Emergency Management

Putting Out Fires: Oct. 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 11, 2011

Fire – including smoke – ranks as the sixth leading cause of unintentional death, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). To help raise awareness and keep people safe and prepared, NSC is promoting National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9-15.

Laura Walter

“As we head into the cooler months, risk of fire increases for reasons such as a greater use of heating equipment. Fire Prevention Week is a great time to focus on how to prevent and fight unexpected fires,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of NSC.

According to NSC, 3,200 people died in incidents related to fire, smoke and flames in 2009. NSC offers the following tips to help prevent deadly fires:

· Have properly working smoke alarms.
· Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least annually.
· Place smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in each bedroom.
· Plan a family escape route and practice it once a month.
· Install a home sprinkler system.
· Place fire extinguishers throughout your home and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them.

NSC, which partnered with Amerex and First Alert for this event, offers fire safety tools and information on its Fire Prevention Week Web site. NSC’s safety checklist can be downloaded as a PDF.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.