Look, Listen, and Learn: Fire Prevention Week

A fire can happen anywhere, but three simple steps: Look, Listen, and Learn, are essential to reducing the likelihood of having a fire and escaping safely in the event of one. The National Fire Protection Association’s 2019 Fire Protection Week Campaign is an important reminder to:

• Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.
• Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.
• Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

​Fires are the leading cause of home injuries and death. In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy.  Does your family have a plan if a fire started in your home?

Fire Safety
The best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire does not break out in the first place. This means being aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Check all electrical appliances, cords and outlets. Make sure they’re in working condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs.
• Use caution with portable heaters. Never place one where a child or pet could accidentally knock it over, and keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Always practice safe cooking habits, such as turning pot handles to avoid being knocked over, and supervising children while cooking.
• The fireplace should be kept clean and covered with a screen to keep sparks contained. Burn only wood in a home fireplace and never leave a fire burning unattended.
• Cigarettes are the number one cause of fire deaths in the U.S. Most are started when ashes or butts fall into couches or chairs.

• Use candles safely. Keep them out of the reach of children, away from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before you leave the room.
• Be aware of holiday dangers. If you use a fresh Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered daily, and inspect all lights annually for worn or frayed cords.

Fire Prevention
Make your home fire safe by following these tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Use the smoke alarm’s test button to check it every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have at least one working fire extinguisher in your home.
• Plan escape routes by determining at least two ways to escape from every room.
• Caution everyone to stay low to the floor while escaping and never open doors that are hot.
• Select a safe location outside your home where everyone should meet, and practice your escape plan at least twice a year so everyone knows it well.