Fire prevention stresses safety inside the home

We urge readers to pay particular attention to the message of Fire Prevention Week, which is underway.

The calendar is filled with days, weeks and months set aside to draw attention to a wide variety of worthy causes and issues. Often there are several such observances going on at once. A great many of these are worthy of respect and deserve note, but the sheer number of them can make it difficult for people to focus on those that are most important.

With that in mind, we urge readers to pay particular attention to the message of Fire Prevention Week, which is underway. The event offers important lessons that could be the difference in saving lives and avoiding home destruction.

Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

In this region, we have witnessed apartment and nursing home fires that have caused devastation to many families. But we have also witnessed house fires that have resulted in damages and deaths to individuals.

According to the NFPA, house fires are the scene of 80 percent of U.S. fire deaths. In 2017 there were 1.3 million fires reported in the United States, causing 3,400 civilian deaths, 14,670 civilian injuries and $23 billion in property damage.

That was just in one year. The NFPA says that in an average lifetime, each U.S. household has a one in four chance of having a home fire large enough to be reported to a fire department and a 1 in 10 chance someone will suffer an injury in a home fire.

And, NFPA points out cooking is the number-one cause of home fires and injuries, prompting this year’s FPW theme: “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”

The majority of kitchen fires are a result of unattended or careless cooking, states a press release being circulated by the NFPA. People will start something on the stove and then they become distracted and forget, or even worse, fall asleep. “Just be aware,” the release states.

The NFPA also reminds people:

• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.

• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the normal FPW activities in schools and fire department open houses are not being held. Instead, local fire companies are waging social media campaigns to remind people to be safe.

In addition to cooking, fire departments remind residents to check smoke detectors and change batteries. And:

• Make sure home heating equipment is properly maintained. Avoid using portable and fixed space heaters.

• Be extremely careful when using candles. Keep them away from cloth items such as curtains or drapes, and never leave a lit candle unattended.

• And if you must smoke, don’t do it in or near the house. Smoking is often the cause of home fire deaths, according to the NFPA.

As people are caught up these days in the rules and fears associated with an unseen virus, fire department leaders remind us that there are other dangers to avoid, especially at a time when families are spending more time cooking at home.

We remind our readers often to be careful in public. This is a reminder to be careful at home, too. “Serve up fire safety” is a message for this week and every week to protect homes and loved ones from fire tragedy.