Each year, the week surrounding the date of October 9th is celebrated as National Fire Prevention Week. Why October 9th? The date commemorates the infamous Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed 250 people and destroyed over 17,000 homes.
From October 5-11, 2008, CAL FIRE and fire departments across the country will be encouraging their communities to check their homes for fire hazards. With a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials is within their power.
1. Cooking with Care
2. Home Heating
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
Turn portable space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
3. Everyday Electrical Safety
Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
Never use extension cords for permanent wiring. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
4. Strike Out Smoking Related Fires
If you smoke, smoke outside.
If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes.
Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used.
Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet, out of the reach of children.
