Prevention month focuses on fire prevention in the home
Every year the Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety chooses a theme for Fire Prevention Month (October) in Alaska. The purpose of the theme is to put a special focus on fire prevention efforts relating to the current fire problem in the Alaska. The theme for 2012, “Fire Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility,” emphasizes the need for all Alaskans to focus on fire safe behavior especially in and around their home.
Eighteen Alaskans have tragically lost their lives in fires so far this year. All but one of these fatal fires occurred in residential structures. Fire safe behavior could have prevented these senseless deaths.
Working smoke alarms, practicing fire escape plans, crawling low in smoke and installing residential fire suppression sprinklers are all great ways to protect Alaskans from injury or death in a fire. These tips (secondary prevention) protect Alaskans after a fire starts. Practicing primary fire prevention can keep a devastating fire from starting in the first place.
Keep your home fire safe by following these primary prevention tips:
• Watch What You Heat — Don’t leave cooking unattended.
• Heaters Need Space — Keep combustibles at least 36 inches from heaters.
• Matches and Lighters Are Tools Not Toys — Keep matches and lighters locked up out of children’s reach.
• Candle With Care — Don’t leave candles unattended, consider battery powered candles.
• Don’t Overload Your Outlets — Use fire safe surge protectors, extension cords are for temporary use only, heaters and kitchen appliances should not be plugged into extension cords.
• Alcohol and Fire Don’t Mix — Cooking and smoking under the influence of alcohol or drugs are leading causes of fire fatalities in Alaska.
Alaska State Fire Marshal Kelly Nicolello adds, “Fire safe behavior can keep a fire from starting. Working smoke alarms, planning and practicing your fire escape plan and adding residential fire suppression sprinklers can ensure your family’s safety from a fire.”
For information contact 907-746-5062 or mahlon.greene@alaska.gov.