Fire Safety
October 5 - 11, 2008 is National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week
Last year, West Virginia's fire departments responded to over 8,000 fires. Thirty-six of these fires resulted in 42 deaths. Every year, common causes of fire include:
- misuse of electrical and heating equipment,
- open flames too close to a fuel source,
- careless smoking, cooking,
- unattended or uncontrolled outdoor burning, and
- arson.
Carol Nolte, Deputy State Fire Marshal for WV State Fire Marshal's Office/Public Education Division urges us all to take time to keep our home safe and has provided us with the following tips.
Remember these tips to keep your family and property safe:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. ALMOST HALF of all home fires started by candles begin in the bedroom. Do not use candles in the bedroom or other areas where people might fall asleep.
- Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn, including curtains, blinds, wallpaper, clothing or any other material that can catch fire.
- Check all electrical appliances and extension cords to make sure they're in good condition. Do not use damaged extension cords.
- Make sure that appliances and lights are plugged into separate electrical outlets.
- Check your clothes dryer after every load to remove lint-which is extremely combustible!
- Remember the 3-foot rule! Keep a safety zone of 3 feet clear around any space heaters, away from upholstered furniture, bedding, curtains, etc.
- Be sure to have your furnace and chimneys inspected regularly.
- If you have fuel-burning appliances using gas, wood, kerosene, etc., it's a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in the vicinity of the sleeping areas of your home. Remember, carbon monoxide is called "the silent killer" - it's odorless, colorless, and is a leading cause of poisoning.
- Don't forget your smoke alarms! Because fire can grow and spread so quickly, having working smoke detectors in your home can mean the difference between life and death. Test them at least once a month, and replace batteries at least once a year-use a birthday or anniversary as a reminder. Replace detectors after 10 years. (learn more about smoke alarms)
- Develop and practice a home escape plan. Make sure your family knows two ways out of each room, a safe meeting place outside, how to call 9-1-1 once they're out, and why they should NEVER go back into a burning house. (learn more about home escape plans)
- If you're thinking about building a home, have a residential sprinkler system installed. Next to preventing fires, sprinkler systems and smoke alarms are your best means of home fire protection.
Learn More
Take the time to learn more about how you can prevent fires in the home.
- West Virginia Fire Safety Resource e-Guide, provided by the WV Fire Marshal's office
- Online Fire Safety class on this Web site
- Holiday Fire Safety, provided by the WV Fire Marshal's office
For more information on home fire safety, visit these Web sites:
