Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? October 3rd-9th is a selected week dedicated to raising fire safety awareness. During this month, week, and throughout the year, the American Red encourages people to practice fire safety.
What you need to know…
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect opportunity to talk with your loved ones about fire safety. This includes the importance of changing batteries, testing alarms, fire extinguisher and escape route planning. First Alert is the #1 brand in fire safety and give usual information about fires and the safety precautions you should be taking. Here’s some facts that they give…
- 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
- Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US
- 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
- Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
- Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan*
- Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires
You may wonder, what can I do to protect my home and loved ones? Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and others.
- Have functioning alarms installed AND working
- Smoke & CO alarms placed on every level of the home.
Here’s where everything should be placed:
Smoke Alarms
Have your smoke alarms on every level and in every room
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
One on every level and in every bedroom
Fire Extinguisher
One on every level, plus kitchen and the garage
Be sure to research more about fire safety and how you can take precautions to avoid a fire tragedy happening to you or a loved one. Home fires are the nation’s biggest disaster threat. Red Cross states that they respond to a disaster every eight minutes. And sadly, home fires take an average of seven lives a day. Home fires are most often caused by cooking along with heating equipment. This means that the risk of having a home fire is increased during the holidays and cold weather. Be sure that you have plans in place that will help you prevent and prepare for home fires.
Best,
Danielle Morrow
Marketing Specialist