October is Fire Safety Awareness Month

It is beginning to feel like fall. The temperature has dropped and I’ve started to think about putting away shorts and unpacking sweaters, and storing outdoor furniture and finding the fireplace tools. It’s also time to think about and practice fire safety, especially fire safety at home. Why? Nearly 3,000 people die in residential fires every year in this country. Many of those deaths could have been prevented.

Install smoke alarms.

About two-thirds of deaths caused by residential fires occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  They should be installed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms. Be sure they are installed and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. If you have smoke alarms older than 10 years, replace them. Installing and maintaining smoke alarms can significantly reduce your risk of dying from a home fire.

Make an escape plan.

It can take less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire.  Escape plans help you use every second to get out of the house. Plan two ways to get out of each room. If one way is blocked by flames or smoke, you will need a second way out.  Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed. Schedule time every month to practice your escape plan.

Practice fire safety.

Did you know that fires commonly start in bedrooms? These fires may be caused by overloading extension cords or by using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Bedroom fires are also caused by children who play with matches and careless smoking by adults.

The kitchen is another room in which you should practice fire safety. Prevent cooking fires by  attending to your cooking; keep your sleeves (as well as curtains, towels and pot holders) away from heat sources, turn pan handles inward, and clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.

For more information on these and other fire safety tips, visit fireSafety.GOV . In addition, you will find fun learning activities and games for children.

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