By Fiona de Young
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and older adults are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time to make sure they stay safe.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, beginning October 9th, founded in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. Rincon Valley Fire District wants to share these tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe in case of home fire. Start by creating a home fire escape plan for your household:
• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
Our stations have coloring books that go over the home escape plan. Please feel free to stop by and pick one up! And remember, when you hear a beep, get on your feet – smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.
October and the start of fall weather is a good time to get fire safety on your radar, especially as temperatures cool off and we head into the holiday season. We are always happy to discuss safety with you. For additional information, please call us at (520) 647-3760.
We are always happy to discuss safety with you, call the Rincon Valley Fire District at (520) 647-3760 for more information.
