Every year, thousands of people die in fires in the United States. Many of those deaths could be avoided by practicing fire safety.
Raising awareness is the goal of Fire Prevention Week, which will be held in the U.S. this year between October 9 and October 15. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”
According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
And for good reason. Fire can cause tragic consequences in so many ways, from loss of life to loss of treasured valuables and property. It can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and entire communities. Raising the consciousness of fire awareness should be an ongoing priority throughout the year, not just in October.
Here are fire prevention tips that you can practice at home:
- Create a fire escape plan and share it with all family members, then practice the plan at least twice a year.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month. If they aren't working, replace the batteries and re-test them.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm is activated, move quickly to an open window or door or an area where there is fresh air.
- Teach children the purpose of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and let them know what they sound like.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and teach them the dangers of both.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, stoves, and space heaters.
- Turn off portable heaters when you go to sleep or leave a room.
- Teach household members to "stop, drop, and roll" if their clothes should catch on fire.
- Decide where your family members should meet outside should a fire occur in your home.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Use fire extinguishers only if the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading, and the room is not filled with smoke.
- Remember the word PASS when using a fire extinguisher:
- Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.