Fire Prevention Week

Oct 5, 2020 | Safety

October 4th is the start of Fire Prevention Week. We have already reviewed work-site housekeeping and fire safety in previous safety messages. Please use the information and guidance provided in this message to help ensure you & family are safe at home. This week is the perfect time to talk to your family and friends about fire safety including testing alarms, changing batteries and where to place the fire extinguishers in your home.

Please see the FREAS SharePoint page under Safety for more information on this topic and a list of recently issued Weekly Safety Messages.

 

Extended Safety Message:

  • The goal of Fire Prevention Month is to raise awareness about fire safety and help ensure your home and family is prepared in the event of an emergency.
  • In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association named a week in October as Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
  • We now celebrate Fire Prevention Week by raising fire safety awareness and educating our employees, families, students and our communities.
  • Improve your home’s safety by testing the alarms regularly and adding more reliable protection when replacing expired alarms.
  • 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.
  • Just 43% of homeowners have a family escape plan.
  • Less than 50% of homeowners have a formal escape plan.
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death in the home.
  • Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home.
  • 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly as recommended by NFPA.
  • Consider upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarm for improved protection, and escape planning.
  • Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention.
  • They work around the clock to give your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, allowing you time to safely escape.
  • Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom. Especially in the kitchen.
  • Don’t forget a fire extinguisher on each level. One in the kitchen, and one in the garage.