Few things are more frustrating for firefighters than arriving on the scene of a structure fire with no idea who might be trapped inside, possibly overcome from carbon monoxide poisoning and in need of rescue.

For Lansing Volunteer firefighters, this uncertainty will be lessened thanks to the efforts of LVFD Safety Chief Richard Kirrstetter and his brothers and sisters of the New York City Fire Department with their successful Tot Finder Decal Program. 

The Tot Finder Decal Program is very simple in design but can make all the difference in the world for those unable to help themselves in a fire.

What the program consists of is placing a six-inch by four-inch (aprox.) reflective sticker in the windows of and on the wall (at floor-level) outside the bedroom door of children and persons in need of special assistance to alert firefighters that someone with special needs is in that room. 

Currently there is no official program like this in the state, according to Kirrstetter.

The New York City Fire Department gave LVFD 100 stickers to start things off, and Kirrstetter hopes that they will be able to get the program going independently and that other departments around the county and in the High Country will pick up on the idea.

The stickers are invaluable for firefighters, according to Kirrstetter, who explained that when firefighters go into a structure that is fully ablaze the smoke is too thick to see, so they get down on hands and knees level and search for victims. When their searchlights go across these stickers they shine and then they know someone is in that room who can't help themselves.

Kirrstetter would like for all residents in the Lansing district with children or special needs members of the family to contact the department so that arrangements can be made to provide the decals.

For more information or to request a decal, contact Kirrstetter at (336) 384-4545. 

Those who are living outside the LVFD service area can purchase stickers directly from Tot Finder online at www.totfinder.com. The cost of the stickers is $4.95 plus shipping for a set of two.

You may also order by mail at P.O. Box 98, New Holland, PA 17557. Make checks or money orders payable to "Totfinder.com", and list on a separate sheet of paper the items you would like to order, including shipping and sales tax where applicable.

For those whose pets are their family too, the company also offers Pet Finder decals.

For more information, call (877) 253-7800.