When is the last time you checked your smoke alarm? If you don”t know or can”t remember, then it probably doesn”t work. If it doesn”t work, it is useless in a fire. 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 National Fire Protection Association.
According the latest research from NFPA, more than 2,500 people die in home fires and over 12,500 are injured each year in the United States. Fire departments respond to over 396,000 home fires yearly, which account for 80 percent of civilian deaths and 76 percent of injuries.
“Many home fires are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase their safety from fires,” said Columbus Fire Chief Kenneth Moore. “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, however, the most important things are working smoke alarms and a family escape plan.”
Columbus Fire and Rescue urges you to review the following information. Taking action using these few simple steps can help you prevent tragedies from fires.
- 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.
- Have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and have an escape plan that the entire family can follow.
If you have questions about fire safety, please contact Columbus Fire and Rescue, 662-329-5121.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 26 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
