Fire Prevention Week and Beyond

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

October 7th through October 13th is Fire Prevention Week.

The weather is turning colder here in the Northeast! The Holidays are just around the corner! We have to remain vigilant with our fire safety. Here are some tips on staying on top of all things fire related.

Protect Your Family with Smoke Detectors!

Installing and maintaining smoke detectors is still the most important step you can take to protect your family from fire death or injury.

The detector should be no more than ten years old. You can check the date on the back of the unit. Test the batteries monthly, and replace often. Install them in all bedrooms, hallways outside bedrooms, and on each level of your home.

There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric works better with slower, smoldering fires, while the ionization type is more suited to faster, flaming fires. Most experts recommend that you have both in your home.

Have an Escape Plan

Take the time to plan an escape route for everyone in the home, designating a “meet up spot” outside. 

The key to any escape plan is practice, practice and more practice!

Kids love games and challenges. Record the time it takes everyone to make it from their beds to the meetup spot, and then try to beat that time. The more often you practice, the more likely your children are to follow the plan, rather than freeze in panic or confusion when every second counts. Set your calendar to remind you to practice monthly.

Fire Extinguishers are a must!

Two out of five home fires begin in the kitchen. Never leave a kitchen when food is cooking, especially on the burners. ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher close by!

Have your chimneys cleaned regularly, and be very careful with portable space heaters. Make sure they are several feet away from drapes, clothing, or anything that could catch fire.

Never smoke in bed or while lying down.

With the Holidays coming, decorating our homes is a tradition, but it's a tradition that we must do safely.

Inspect your appliance cords. If any are torn, ripped, or damaged in any way, replace them immediately. If a cord or plug ever feels hot, unplug it.

Prevention is the key to your safety.