October Topic
October's topic is Fire Safety. In October, the National Fire Safety Week is held. President Woodrow Wilson declared the first Fire Safety Day on 1920. Fire Safety Week was established by President Coolidge in 1925. Both of these dates were selected to coincide with the Great Chicago Fire on October 9, 1871.
It is important to note that fire safety is important all year round, both for home and business. Everyone needs to make sure that they have the following:
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Working Smoke Alarms- According to National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. They should also be checked each month by pushing the test button Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. And, replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 year old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
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Escape Route- The American Red Cross recommends the following: Identify two ways to escape from every room in the home. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. Select a safe location away from the home where your family can meet after escaping. Consider purchasing and storing escape ladders for rooms above ground level and make sure to learn how to use them. And, if you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out.
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Fire Extinguisher- U.S. Fire Administration, USFA, states that fire extinguishers are for immediate use on small fires only such as a wastebasket. No mater what, the first step is to CALL 9-1-1. USFA also informs that a fire extinguisher should only be used if: Other occupants have been alerted. The fire is small and contained to a single object. That you are safe from toxic smoke. You have means to escape from the fire, and that the fire is not between you and the exit. Never turn your back to the fire. And, that it is the correct type of extinguisher for the material on fire.
Additional Resources:
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