09.16.2008
National Fire Prevention Week - October 5-12, 2008
Jonathan Wood, MD
On October 8-9 1871, the Great Chicago Fire of sent a shock around the country. The fire destroyed over 17,000 structures, killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 homeless. On those same days in 1871, a fire in northern Wisconsin swept through 16 towns killing over 1100 people and burning 1.2 million acres. These fires resulted in an increased public awareness in the United States about the devastating potential of fires. Public programs were started around the country. In 1920, President Wilson proclaimed that National Fire Prevention Week will occur annually on the week that contains October 9th, in commemoration of the two 1871 disasters. Subsequently, Fire Prevention Week has become the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
With the recent events in Milo and with Fire Prevention Week just around the corner, it seems a good time to review some simple principles of fire safety and prevention. In 2007, home structure fires accounted for 26% of reported fires in the United States, and yet these fires were responsible for 84% of all civilian fire deaths. This underscores the importance of education on the topic of home fires.
A good rubric for remembering the ways to keep your home “fire safe” is the Three P’s:
- Prevention
- Protection
- Planning
See below for brief details - - more info on these concepts can be found at http:// www.nfpa.org
Prevention:
There are many ways to minimize the fire risk to your home and family. A few of the more prominent ones are as follows - -
- Don’t overload power outlets
- Minimize extension cord use and tend to frayed electrical wires
- Take care around woodstoves and fireplaces (screens, children, etc)
- Practice cigarette safety
- Teach children about fire danger
Protection:
Some of the ways you can protect your family in the unfortunate case as a house fire - -
- Be sure you have working smoke detectors strategically placed in your home
- Have fire extinguishers in the kitchen and anywhere else where there is clear fire risk
- Consider purchasing a “fire blanket” or learning about the principle of smothering early fires
- Teach the principle of “stay low and go” as part of your family’s fire education
- After leaving a fire, never under any circumstances, re-enter the building