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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Preventing Home and Farm Fires
LOUISVILLE, KY, February 11, 2008: People living in rural areas are especially susceptible to fire loss. Their isolation, the length of time it takes for a local fire department to respond and the additional hazardous materials often stored on farm property all increase the likelihood that a small fire will become a life threatening event. The destruction of property and irreplaceable possessions can cause great emotional suffering as well.
Approximately 5,000 people die in fires every year, according to the National Safety Council. Kentucky Farm Bureau suggests a two-prong approach to fire safety in a farmhouse or in a rural community.
Prevention is the first step.
Regularly inspect your house and outbuildings for fire hazards. Check the electrical system, electrical appliances and equipment, fuel storage, heater and heating system. Make needed repairs or replacements without delay. Don't overload circuits or bypass fusing.
Remove trash, stacks of papers and other unneeded combustibles that could feed a fire.
Read and follow instructions with portable heaters. Place them where they won't ignite combustibles or be tipped over. Never use gasoline in kerosene heater, and make certain gasoline and kerosene containers are clearly marked to avoid a mix-up. Never use a kerosene or gas-fired heater in a closed area. Keep at least 3 feet between a portable heater and the wall or other objects. Install and use woodburning stoves as directed in the manuals or other literature. Screen fireplaces. Keep chimneys and flues free of obstructions and creosote buildup.
Have your furnace checked annually by a professional. Clean or change filters regularly.
Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
Don't smoke in bed nor when drowsy. Don't smoke when you use flammable materials nor in places that have readily combustible materials such as hay, straw, dry weeds, grain dust, etc. Make sure your cigarette or match is out before you discard it.
Proper preparation in case of a fire includes early warning and fire extinguishers, as well as having a prearranged and practiced emergency plan. Be aware that most fires in the home happen between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Most victims die from smoke and poisonous gas inhalations long before flames reach them.
The second prong of the KFB fire plan is to be prepared for fire should it strike.
Choose and regularly inspect UL or FM labeled fire extinguishers and detectors that are the right size and type for the fires that might occur. Detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on walls outside bedroom areas. In a multilevel home, each level should have a smoke detector. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, especially when children are present. This allows children to learn what the smoke detector sounds like and they will be less afraid if it goes off.
The batteries should be replaced annually. Non-working detectors are a growing problem and about one-fourth of all U.S. homes have non-operational detectors. In order to remember to change the batteries, the Council recommends making it a special occasion, such as a birthday or during National Fire Prevention Week.
All families should get together to discuss and practice a fire escape plan. Be sure to have a main and alternative exit for each room. Always specify a place outside to meet, such as a tree or other landmark, in order to ensure that everyone escapes safely.
Consider installing an automatic sprinkler system. Besides the piece of mind it will give you and your family, the insurance savings can help pay for the system. Keep a fire extinguisher on each level of your home and each of your outbuildings. Learn how to use them before you need to. Inspect them monthly to make sure they are fully charged and ready to use.
Special attention should be given to older persons and children during a fire. Fires are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the home for children and every year more than 1,300 adults over the age of 65 die in fires.
Fire is both friend and foe. We can't live without it, but its destructive power is a threat we must control. Protect yourself by keeping fire a friend.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT TERRI BRADSHAW
Office 502-495-5191
Cellular 502-718-1164 |
