Now is the time of year that dryers, furnaces, and fireplaces are most likely to cause an accidental house fire. Household fires are often preventable, but not 100 percent of the time. It’s our goal, and the goal of
numerous professionals across the U.S., to keep families and homes safe from damaging and life-threatening fires. That is why we’re happy to be involved with Fire Prevention Week each year.
Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire Can Happen Anywhere.
This year’s campaign is focused on the fact that a fire can have almost any origination and through preparation and awareness, most can be prevented. When a fire cannot be prevented, there are ways to escape safely. Look, listen, learn, and be aware—this is the message the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) aims to share this year for Fire Prevention Week, and we want to help.
LOOK for Risk Factors
Take the time during Fire Prevention Week to look around your home and even your yard to identify potential fire hazards, such as outdoor firepits and wood piles, indoor messes and exposed electrical wires. There are numerous potential fires to look for from the scented candle in the bathroom to the hand towel laying too near the kitchen stove. Candles, ashtrays, clothes dryers, and space heaters also raise the risk for fires.
LISTEN for the Smoke Alarm
When a smoke alarm is properly installed and batteries are changed regularly, you can feel safer in your home through every season. Your smoke alarm will alert you BEFORE a fire occurs (when the toaster, oven, or stove smokes, for instance), give you time to extinguish a small, very minor fire, and give you time to escape a serious fire. Listen for your smoke alarm. Never disable the smoke alarm.
LEARN How to Safely Escape
When a fire occurs in your home, it is safest to escape. Attempting to extinguish the fire can result in injury, loss of life, and can waste valuable time that you could have escaped or helped family members to escape. Learn at least two ways to escape and practice it with family.
Did You Know?
Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed a national observance by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925. Each year fires are responsible for over 3,000 deaths, nearly 16,000 injuries, and over $11 billion in property loss, according to the US Fire Administration. This is the best time for you to remember your own fire safety and to take steps to prevent it in your home.
Fire Safety Tips
- Practice fire safety
- Burn proper wood
- Schedule chimney services
- Use your fireplace or fire appliance properly
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
If you’re not 100 percent certain that your fireplace and chimney system are ready for burn season, contact a Brickliners professional today. Call 802-872-0123 or schedule online.
