The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) educates the public about fire safety year-round. Still, early October kicks off the NFPA’s public service campaign to increase fire prevention awareness. Each year’s campaign delivers a themed message about fire prevention; this year, the NFPA urged public awareness about the importance of smoke alarms.
Black Jack Fire Protection District believes residents should feel empowered about fire safety and prevention. Our crews focus the entire month of October on fire prevention education. This October, get fired up about Fire Prevention Month; talk about these important safety topics, and take action to protect your family and property.
Table of Contents:
Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You
How to Create a Fire Safety Plan for the Home
Be Fire Smart in the Kitchen
Kids Fire Safety Topics and Tips
Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You
The 2024 Fire Prevention Week was Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You. Black Jack Fire Protection District urges all residents to test their smoke detectors yearly. Smoke
detectors save lives and warn residents to get out NOW.
When the Clocks Fall Back, Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Batteries in smoke detectors need to be changed twice a year. The best method for changing batteries is to swap them out when Daylight Saving Time begins (Spring forward) and when it concludes (Fall back, turning back the clock).
When to Replace Smoke Detectors
All smoke detectors must be replaced after ten years or when they stop responding when tested. Also, smoke detectors should be replaced when moving into a new home if the age of the smoke detectors is unknown.
Where to Install Smoke Detectors
Every floor of the home must include a working smoke detector. In addition, smoke detectors should be installed in each bedroom, hallway, kitchen, and basement.
How to Test Smoke Detectors
All smoke detectors feature a test button. Simply press this button to activate the test function.
Low-Frequency Smoke Detectors
Some individuals who are hearing impaired need low-frequency smoke detectors. These devices can be purchased online.
How to Create a Fire Safety Plan for the Home
All households should discuss a fire safety evacuation plan. Help children understand how they should escape the home in the event of a fire. Designate a meet-up spot for all family members to safely unite in the event of an emergency.
Fire safety plans should offer several different escape routes and strategies. This helps everyone understand the different escape options available.
Be Fire Smart in the Kitchen
In 2021, around 170,000 cooking fires led to the dispatch of fire crews. These fires led to 135 deaths, thousands of injuries, and nearly $500 million in property loss. The crews at Black Jack remind you to be “fire smart” in the kitchen; follow these kitchen safety tips to prevent cooking fires:
Use a grease pan in the oven. Some casseroles and other dishes drip grease while cooking. When grease lands on heating elements, it can lead to a fire. Use a grease pan to catch the drips or a cooking sheet as a D.I.Y. grease pan.
Turn down the heat. Cooking food at temperatures that are too high leads to food boiling over onto stove burners, which can ignite a fire. Adjust the heat to avoid spills and accidents.
Never place flammable items near stove burners. Towels and other items can quickly ignite.
Keep an ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen. An ABC extinguisher can extinguish all types of fires, including grease fires. Keep one on hand.
Use salt or baking soda to extinguish grease fires. Both salt and baking soda can be sprinkled on a grease fire to extinguish it in a pinch.
Kids Fire Safety Topics and Tips
October is the ideal time to talk to children about fire safety and prevention. In 2022, fires claimed the lives of 303 children (ages 0 to 14). Here are ten fire safety tips for parents to discuss with their children.
Never play with matches, candles, or lighters. The small flame can ignite clothes or other flammable materials.
Stop, drop, and roll. If a child’s clothing catches fire, teach them to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flame.
Feel a door handle before exiting any room in the home during a fire. Metal door handles become very hot when a fire is on the other side of the door.
Remind kids to get low when exiting a smoky home during a fire. Crawl on the floor beneath the smoke; this ensures they will not inhale the dangerous smoke. Also, teach them to cover their mouths with their clothing, a blanket, or other piece of fabric.
Explain P.A.S.S. to children as an easy way to help them learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep!
Never, ever go back into a home when there is a fire.
If a child suffers from a burn from touching a hot surface, encourage them to use cool water to soothe the pain. Butter is a myth.
During winter, space heaters are common in many homes. Instruct children to stay away from space heaters.
Always encourage children to stay at least six feet away from bonfires and campfires. When cooking S’mores, an adult should always be present.
Hot surfaces are dangerous. Children should never touch a stove or oven when it’s hot. These hot surfaces can also ignite clothing.
Be Fire Safe October and All Year!
During Fire Prevention Month, discuss fire prevention and practice emergency evacuation plans. Remember to change the batteries in smoke detectors when the clocks fall back. Test smoke detectors regularly and make sure working smoke detectors are installed throughout the home!
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