Fire Can Happen Anywhere
Oct. 4, 2018
Now that the weather is turning chillier, the daily routine is changing for Minnesotans. We’re turning on the heat and bringing in space heaters. We’re staying indoors more and cooking there, too. We’re even lighting candles to stave off the darkness.
And because all of these things can start fires, we need to brush up on our fire prevention skills. Fortunately, Fire Prevention Week is coming up, and it’s the perfect time to refresh our memories. Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13 this year, and its theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
It’s worth noting, though, that Minnesota fires are most common in homes. In fact, there were 6,165 structure fires last year, and 4,623 of those were in residential structures. So it’s worth it to take a few minutes at home to think about preventing fires there, with this year’s theme as a jumping-off point:
Look for places fires could start.
Listen for the sound of smoke alarms.
Learn two ways out of every room.
Be aware of the common causes of fire.
Here in Minnesota, residential fires most often start in kitchens. But take a look at any heat sources and make sure anything flammable (think things like magazines and newspapers, furniture, clothing, towels or curtains) is at least three feet from them. That applies to everything from the toaster to the furnace.
If a fire does start in your home, you’ll have only 2 to 3 minutes to get out. A working smoke alarm can buy you the precious seconds you and your family need to escape with your lives intact. So test your smoke alarms monthly and listen for the sound. Don’t forget to change the batteries twice a year, too, and establish a meeting place that’s a safe distance away from your home where everyone can gather after escaping a fire.
Next on the list is learning two ways out of every room. This is an important step in establishing an escape plan, and it involves making sure you can access key doors and windows. Keep them free of clutter and make sure your family knows about them, too.
Lastly, it’s important to be aware of the common causes of fire. We already discussed keeping flammable items three feet away from heat sources. In addition, never leave your cooking unattended – it’s one of the leading causes of residential fires in Minnesota. If you smoke, don’t do so indoors, and dispose of cigarettes properly outside in a sturdy bucket of sand or water.
So when Fire Prevention Week rolls around next week, take a few minutes to look, listen, learn and be aware. It could save your life and that of your family.
