Fire Prevention Week 2011

Fire Prevention Week October 9-15, 2011

http://www.firepreventionweek.org

October 9 - 15 is Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week gives the fire service the opportunity to reach out to the community and empower its citizens to prevent home fires and protect their families. According to data from the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System  (MFIRS), there were 32,680 fires reported in Massachusetts during 2010 causing 36 civilian deaths, 2 fire service deaths, 366 civilian injuries, 531 fire service injuries and an estimated $196 million in property damage and 1,169 reported arsons. Each year numerous lives are changed and millions of dollars are lost due to fires. Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and we, in the Massachusetts fire service are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone living in and visiting our state.

• The U. S. Fire Administration's Focus On Fire Safety has good information for Fire Prevention Week.

• NFPA's Focus on Fire Prevention Week provides excellent information for parents, children, teachers, and firefighters to teach fire safety and prevention.

• The Home Safety Council also offers resources on fire prevention for an audience of all ages.

State Fire Marshal Coan offers the following tips for fire safety:

Escape Planning 

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
• Draw a plan of your home, locating all possible exits.
• Keep all exits free of obstacles
• Have the ways out of each room, but develop a primary escape route , which should be the fastest and easiest way out of your home.
• Choose a meeting place for your family, and make sure you practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Smoke Alarms 

• All home in Massachusetts are required to have smoke alarms and most are required to have carbon monoxide alarms.
• For maintenance of your smoke alarms, vacuum or blow dust from the alarms once a month and press the test button.
• Change the batteries on your smoke alarms twice a year, when you change the clocks.
• Replace your smoke alarms with new ones every ten years.

Cooking 

• In the event of a grease fire on your stovetop, place a lid on the pan to smother and put out the fire. Never move a burning pan and never use water or a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.
• Never leave your food, grease, or oil cooking unattended.
• Wear short or tight fitting clothes when cooking.
• If your clothing catch fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove when cooking.

Smoking Materials 

• Quitting is the best way to prevent fire from smoking materials.
• Use a deep, wide ashtray on a sturdy table and make sure the cigarette is completely out, every time.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Never smoke when tired.
• Never smoke when oxygen is used.

• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• In homes with small children, place plastic safety covers on all unused wall sockets and extension-cord receptacles.
• Avoid overloading outlets.
• Always unplug the cord by pulling on the plug and not the cord.
• Don't leave appliances plugged in where they may come into contact with water.

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan is particularly concerned that we might see an increase in heating-related fires this winter.

Call 1-877-9NO-FIRE to reach the Public Education Hotline in the Office of the State Fire Marshal