Do Your Part to Make Sure America's First Responders Stay Safe

(ARA) - Worn tires are blamed for the death of an Irving, Texas, police officer killed in a crash on his way to a call this past April; and in Greenville, S.C., two ambulance workers were recently injured and a patient killed when their vehicle flipped after the rear tire tread came off .

First responders put their lives on the line every day to help others; never expecting to run into problems with their equipment, but it happens. In an effort to show appreciation for the work firefighters and EMS personnel do, Michelin North America is encouraging individuals and communities to nominate a first responder to win a new set of tires, ensuring that safe and reliable tires will be on the community's emergency response vehicle. This year, 50 winners will be awarded a set of new tires, double last year's prize. To nominate a local hero, visit www.MichelinMan.com and either e-mail a nomination prior to November 23, or print and mail the form postmarked by November 15.

Ryan Sutter, reality television star from "The Bachelorette" and full-time firefighter for Vail Fire and Emergency Services is working with Michelin to raise awareness of the importance of tire safety for first responders.

"Tire maintenance is essential to emergency responder vehicles and many fire departments and EMS units struggle to maintain their vehicles," says Sutter. "Through this Michelin program, communities have the opportunity to recognize the brave efforts of local first responders and help them maintain vehicle safety by nominating them for new tires."

Last year Linda Embry of Marietta, S.C., submitted her nomination, husband David Embry, as the community's hero and he became the first winner to receive a new set of Michelin tires for his vehicle.

"My husband David works selflessly to help the people of our community. People know they can call him at home at anytime and he will drop what he is doing and get to them. Right now he is at the church "Trunk or Treat," operating a borrowed smoke house to teach children fire safety," Embry wrote in her nomination. "I know he's my husband, but I can't imagine anyone more deserving of being recognized as a local hero. And I can't imagine anything making him any happier than winning a new set of Michelin tires for his beloved fire department."

Many local fire departments are under funded and sponsor chili cook-offs or hold pancake breakfasts to raise money for vehicle maintenance and repairs. New tires are a necessity that many departments cannot afford. Take the time to nominate an individual or team and help ensure the safety of the people who generously and selflessly keep their communities safe.

Remember, tire safety is important for the safety of emergency responders, but also for individuals too. Here are some things to think about for all vehicles:

* Air Pressure
Keeping tires properly inflated is essential for the maximum performance and longevity of the tire, as well as the ride quality and safety of the vehicle. Tires carry the entire weight of the vehicle and when under inflated or over inflated, they cannot do their job properly. Check pressure once a month.

* Tread
Looking at the wear and tear of the tread of a tire can tell its history. Tread is important to help the vehicle properly grip the road. Wear in the middle of the tire indicates over inflation for a significant amount of time, as wear on both outer edges indicates under inflation.

* Rotation
Regular rotation extends the life of the tires, saving both time and money in the long run. For rotation, each tire and wheel is removed from the vehicle and replaced in a different position. This ensures that all of the tires wear evenly and last longer.

*Alignment
Alignment generally refers to the adjustment of a vehicle's front and rear suspension parts. Proper alignment not only ensures that the vehicle handles correctly but it will also help increase the life and performance of the tires. Check alignment after hitting an object, when wear patterns develop on the shoulders of the tires or if there is a difference in vehicle handling.

For more information visit www.MichelinMan.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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