Since 1922, October has been the month we recognize National Fire Prevention Week, which this year runs from October 7 through 13. According to the National Fire Protection Association's website (www.nfpa.org) Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2012 is "Have 2 Ways Out!" stressing the importance of having two escape routes in the event a fire strikes your home. It is said that a fire doubles in size every minute, and especially with the recent rash of arsons plaguing Troy, it is even more important to have two escape routes out of your home that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced.
The NFPA has a lot of helpful information and tips on planning your family's escape route. The plan begins with making sure that every room where people sleep has a working smoke alarm. The batteries should be tested regularly to ensure they're still working properly.
Other recommendations: have a designated meeting place outside the home, make sure your house number is visible so that first responders get to you quicker and once you're out stay out.
One component of having an escape route should include making a map of your home indicating all windows and doors that can be used to get outside if the smoke alarm sounds. It's important all routes out of the house are clear, free of clutter and can be opened easily.
They also note the importance of everyone in your family knowing how to get low and go under smoke, in case you're required to escape through smoke.
There are still more points and much more information on their website, including a helpful program to map your house and the various escape routes.
For renters, your landlord should provide you with the appropriate amount of smoke alarms for your unit. According to Section 176-25 of the Troy City Code "at least one single-station smoke-detecting alarm device, located on or near the ceiling, shall be installed ... adjacent to sleeping spaces within rented dwelling units."
What are some of the main causes for fires? The NFPA compiled statistics that show "cooking has been the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries since 1990" and that it "is responsible for 42 percent of all reported home fires, 15 percent of fires resulting in a death, and 37 percent of injuries resulting from a home fire."
Other top causes for fire: falling asleep while smoking a cigarette, leaving burning candles unattended and faulty heating equipment.
Additional helpful resources include Sparky.org where Sparky the Firedog has lots of fun activities for kids helping them to learn the importance of fire safety at home. Also, there is SmokeyBear.com where Smokey the Bear has tips for preventing wildfires.
It's important to note that pulling a fire alarm is never a joke or a prank. Firefighters are always prepared to respond to the worst and activating a false alarm could be taking them away from an actual emergency, increasing their response time elsewhere, and thereby putting other people in danger.
Personally, I'm the son of a 28-year career firefighter and know what it's like visiting my Dad in the hospital for injuries resulting from his duty. Preventing fires not only keeps your family safe and personal belongings from being destroyed but prevents firefighters from having to put themselves in harm's way, which they do bravely and willingly.
To all those in the firefighting family, including Troy's Bravest and those firefighters in our Armed Forces: thank you and stay safe.