Fire Safety Week: October 6th - 12th - Save Lives - Stop Fires From Starting

Fire Injury Facts

• Fire is the third leading cause of death for children, ages 1 to 14. Every year 500 children (14 and younger) are killed by fire.
• More than 50% of children ages 5 and younger die while asleep during a fire. Most die of smoke inhalation or infection and severe burns to the body.
• A fire department responds to a fire every 21 seconds.
• Home fires account for 92% of civilian fire deaths.
• On average, seven people die in a fire a day.

Fire Prevention Week starts October 6th and runs through October 12th. As a theme for this week, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) announced, "Smoke alarms: make them work for you! as the official theme.

According to the NFPA, having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

Having hard wired, working smoke alarms is critical for fast intervention to save the lives of the most vulnerable residents and their families.

In addition to apparatus for early detection, safe training and practices and tools for subduing fire quickly are paramount in the hands of residents. Following are 6 critical components to stopping fires and saving the lives of children, the elderly, your residents and their families. Think "6 to Save"!

1. Community Awareness - Educate Residents
   • Fire Safety Training: Conduct regular fire safety workshops to educate residents about common fire hazards and prevention techniques.
   • Fire Drills: Organize periodic fire drills to ensure everyone knows the evacuation routes and procedures.
   • Share Information: Distribute fire safety brochures and tips to residents. Utilize apps and online resources, including children in the conversations.
2. Install and Maintain Safety Equipment
   
   1. Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed in every room and test them on a regular cadence, and at minimum annually.
   2. Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations, especially in the kitchen and near exits.
   3. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install and check carbon monoxide detectors to alert residents of dangerous gas levels.
3. Safe Indoor Practices
   
   • Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from the stove.
   • Clean Regularly: Encourage residents to clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can ignite.
   • Stay clear of heat sources; Radiators, heat lamps, space heaters, or other unsafe electrical heating elements.
4. Electrical Safety
   
   • Inspect Wiring: Regularly check electrical wiring and appliances for signs of wear or damage.
   • Avoid Overloading: Do not overload electrical outlets or power strips.
5. Proper Storage of Flammable Materials
   
   • Store Safely: Keep flammable materials in proper containers and away from heat sources.
   • Dispose Properly: Dispose of oily rags and other flammable waste in metal containers with tight-fitting lids.
6. Safe Grilling: Only use grills outdoors and keep them away from structures and overhanging branches.