Fire Prevention Month

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (712) 262-4379

October has been designated as National Fire Prevention Month - a time when public service departments across America join forces to spread the word about fire safety. The goal is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family is protected. This is a perfect time to educate and talk with your whole family about fire safety. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), seven people die every day from home fires on average, taking more lives each year than all other natural disasters in the U.S. When it comes to keeping our families and homes safe, there are many steps we can take to prevent fires. 

Top Tips for Fire Safety 

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
• Test smoke alarms every month and change the batteries every six months. 
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan at least twice a year. 
• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP! Never go back inside for anything or anyone. 

7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

1. Install the right amount of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace batteries every six months.
2. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do if they hear one. 
3. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home. 
4. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another. 
5. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell "Fire" to alert everyone that they must get out. 
6. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
7. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire. 

The Importance of Fire Extinguishers

Just how critical are fire extinguishers? Fire extinguishers are extremely important. In many cases they are the first line of defense and often contain or extinguish a fire, preventing costly damage or death. Fire extinguishers are often overlooked devices that can be a key component towards keeping you safe during a fire emergency situation. It's important to understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. If you do not know how or when to use fire extinguishers contact your local fire department. 

5 Primary Types of Fire Extinguishers 

• A - Used for ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.
• B - Used for combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.
• C - Used with electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in. 
• D - For use with flammable metals.
• K - For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances. 

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled "B-C" or "A-B-C." Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C. 

Teach People How to Use a Fire Extinguisher 

When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

Pull the pin, Hole the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side. 

Importance of Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Remember to check extinguishers for:

Easy access in an emergency

Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.

The recommended Pressure Level 

Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.

Working Parts

Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles aren't damaged, dented, or rusted.

Cleanliness

Remove any dust, oil, or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.

Guidelines and Instructions 

some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly, others need to be pressure tested every few years. 

Fires are a tragic occurrence that can have life-changing effects on many aspects of your family's lives. It's so important for everyone in your family to be aware of proper fire prevention and safety. While home fires are a risk for any family, taking the proper precautions and having a plan of action could be life-saving if the worst should ever happen.  In the unfortunate event that your home suffers a fire damage emergency SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is here for you with 24-Hour Emergency Service. Have any questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call us today - (712) 262-4379