National Fire Prevention Week, October 4 – 10 2009
The first week of October is not only the beginning of the Halloween season, it is also the National Fire Protection Agency’s (NFPA) awareness week for fire prevention. Their campaign, Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned, focuses on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires. In support of this event, below are some safety tips in helping you prevent a fire.
Family Disaster Plan
Every family should have a plan designed to include events, such as fire, flood, or home intrusion. For fire, make sure you have a planned escape route known to all family members. You also may want to keep a portable ladder in any room above the first floor.
Fire Extinguishers
Keep one fire extinguisher on every floor in the home, and another in any room with additional fire hazards such as the kitchen, garage, or laundry room. Make sure it is capable of fighting all three classifications of fire, and inspect them semi-annually to ensure they are still good.
Smoke Alarms
Know the different types of smoke alarms, and how they detect a fire. The best way to remember to change or test the batteries, is to associate it with the seasons. When it’s time to change the clocks, change the batteries.
Air Ducts, Chimneys, Dryers, & Space Heaters
Get your chimneys swept, and air ducts cleaned annually. This will prevent the buildup of dust/soot, which may act as additional fuel for a fire. Remove the lint from the clothes dryer after every cycle, and clean the inside of the hose regularly. Practice good safety methods when using a space heater, and remember never leave one unattended.
Housekeeping
Never store any flammable materials, whether paper goods or chemicals, near a potential fire hazard. Maintain a proper clearance space around registers, ducts, furnaces, water tanks, etc.
- Video provided by NFPA, and used in cooperation with the promotion of National Fire Prevention Week. Feel free to visit their website at: http://www.firepreventionweek.org/.