Captain Michael
Kozo from the FDN Y Foundation. You can find out
more about that organization and support their work at FDN
WHY Foundation dot org. Thank you both so much for
takeing a few minutes to come on the show, and
(28:04):
Captain co So thank you so much for your service
to your community.
Speaker 8 (28:07):
Absolutely thanks for having me.
Speaker 9 (28:08):
Ron, thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
Ryan.
Speaker 7 (28:10):
All right, and now let me bring in our final
guest for Fire Safety Prevention Week. I'm Ryan Gorman, joined
now by Senior Director for Public Education the National Fire
Protection Association Andrea Vastis. You can learn more at Firepreventionweek
dot org. Andrea, thanks so much for coming on the show.
What are some of the most common issues that we
see that lead to fires?
Speaker 10 (28:31):
You know, so much of this really has to do
with some very simple things. I often will call it
the trifecta in terms of home fire prevention for people.
Number one is always having a working smoke alarm, because
if there is a fire, you need to be a
litter to the fire. Number two is having a home
(28:51):
escape plan because again, if there is a fire, we
need to be able to get out quickly, get out safely,
make sure everyone is accounted for. And then third is
how we're going to prevent the fire in the first place.
And there are so many different things that we can do.
This year's them Cooking safety starts with you pay attention
to fire prevention really has to do with the fact
(29:13):
that cooking is still the number one cause of home
fire and home fire injuries in North America, and so
much of it has to do with this large portion
that's just called unattended cooking. People are either walking away
from the stove thinking they have more time, they get
distracted and so so much of it are just a
(29:35):
little things that we can pay attention to that could
make a big difference in preventing the fire from starting
in the first place.
Speaker 1 (29:42):
This has been Community Matters, a weekly public affairs special
on KAT one O three, Omaha's Greatest Hits, ninety nine
point nine, KGr News Radio, eleven ten KFAB, Country's Greatest Hits,
ninety three three The Wolf, and ninety six y one
Kiss FM. Thank you so much for listening, and enjoy
the rest of your day.
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