October is Fire Safety Month
Each October, fire departments around the U.S. take time to educate families and communities about fire safety. This year, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) campaign is “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape.” In addition to having an escape plan in case of a fire, there are several things to be aware of when it comes to fire safety and prevention. Test smoke alarms Pressing the test button on your smoke detectors once a month is a quick and easy way to keep you and your family safe. When the batteries are dying, you’ll hear a chirping sound. However, alarm sensors wear out after about ten years, so batteries aren’t the only thing you need to be aware of. Don’t leave candles burning When you’re leaving the room or going to sleep, blow out candles. Anything burning shouldn’t be left unattended, and you should keep candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn. Be attentive when cooking Never leave a hot stovetop unattended, as accidents can happen quickly. Keep any flammable items, like towels or wooden spoons, away from the stovetop when not in use. According to First Alert, unattended cooking is the #1 cause of house fires. Don’t run the dryer when you’re gone A clogged lint filter and vent pipe can cause a dryer fire to start, so don’t throw clothes into the dryer and leave the house. To prevent a fire, clean the lint filter before and after each load, and clean the vent pipe at least once a year. If you do laundry often, then clean it two or three times a year. Teach kids about fire safety While you may know how to prevent fires, your kids don’t unless you tell them. Teach them to never play with matches, the oven, or stove, and talk to them about fire escape plans. Accidents happen, like knocking over a candle, which is also why you shouldn’t leave a candle burning when you’re not in the room. Make sure you know where your fire extinguishers are and how to use them. In condos and townhomes, know where the nearest exits are, and remember to never take the elevator in the event of a fire.
October is Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Prevention Month. The goal is to raise awareness about fire safety and to help ensure preparation should an emergency occur. In a community association, a fire in one unit impacts more than just that unit. Often times there is smoke and/or water damage to adjacent units – especially in an apartment style condominium building. It’s also that time of year where furnaces are started up for the season and carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a concern. According to First Alert’s website: 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home. This month, consider reaching out to your members to discuss fire safety – including testing alarms, changing batteries, upgrading old alarms, and escape planning.