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Home » Resident Information » Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Week Begins October 5

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A pot holder too close to a lit burner or a space heater left on overnight could be all it takes to start a home fire. In fact, cooking and heating are among the leading causes of home fires in the United States, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

That's why Montana City Volunteer Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA from October 5-11 to urge Northern Jefferson County residents to "Prevent Home Fires" during Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking materials. Additionally, firefighters will be teaching students at Montana City School how to plan and practice escape from their home and school in case a fire occurs.

According the latest research from NFPA, more than 2,500 people died in home fires in the United States in 2006, and 12,500 were injured. Fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires, which accounted for 80% of civilian deaths and 76% of injuries that year.

"While there are a lot of home fires across the nation, the good news is that they are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase their safety from fire," said Rick Abraham, Montana City Fire Chief. "Whether it's smoking outside the home, keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, or staying in the kitchen when you are using the stovetop, there are easy things you can do to keep your home and family safe from fire."

Do you know how to keep your home safe from fire hazards? Reviewing the following information and taking action can help you "Prevent Home Fires" during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time, turn off the stove.
Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
Wood Stove: Have your chimney cleaned annually and keep flammable materials at least six feet away from your wood stove. Store firewood at least 30' away from your home.

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For more information on "It's Fire Prevention Week - Prevent Home Fires!" visit www.firepreventionweek.org

MCVFD firefighter Kirk Taylor teaches Fire Prevention at the Montana City School.