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Fire Prevention Month
By Jerry Binkley
October is Fire Prevention Month. This was created to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings in Chicago, Illinois. In honor of Fire Prevention Month, here are a few tips to prevent house fires. First, be aware of the most common causes of house fires. Keeping these in mind, you can avoid potentially dangerous situations. Second, confirm that your house has a working smoke detector. Third, keep a portable fire extinguisher in an accessible location. It is crucial to make sure that members of your family know how to properly use the fire extinguisher as well. Finally, make an emergency plan with your family to utilize in the event of a fire to ensure everyone’s safety.
Fires can occur in a home for a variety of reasons. Common causes include extension or electrical cords being overloaded, dryer vent pipes not being cleaned regularly and accumulating lint, and lit cigarettes. The leading cause of house fires in the U.S. is cooking.
To prevent house fires, every home should be equipped with two things:
1) A working smoke detector
2) A portable fire extinguisher
Smoke detectors save lives by alerting individuals to the presence of smoke in the atmosphere. The common saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” should be taken seriously. Check your smoke detectors and remember to change the batteries if so equipped.
Portable fire extinguishers can help extinguish small fires in the incipient stage. Remember, fire extinguishers are only useful if you can get to them. It is important to ensure that the extinguisher is kept in a known, easily accessible area. To use an extinguisher, remember this acronym – PASS.
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle
Squeeze the handle
Sweep side to side
Have an emergency plan. Discuss with your family where you will evacuate to, who will take a headcount, and what to do in the event of an injury. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
