Look, Listen, and Learn. . . Fire Prevention Week 2018

It’s that time of year again, when our local Fire Departments take the time to remind our communities just how important Fire Safety is. Within the walls of our homes, schools, workplaces, churches, malls, restaurants, and any other places that people congregate, there is a great need to make sure that people of all ages are  educated, equipped, and always prepared to tackle any Fire Emergency they may encounter! From small kitchen fires, to unexpected car fires, to life threatening fires that destroy everything in their  path, having a plan will increase your odds of staying safe. This year’s Fire Prevention theme is “Look, Listen, and Learn”. . .

LOOK for places that a fire can start

LISTEN for the sound of the smoke alarm

LEARN two ways out of each room.

Chances are that remembering these three simple suggestions are your best bet for keeping your family safe in the event of a fire.

Did you know that 4 out of 5 local fires will occur in the home? Those staggering statistics stress how important it is that your entire family have a fire safety plan in place. Talk about Fire Safety, discuss your plan, and practice your escape route on a regular basis. Make sure that everyone knows to get out of the house immediately, to go straight to the meeting place, to call 911, and to never ever go back inside under any circumstances! Don’t live in fear of fire, but live in knowledge, protecting your family the best that you can.

REMOVE ALL  clutter from your cooking area (towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or loose papers)

KEEP AN EYE on what you are cooking (do not walk away from the stove to answer the phone or the door, stay put until you have finished cooking and have turned off the stove)

MAKE SURE ALL major appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators and stoves) are plugged into a main wall receptacle outlet. (DO NOT use extension cords)

COOL DOWN small appliances before putting them away. (toasters, coffee makers, or small cooking appliances retain heat even after they’ve been unplugged)

CLEAN ALL heating equipment and chimneys each year by a registered professional. (getting rid of any excess debris will help protect you from a fire)

TURN OFF space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. (even though they are small, space heaters can catch on fire easily and need to be watched at ALL times)

NEVER leave candles unattended. (it just takes a small spark to quickly ignite an entire room in flames, if possible, use battery operated candles)

BEFORE throwing away cigarette butts and ashes, make sure they are out by dousing them with water or sand. (never empty out ashtrays in potted plants, mulch, or anything that could ignite easily)

Try your best to follow these simple suggestions and be aware of everything around you. Equip each floor of your home with a fire alarm and fire extinguisher. If you hear a fire alarm go off, take it  seriously.  Change alarm batteries regularly, and discuss and practice Fire Safety plans often. Taking the time and effort to implement all of these things on a regular basis, will help to ensure your family’s safety and your own peace of mind.

Always remember to “Look, Listen, and Learn” today and every day, and teach others in your community to do the same.

Visit your local Fire Department, send them a donation, write them a thank you note, tour their facilities and shower them with accolades . . . each and every day they put their lives on the line for everyone in your community, so don’t be shy about saying “thanks”!

Remember, in the event of a fire call 911 immediately . . . and in the event of fire damage,  call Duraclean Services @ 410-838-7330 for Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration, Pack-Outs, Repairs & Full Reconstruction.

Wishing you and your family safety and protection today and every day! – Duraclean Services