Fall Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Week
The Salida Fire Department and the South Arkansas Fire Protection District are joining forces to deliver the 2011 Fire Prevention Message to “Protect Your Family From Fire” and to celebrate Fire Prevention Week October 9-15, 2011.
The departments are joining the National Fire Prevention Agency and communities across the United States to recognize the importance of home fire safety. With 85% of all fire deaths occurring in the home, and the majority of these happening at night, this year’s theme brings to the forefront the need to ensure you make your home as safe as possible. While making your home safe may seem a daunting task, there are really a few simple steps you can follow to make your home a safer place and reduce the potential for a devastating fire. These steps include:
- Installation and maintenance of smoke alarms: Ensure your home is protected by smoke alarms. They are inexpensive, easy to install and will alert you quickly so your family can safely exit in case of a fire. Did you know 40% of residential fire deaths occur in homes without a smoke alarm? Another 23% occur in homes having smoke detectors that don’t work. Installation of smoke alarms is just the first step. These alarms also need maintenance. Change the batteries every six months when you change your clocks. Take a moment and vacuum the alarm out or take a can of compressed air and make sure there is no dust in the alarm. Removal of dust will prevent false alarms or the potential for the alarm to not work when it is needed. If you need assistance with changing your batteries or installation of a smoke alarm please contact your local fire department.
- Installation and maintenance of a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector: With winter approaching, you should consider installing a CO detector if you have gas appliances or a fireplace. Maintenance is the same as for a smoke alarm.
- Make sure your chimney is clean: As the weather cools, we will begin to use our fireplaces and we should make sure our chimneys are clean. If you choose to clean your own chimney, the fire department does have brushes available. They are free of charge; although donations are accepted to allow us to replace them when necessary.
- Avoid extension cords: Extension cords are one of the most common causes of residential fires. Their use should be only as a temporary measure and should be complimented with the use of a surge protector. The safest choice is to avoid using them especially if their need is anything other than temporary.
- Use candles with caution: Candles are a great way to increase the ambiance in your home. However unattended they are very dangerous and can easily cause a fire. Make sure you use them safely and do not leave them unattended.
- Use portable heating devices with caution: Many of us will rely on a portable heater to make our home more comfortable. Remember to keep combustibles away from these devices to avoid a fire.
The fire department will be in the schools during the week to teach our children about fire safety. In addition, the fire department continues to offer voluntary home safety inspections free of charge. If you would like a free evaluation of the safety of your home please contact us.
The fire departments will hold their annual Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, October 15 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Please come by, visit with your firefighters and enjoy the festivities for both children and adults.
Have a safe fall! Enjoy the changing of the seasons and take the challenge to make your home safe and “Protect Your Family From Fire”. I hope to see you on the 15th.