Observing Fire Prevention Week 2019
October 7, 2019Did you know that, in a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds? That means mere seconds can make the difference between a safe escape and tragedy. Fire prevention and awareness is critical to your family’s safety.
What is National Fire Prevention Week?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) observes Fire Prevention Week this year from October 6-12. During this time, they encourage homeowners to learn about the small, but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
The Statistics
The U.S. Fire Administration disclosed that more than 1.3 million fires were reported by fire departments in 2018, resulting in an estimated 3,655 civilian deaths and 15,200 injuries. The report also states that there was $25.6 million in property damage as well. The most common causes of house fires include: cooking equipment, heating elements, electrical issues, carelessness with open flames, and smoking materials.
How Can You Take Action?
There are plenty of fairly simple steps that you and your family members can take to prevent a tragedy. One of the biggest is maintaining properly working smoke alarms all year long. While you are checking those smoke detectors at least twice a year, check the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm as well. Most homeowners use the two time changes a year to not only set their clocks but also check their smoke and CO detectors.
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is not only the heart of the home but also the most common place for fires to originate. To prevent kitchen fires, don’t leave anything flammable near the stove or oven. Make sure curtains don’t hang over the stove, and never rest towels or a cookbook on the stove top. Keep the oven and stove cooking surfaces clean and free of debris, especially if heating elements are exposed. Always stay with anything that is on the stove or in the oven. Never leave the room or, worse yet, leave the house while something is cooking.
Inspect Heating Sources
No matter whether your home is heated by gas, electric, or oil, have heating elements inspected by a professional every year. Furnace filters should be changed regularly to avoid dust and debris build up that can spark a fire. In addition, all heating elements should be at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like paper or fabric.
Clean Out Dryer Lint
Dryer lint is the cause of many home fires every year, Clean the lint screen after each use to be sure that a build up does not occur. Have vents checked yearly to be sure they are not obstructed as well.
Practice Candle Safety
While we all love the smell of a nice flame and the glow candles can put off, be sure you are practicing candle safety. Never leave an open flame alone in a room or around children. Be sure that nothing flammable is near the flame. Place candles in secure, tip-proof holders and extinguish them before leaving or going to sleep.
If you find yourself trying to recover from the tragedy of a fire, consider calling Pro-Care Disaster Restoration Services for 24 hour emergency help. If a fire disaster strikes, be sure to call us for a free quote. We are always available to handle the restoration services necessary to return your building to its pre-loss condition. By involving Pro-Care early, we can help minimize your losses. Call us at (781) 933-7400 – Toll Free (800) 660-1973, or find our contact page on our website.
Categorized in: Fire Damage, fire prevention