FIRE SAFETY- EVERYONE EVERY DAY

Improper use of electrical appliances, unsafe cooking practices, careless smoking, negligent use of candles, seasonal carelessness. It is bad behaviors like these that cause some of the most deadly disasters in America: FIRES!!!

Did you know that in the United States, small house fires occur every 10 seconds? Did you know that emergency 911 fire calls occur every sixty seconds? Did you know also that every year 5,000 people die from fires? Are there ways to prevent fires? Absolutely!

Examples of fire prevention include utilizing smoke detectors in your home and checking them often to make sure that they are working properly. Only 51% of the 84% of all people who own smoke detectors use them properly. Studies show that 12% of the population that perished in home fires did not have smoke detectors, or smoke detectors that had dead batteries in them. Batteries should be checked monthly and changed every six months.

Another way to prevent fires is to cook with care and not leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended. Careless cooking is the number one cause of residential fires. It is wise to have a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the cooking surfaces in your kitchen. Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition, and turn them off and disconnect them when not in use. Used improperly, an electrical heater can be the most dangerous appliance in your home. Don’t keep rags, newspapers, or any material that will burn next to a heater. And above all, never use a heater when you are not in the room or with young children.

Of paramount importance is acting in a very responsible manner when smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Making sure that your smoking material is disposed of properly after use can help prevent many fires. Never smoke in bed and never when you are abnormally tired. And absolutely never dump an ashtray into the trash without wetting the butts and ashes first.

With the holiday season upon us, it is extremely important to be careful with decorations. Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in numerous injuries as well as fatalities. When buying a tree keep two things in mind. If it is artificial, make sure the label says “Fire Resistant”. Although this label does not mean that the tree won’t catch fire, the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. When purchasing a real tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green and the needles are hard to pull off. Whether the tree you select is real or artificial, never place it near a fireplace, or heating element. Check the electrical lights for fraying wires before you place them on the tree.

Everyone should be cautious of the prospect of a fire. Young children should be taught from an early age that fire is a serious matter. One fourth of all fire related deaths are from fires started by children. Always keep lighters, matches, and lit candles out of the reach of children. In the opposite realm, statistics show that people over the age of 65 slow down and have a longer reaction time in realizing a fire is present. This can be very serious, even fatal.

The most important plan for preventing fire is to think ahead. Prepare a floor plan of your house that shows at least two exits in case one way is blocked. Easy to use escape ladders are available for as little as $90.00. These are especially useful if you have a fire on the upper floor. Also agree on a location out of doors where family members can gather.

As stated above, fire prevention is extremely important. Don’t become a statistic!

Booth Hill School

Mrs. C. Margait Room 117

Written by

Jenna DePasquale

Alex Dripchak

Jay Ghassem-Zadeh