Fire Prevention Week 2018: October 7th - October 13th

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) sponsored the first public observance of Fire Prevention Week in 1922, according to the NFPA website. The site also said President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance in 1925. It commemorated the tragic Great Chicago Fire that started on October 8, 1871. When it blazed through that city, it claimed 250 lives, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed 17,400 structures.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week runs from October 7th- October 13th.The NFPA assigned this theme for 2018:  LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere. A YMCA of Broome County member, Dan, who retired from a lifelong career in fire prevention and safety offered these important tips:

LOOK: for places fires could start:

Kitchen:

• Make sure there are no combustibles over the stove, including curtains.
• Fire extinguishers should be placed near stove but not where a reach over the cook-top is required.
• Inspect stoves, ovens and any other cooking devices to be sure they are clean and free of grease buildup before use.
• Be sure all heat elements are turned off after use. Do not leave burners/heat elements unattended, especially around young children, when sleeping or when exiting the home.

Electrical Devices:

• Make sure all electrical devices are in good repair, no frayed or exposed wires, no broken prongs or missing grounds on plugs.
• Avoid extension cords. Use power strips instead, but on a limited basis.
• Don’t run extension cords under carpets/rugs or in doorways.

Bathroom:

• Curling irons and hair dryers should be operated on dry, fire-resistant surfaces.
• They should be turned off and unplugged after each use. THEY GET EXTREMELY HOT!

Candles:

USE EXTREME CAUTION!

• Not near combustibles.
• In glass or fireproof containers and on a fireproof surface only.
• Completely extinguish when done.
• Consider battery-operated or electrical candles instead.
• Use common sense!

Fireplaces:

• Have chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.
• Use screens/or glass doors to protect from flying embers.
• Burn only seasoned wood or approved logs in fireplace.
• Keep area around fireplace free of combustibles.

Furnaces/Hot Water Heaters: (especially gas or propane)

• Keep properly inspected and maintained.
• Keep properly vented.
• Keep immediate area free of any combustibles, especially fumes from paints, varnish/finishes or other fire accelerants. 

Stairways and Doorways:

• Keep free of clutter to maintain safe passageway in the event of an emergency…allows quick evacuation or access for firefighters to upper floors and the basement.

Electrical Panel: (Circuit Breakers/Fuses)

• Keep area free of clutter to allow easy access to shut off power in the event of electrical malfunctions or flooding.

Dryers:

• Clean out lint trays/filters after every use.
• Periodically, clean lint build-up from ducts and flex hoses.
• Don’t leave dryer running when sleeping or not at home.

Outdoors: (Cooking Grills):

• Don’t leave unattended
• Keep grill a proper distance from any combustibles, including lighter fluids, gasoline and aerosol cans, as well as porch overhangs and wooden siding.

LISTEN: For Smoke Detectors

• Install smoke on every level of the house, including the basement and attic, PLUS in every bedroom. (i.e. 3 bedrooms on the 2nd floor need 4 detectors, one for each bedroom and one for the second floor.)
• Batteries should be changed twice a year…when the clocks are changed. OR choose sealed detectors with longer lasing batteries. (10 years)
• In addition, install CO detectors within 15 feet of every sleeping area.

LEARN: Make a Family Emergency Plan

• Learn and practice, “Stop. Drop. And Roll.”
• Pre-determine a meeting place in the event your family must evacuate the house…such as a tree or a neighbor’s front porch.
• Know more than one way out of your room and house, if possible.
• Practice leaving your room and house in the event of an emergency.
• Learn where fire extinguishers are in the home and how to operate them.