This week marks the 100th annual Fire Prevention Week in the U.S. The nationally observed week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which happened Oct. 8-10, 1871. The disaster killed an estimated 300 people, displaced more than 100,000 others and destroyed about 17,500 buildings.
Fire safety has come a long way since the Great Chicago Fire, but it’s important to remember that fire prevention is a team effort. Everyone is responsible for averting fires before they even start.
In recognition of fire prevention week, Polk County Fire Rescue is highlighting the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) top 10 fire safety tips. Following these pointers are some of the biggest ways people can help prevent fires.
Top 10 Fire Safety Tips
- Practice kitchen safety
Stay in the kitchen when you are actively cooking food. If you have to leave, turn off the stove. - Leave space for space heaters
Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep. - Smoke outside
If you smoke, do it outside. Ask guests to smoke outside, and keep deep, sturdy ashtrays for them to use. - Keep fire starters out of reach
Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children. It’s best to store them in a cabinet with a child lock. - Check electric cords
Replace any cords that are cracked or damaged. Ensure cords do not have any broken plugs or loose connections. - Be careful with candles
Keep candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn. Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep. - Make a home fire escape plan
Draft a plan to evacuate your home in the event of a fire. Practice the plan at least twice a year. - Install smoke alarms
Set up smoke alarms on every floor of your home, both inside and outside bedrooms. Connect the smoke alarms so they all sound together. - Maintain smoke alarms
Test smoke alarms at least once a month. Replace batteries yearly, or when the alarm chirps to signal a low battery. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old. - Install sprinklers
Set up residential fire sprinklers if you are building or remodeling your home. Sprinklers can contain and possibly extinguish a fire before firefighters even arrive.
This year, the NFPA is also highlighting the importance of lithium-ion battery safety. Those are the batteries that power technology like phones and laptops. The NFPA is advising people to charge devices safely, recycle batteries responsibly and buy products that meet safety standards.
Remember, following these tips can help save lives and property. Some demonstrate how fire safety has improved over the last century, but it’s still important to do your part.
If you would like more information about Fire Prevention Week, you can visit the NFPA website.
If you want to learn more about Polk County Fire Rescue, use the PCFR website.