Fire Prevention Week
by Tammy Schmidt
October 07, 2011
October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week, observed every year since 1922 around the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I want to remind parents and caregivers that 89 percent of all fire-related deaths to Kansas children occur in the home.
“Fire is especially dangerous to young children, ages five and under. They don’t recognize the danger and do not know how to react,” says Jan Stegelman, Safe Kids Kansas Coordinator. “Every year, dozens of children die nationwide while trying to escape from fires.” Only one out of four families say they have developed and practiced a fire escape plan.
“Plan two ways out of every room and practice an escape plan monthly when you test your smoke alarm,” says Stegelman. “Designate a safe place to meet outside in the event of a fire emergency. Teach children never to go back into a burning building, even for a pet or favorite toy. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone outside.”
Home fires are most often caused by cooking equipment, especially
by unattended cooking. “Keep children away from cooking and heating appliances. Never leave the kitchen while you are cooking," says Stegelman.
Most fire-related fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation. “A working smoke alarm can provide your family enough time to safely exit and cuts your chances of dying in a fire by nearly half,” says Stegelman. “Put a smoke alarm on every
level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test the alarm every month and change the batteries twice a year.”
Remember to:
-Keep matches, lighters, candles, gasoline and all other flammable materials locked away and out of children’s reach.
-Never leave burning candles unattended. Place candles in a safe location away from combustible material and where children or pets cannot tip them over.
-Place space heaters at least three feet from curtains, papers, furniture and other flammable materials. Make sure heaters are stable and use protective coverings.
Keep Safe-Tammy, RN
