Sadly, one in seven people die in home fires each day in the United States. Don’t become a statistic, it is never too late to implement fire safety practices.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, three out of five fire deaths in the home happen when smoke alarms do not function. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in home fires by half. The NFPA’s campaign, “don’t wait – check the date,” reminds us to check how old alarms are and make sure batteries are still functioning.
Alarms should be replaced 10 years from the date stamped on the alarm. To check how old a smoke alarm is, look at the side or back of the alarm for its manufacturing date. When checking the manufacturing date of alarms, be sure to check the battery. Checking the battery on a routine basis can ensure the safety of your family and home. When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead.
Fire extinguishers can also be a lifesaver. Many extinguishers for the home can be purchased at most retail stores. It is recommended to have an extinguisher on each floor of the home.
The most important safety tool is a fire plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out in a hurry and where to meet outside. Once outside and a good distance away from the fire, call 911.
Fire prevention awareness first began with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless while destroying more than 17,400 structures and burning more than 2,000 acres. The fire ignited Oct. 8 and continued to burn into the next day. The NFPA jumpstarted their fire prevention campaign, to help prevent another disaster like what was experienced in 1871.
As a retired firefighter, I have extinguished countless fires and seen many families uprooted due to fires that could have been prevented. Please make sure your smoke alarms function, consider purchasing a home fire extinguisher and develop a fire plan to keep your loved ones, and home, safe.
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State Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents House District 67, which includes Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frye can be downloaded by clicking here.
