Posted on October 8, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Nearly 150 years ago on this day, the Great Chicago Fire broke out and spread across the city for days.
Every year, the first full week of October is recognized as Fire Prevention Week in the U.S. to commemorate the tragedy that took 300 lives, destroyed thousands of buildings, and caused an estimated $200 million in damages.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost has offered up some safety tips to keep in mind all year long.
Those tips include things you should do such as keeping matches and lighters out of the reach of children and keeping portable space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustibles in all directions as well as things you should never do.
For instance, never leave food unattended while cooking, don’t leave extension cords as a permanent part of an electrical set up, don’t leave heated blankets or electronics on so long that they could catch fire, and never plug portable space heaters into power strips.
There are also a number of tips related to the life-saving devices that every home should be equipped with in order to be alerted to the presence of smoke or fire.
All homeowners should make sure to have at least one working smoke detector on every level of their home and one in every bedroom if the doors are closed.
Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced at least once a year. Any smoke detectors that are more than 10-years-old should be replaced.
To make sure your family is prepared if a fire occurs, practice fire exit drills on a monthly basis and be sure to include at least two ways out of your residence in case one of them is blocked.
For additional information and activities related to National Fire Prevention Week visit nfpa.org.
Showing posts with label Fire Prevention Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fire Prevention Week. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
National Fire Protection Agency Reminds Citizens to Look, Listen and Learn When it Comes to Fire Safety
Posted on October 8, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
With chilly temperatures right around the corner and a plethora of holiday cooking coming up, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent fires and how to react if they strike.
Every year the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recognizes Fire Prevention Week during the month of October. This year’s theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware -fire can happen anywhere.”
The theme identifies three simple but essential ways that people can reduce the risk of fire and be prepared in the event of one.
Individuals should “Look” for places fires can start, such as in the kitchen and near heaters and furnaces. Additionally, people should always be alert and “Listen” for the sound of a smoke alarm. Double check the smoke alarms in your homes to ensure they’re in a working condition.
The final bit of advice from this year’s theme is to “Learn” two ways out of each room. Families are encouraged to go over escape plans with their children frequently enough so that when an emergency happens, they’ll know exactly what to do.
NFPA officials say that while the number of reported home fires in the U.S. has seen a steady decline over the past few decades, the death rate per 1,000 home fires was 10 percent higher in 2016 than it was in 1980.
NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli commented that these numbers show even though significant progress has been made in teaching people how to prevent fires from happening, there’s still much more work to do in terms of educating the public about how to protect themselves when one occurs.
The Starke County COAD, aka Community Organizations Active in Disaster, will be sharing more tips throughout the remainder of Fire Prevention Week. Click the link provided for more details.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
With chilly temperatures right around the corner and a plethora of holiday cooking coming up, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent fires and how to react if they strike.
Every year the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recognizes Fire Prevention Week during the month of October. This year’s theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware -fire can happen anywhere.”
The theme identifies three simple but essential ways that people can reduce the risk of fire and be prepared in the event of one.
Individuals should “Look” for places fires can start, such as in the kitchen and near heaters and furnaces. Additionally, people should always be alert and “Listen” for the sound of a smoke alarm. Double check the smoke alarms in your homes to ensure they’re in a working condition.
The final bit of advice from this year’s theme is to “Learn” two ways out of each room. Families are encouraged to go over escape plans with their children frequently enough so that when an emergency happens, they’ll know exactly what to do.
NFPA officials say that while the number of reported home fires in the U.S. has seen a steady decline over the past few decades, the death rate per 1,000 home fires was 10 percent higher in 2016 than it was in 1980.
NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli commented that these numbers show even though significant progress has been made in teaching people how to prevent fires from happening, there’s still much more work to do in terms of educating the public about how to protect themselves when one occurs.
The Starke County COAD, aka Community Organizations Active in Disaster, will be sharing more tips throughout the remainder of Fire Prevention Week. Click the link provided for more details.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
America Observes Fire Prevention Week
Posted on October 9, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance on record.
First established in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, it was formed in order to commemorate the “Great Chicago Fire” of October of 1871 when more than 250 people died and another 100,000 were left homeless. This year, Fire Prevention Week started on the 8th and runs through the 14th. It serves as a reminder to individuals of all ages to be prepared for when the unexpected may strike.
During this week, parents and teachers are encouraged to go over basic fire prevention and safety tips with students at all levels. The NFPA has a few helpful resources that can help families be prepared in case of a fire.
Have up-to-date smoke detectors with working batteries in each and every room and be sure fire sprinklers are in working condition. Invest in specific stickers that can be placed on the windows of younger children, the disabled or the elderly to assist the fire department in finding rooms that may contain individuals who are unable to escape. Once outside, never return into the burning structure for any reason.
The NFPA advises parents to go over escape plans with children on a semi-regular basis and always include more than one exit strategy. Teach kids to assist themselves in case you’re unable to get to them. Practice during the day and during the night. Be sure your address number is visible and easy for the fire department to find.
To take a quiz to test your preparedness or to find helpful maps and print-outs visit firepreventionweek.org.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance on record.
First established in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, it was formed in order to commemorate the “Great Chicago Fire” of October of 1871 when more than 250 people died and another 100,000 were left homeless. This year, Fire Prevention Week started on the 8th and runs through the 14th. It serves as a reminder to individuals of all ages to be prepared for when the unexpected may strike.
During this week, parents and teachers are encouraged to go over basic fire prevention and safety tips with students at all levels. The NFPA has a few helpful resources that can help families be prepared in case of a fire.
Have up-to-date smoke detectors with working batteries in each and every room and be sure fire sprinklers are in working condition. Invest in specific stickers that can be placed on the windows of younger children, the disabled or the elderly to assist the fire department in finding rooms that may contain individuals who are unable to escape. Once outside, never return into the burning structure for any reason.
The NFPA advises parents to go over escape plans with children on a semi-regular basis and always include more than one exit strategy. Teach kids to assist themselves in case you’re unable to get to them. Practice during the day and during the night. Be sure your address number is visible and easy for the fire department to find.
To take a quiz to test your preparedness or to find helpful maps and print-outs visit firepreventionweek.org.
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