|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
  
|
DePasquale offers safety tips for National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11
HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, announced that next week, Oct. 5-11, is National Fire Prevention Week, which takes aim at stopping fires and protecting life and property all year round.
DePasquale said the commemoration was started in 1911 by the Fire Marshals Association of North America (now known as the International Fire Marshals Association) on the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in memory of the overall loss caused by that conflagration and the sacrifices people made during it.
"Fire prevention is vital for minimizing injuries and accidents," DePasquale said. "I'm proud to acknowledge all of our volunteer and career firefighters this week and throughout the year."
DePasquale suggested that residents consider the following safety tips to help prevent fires throughout the year:
Basic Safety Tips:
Many fires happen because people engage in risky behavior or fail to fireproof their homes. People can prevent fires by simply following common sense and planning tips, such as:
- Maintaining and not misusing electrical devices. Use caution when plugging in outlets. Do not overload an outlet and use extreme care with extension cords.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Make sure to extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving a building.
- Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Have all flammable items such as bedding, clothes and curtains at least 3 feet away from portable heaters, registers or lit candles.
- Never operate appliances or electric blankets that have frayed power cords.
Fire Safety Checklist:
Always keep the following fire safety checklist in mind to keep your family and home safe from fire:
- Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and change the battery at least once a year. Spring and fall remain the best time to change batteries, particularly when setting clocks forward and back regarding Daylight Savings Time.
- Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
- Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire.
- Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
- Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches. Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.
To find free fire safety educational games and interactive resources on fire prevention, visit the Sleep Products Safety Council Web site at www.safesleep.org. You also can find more fire safety and prevention lists at these Web sites: www.firepreventionweek.org and www.nfpa.org.
###slb/2008/agh l:'print'releases' FirePreventionWeek.095
|
|