Fire Safety Tips

In 1922, Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

During the Great Chicago Fire, more than 250 people were killed, 100,000 were left homeless, and 17,000+ buildings burned over a span of 2000+ acres. 1871 also saw the most devastating forest fire in American History, the Preshtigo Fire, which burned down 16 midwestern towns, killed 1,152 people and rampaged across 1.2 million acres before it was extinguished. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, which is longest running public health and safety observance. It is now succeeded by Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Month.

The goal of Fire Prevention Week (October 8^th – 14^th) and Fire Prevention Month (October) is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families.

To help you create a safe home for your family, we’ve compiled this quick list of fire safety tips. Whether you rent or own, you should abide by the tips on this list, all recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, the Red Cross, and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Indoor Fire Safety Tips

1. Never walk away from the stove when cooking, frying, or using a hot cooktop. Limit distractions. Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels and food packaging clear of the heat source.
2. Store a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, in the garage, and anywhere else flame hazard might exist. Ensure that they are up to code and not expired.
3. Keep matches and lighters out of reach. Keep flashlights and batteries close by to provide a light source during power failure to limit the need for candlelight.
4. Inspect electrical cords and replace cords that are damaged or loose. Use power strips with lighted override switches, but don’t overload sockets. Never run extension cords under carpets. Avoid using extension cords with space heaters.
5. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Add wire baskets for heat tools to keep the bathroom countertop clear.
6. Keep candles within a safe distance of other objects and never fall asleep with them lit.
7. Test smoke alarms. When you change the clocks, change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Consider strobing alarms or other alert devices for family members who are deaf or hard of hearing.
8. Never leave a space heater or heated blanket powered on when you leave the room.
9. Have a family escape plan, showing multiple exits from every room, and designate a meeting place outside the home. Keep a rope ladder for second-floor escape routes. Rehearse this annually with children.
10. Keep stairways, hallways and doorways clear. Install motion lights or night lights.
11. Have your furnace and boiler inspected and your chimney cleaned annually.
12. If you live in a NYC Apartment, familiarize yourself with the NYC.Gov Residential Fire Safety Checklist. which includes important information about window security and child safety window guards, and fireproof vs non-fireproof buildings.

Outdoor Fire Safety Tips

1. Use firepits or outdoor fireplaces at least 10 feet away from your home or outdoor storage units. Use a metal screen to keep sparks from floating out and keep hands safe.
2. Watch children and pets closely when a fire is lit.
3. Always turn off or put out fires before you leave the yard.
4. Never burn leaves or other detritus that could create flying embers.
5. Only use propane, charcoal and wood barbecue grills outdoors. Use a metal can to store or extinguish burned coals. Clean your grill to remove grease that could start a fire.
6. Place grill away from the home’s siding, railing and out from underneath overhanging branches. Never grill on a balcony.

Fire Safety at Home

First safety is not limited to in-home smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, though they are very important fire prevention tools to have and use. This October, complete an inspection of your home, inside and out, to ensure you’re taking fire safety seriously all year round.

Information from:

State Farm

USFA

NFPA 

NYC.Gov

Red Cross

Related Article: Home Maintenance Checklist for October