Fire Prevention

Smoke Detectors Save Lives!

Smoke alarms give you the extra time you need to escape if there is a fire. We know that 3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke detector. Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.

Remember to:

  • Test your detector once a month
  • Replace your batteries once a year
  • And replace the detectors every 10 years.

If you need assistance with your smoke detectors, please contact the fire department during business hours at 319-393-4180.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms

You gotta have a plan!

There were 2745 Fire Deaths in the US in 2014. Having smoke detectors will reduce the likely hood you could die in a fire. Having an escape plan and practicing it, particularly with children, will help them know what to do when the alarm sounds.

Make a Plan! Draw a floor plan of your home, particularly the sleeping areas. Indicate the two exits out of each room.

Establish a meeting place outside, where everyone can be accounted for. Then practice your plan!

If windows are part of your plan, make sure they operate and that children that may have to use them know how to operate them. Also discuss options if they sleep on a second floor. Did we mention, to practice the plan? Just a couple times a year, walk through the plan to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to meet up.

For more information, visit: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/escape-planning

What about Infants, Toddlers, and Small Children?

When the children are young, talk with the other adults in the house. Know who is responsible for helping the children get out. As they get older, start with basic fire safety information. Make sure they understand what the smoke detector means. Slowly add in other topics; make sure they understand where to go. Talk to them about their name and address, and how to use 9-1-1. Teach them that lighters and matches are not toys, and they should leave them alone. Kids can have an excellent fire safety foundation well before they reach kindergarten.

For more fun fire safety information visit: http://www.sparky.org/

Cooking Safety

Did you know that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires? The most common cause of this is leaving cooking unattended! Here are some suggestions...

  • Don't use the stove when you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol. A common scenario is someone will come home after a late night out, start to make a snack, then fall asleep with the stove on while waiting for the grease to heat up or the food to cook.
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Particularly frying or broiling.
  • When baking, simmering, or roasting use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
  • Often fires are simply caused by too many combustibles near the cooktop. Keep things that can catch on fire away from the cooktop, things like towels, paper products, and curtains.
  • Remember to keep a lid nearby...if a pan fire starts, "Put a lid on it", turn off the stove, and let it cool off.
  • If the fire is too big, get out and stay out!
  • For oven fires, simply turn off the oven and leave the door shut.

For more information visit http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking/safety-messages-about-cooking