CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – This month, Clay County Fire Rescue is offering tips on the dangers of fire hazards and how to prevent them. October is National Fire Prevention Month.
With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s easy to be distracted, especially in the kitchen, and accidentally start a fire. It only takes a little for the fire to intensify rapidly.
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Knowing these precautions about fire safety, how fires can spread, and how to prevent a threatening fire can save you or your family’s lives.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 156,000 fires occur during the winter holiday season, causing millions in property damage and thousands of injuries.
“The men and women of Clay County Fire Rescue work hard every day to protect, serve, and also educate our residents about fire safety. As we just marked this year’s Fire Prevention Month, we encourage our residents, especially as we head into the colder months, to practice fire prevention, go over their plan as a family, and always know we’re here if they need us,” said Laura Christmas, a Clay County spokeswoman.
A quick reminder: hurricane season is still active and doesn’t end until Nov. 30.
Preparing Kids for A Home Fire
Do your kids know what to do if your home catches fire? Now is the time to practice.
It’s great to practice fire drills with your family and make sure everyone knows where to go. Have at least two ways to get out of the house and set a meeting place in the event everyone gets separated.
Here are a few fun safety and prevention activities for the family.
How to use a fire extinguisher
Get a fire extinguisher and make sure it’s updated. Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date. Place one on each floor of the house and in the garage, too. They, indeed, are lifesavers. Flames shooting up from your stove or grill are a frightening experience, but you can avoid disaster! It’s also important to know how to use one.
The National Safety Council recommends this acronym, PASS, to remember the steps.
- Pull the pin.
- Aim low at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle slowly.
- Sweep the nozzle side to side.
Smoke Detectors & Batteries
Checking that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly can save you and your family’s lives.
Make sure these devices are placed on every level of the home and test them monthly. Replace batteries annually or when needed.
According to Clay County Fire Rescue, “Used batteries, Halloween electronics, and other hazardous items do not go in household waste bins. These items can be properly disposed of at the Rosemary Hill Solid Waste Management Facility in Green Cove Springs.”
Hurricane Season
Let’s not forget that hurricane season ends on Nov. 30, which means fires can still happen easily.
Generators are the leading cause of fires during a hurricane, other than natural disasters caused by downed powerlines, damaged electrical systems, and conditions after a strong hurricane that can promote high-intensity fires such as forest fires.
Holidays
Thanksgiving is the peak of the season for fires, which occur twice as often as the rest of the year. We spend much time in the kitchen cooking fabulous turkey, pumpkin pie, and other delightful traditional dishes.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, turkey fires are the most common and deadly.
“December is a leading month for home fires, largely due to the activities we engage in during the holiday season,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Additionally, an increase in the use of heating equipment, driven by colder temperatures across most of the country, contributes to this heightened risk.”
Fortunately, Carli notes, many winter fires can be averted with added awareness and planning.
“Knowing where potential fire hazards exist and taking basic precautions to prevent them, people can enjoy a festive, fire-free holiday season,” said Carli.
Christmas Trees, decorations, and candles cause the most significant fires.
Pet Fire Safety
According to the American Red Cross, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by fires annually. Learn how to protect your pets today.
“Pets give us comfort and unconditional love, but pets can start fires. The National Fire Protection Association estimates there are 790 house fires started by animals each year. Taking steps to prevent a fire, like keeping pets away from stoves and candles, can help keep you and your home safe.” said Katherine Savage.
Chimneys & Heaters
Many homes in North Florida have chimneys and heaters since it gets cold. It’s easy to forget about cleaning a chimney flue.
Remember to keep your chimneys and vents clean and to have them cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
Heaters can surprise us by setting a fire quickly, especially when we have them plugged in close to us. It’s important to note, do not store items near your heater, such as boxes, clothing, and other items that could ignite.
Other items like draperies and furniture should be close to fireplaces or heaters.
Hotel Fire Safety
Holidays are the busiest time of the year for traveling. We are all visiting family, friends, or just for leisure. It’s important to remember that hotels can have fires, too.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association “Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.”
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage.
For more information regarding fire safety, reach out to your local fire department.