Fire Prevention

By Connie Hogue, Vice President of Human Resources and Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has dedicated a week in October to focus on fire prevention in preparation for the winter months. During this week, people are encouraged to think about ways to minimize their risks and come up with a safety plan. With Fire Prevention Week celebrating its 100th anniversary this year from October 9th through the 15th, it's the perfect time to review and practice fire safety.

Minimize Your Risks

Fire is the third leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14. One death from a preventable fire is one too many. There are many causes of fires such as smoking, electrical problems and candles. The top two leading causes of home fires and injuries are cooking and heating. While preparing and planning for the winter weather and holiday season, keep these safety tips in mind.

• Don’t use the oven or stove if you’re tired or under the influence

• Stay in the kitchen when the food is cooking and check on it regularly

• Keep all flammables materials, like paper, clothing, bedding, drapes or rugs, at least 3 feet from a space heaters, stoves or fireplaces

• Never leave portable heaters, candles and fireplaces unattended

• Keep children and pets away from space heaters

• Check all cords and replace any that are frayed or have bare wires

• Switch to flameless candles

• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach

Importance of Smoke Alarms

Properly installing and maintaining a smoke alarm can be the difference between a life-or-death situation. Smoke alarms are an integral part for early detection of a fire. About three out of five fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms. The NFPA recommends you:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home on the ceiling or high on the wall

• Keep smoke alarms at least 10 feet from your oven or stove to reduce false alarms

• Use special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers for people who are hard of hearing

• Test smoke alarms monthly

• Replace batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector annually

• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 or more years old

Make an Escape Plan

A fire can spread quickly, leaving only a minute or two to escape. With a home fire being reported every 88 seconds, it is important to have a home escape plan and making sure everyone in the household is aware of the plan. The NFPA suggests the following guidelines to help create this plan:

• Start by drawing a map for your home

• Plan two ways to escape from each room

• Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily

• Identify secondary routes: a window onto an adjacent roof or a collapsible ladder from a second floor window

• If you live in a multi-story building, plan to use the stairs – never the elevator

• Designate an outside meeting place a safe distance from the house

According to the NFPA, 71% of Americans have a home fire escape plan but only 47% practice it. Practice your fire drill with everyone in the house at night and during the day, twice a year. Remember to:

• Practice getting out with eyes closed, crawling low to the floor and keeping your mouth covered

• Practice closing doors behind you

• Practice how to “stop, drop and roll” if your clothes catch on fire

• Practice testing door handles to see if they are hot before opening them

• Teach children never to hide and how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them

By following proper fire safety guidelines, you can increase your chances of preventing a fire or dangerous situation for you and your family.