National Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Whiteman Fire Department
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  This year's theme "Prevent Home Fires," focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials. 

Nearly 75 percent of building fires and two-thirds of fire deaths occur in the home, the place people feel safest. 

This year's theme 'Prevent Home Fires' reminds us to find and fix fire hazards in the home. The place where we spend the most of our time should be a sanctuary of safety and not a cause of concern. Attention is focused on promoting fire safety and prevention; however we should practice fire safety all year long. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home.
Stay Safe With These Fire Prevention Tips 

· Prepare a home escape plan 

Fire safety in the home starts with how to get out of your home in an emergency. Review your home escape plan with your family on a regular basis. Whiteman AFB Fire Emergency Services recommends EDITH- Exit Drills In The Home. 

· Install smoke alarms
Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home and in the halls near bedrooms. Test them monthly. In 2003 Austin had 55 fires with inoperable smoke detectors and 352 with no smoke detector resulting in over 5 million dollars in damage.
· Never leave cooking unattended
Unattended cooking is a leading cause of house fires in the USA. Keep a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the stove on the side nearest the exit. Use the same precautions with outdoor grilling.
· Take care with open flames
Don't leave candles burning unattended or after going to bed. Keep them away from children and make sure they have sturdy candleholders. During power outages use flashlights and lanterns, not candles.
· Don't burn trash or leaves
Fire safety in the home extends to your yard and surrounding property. Intentional outdoor fires can easily get out of control. The Whiteman AFB community has rules about outside burning in fire pits and there also may be bans year-round or at certain times of the year in outlying areas.
· Safely dispose of smoking materials
In 2003, there were 60 incidents with over 1.7 million dollars in monetary damage from fire caused by smoking materials. Don't smoke in bed or when you are about to fall asleep. Use an ashtray and extinguish butts completely.
· Teach children not to play with matches and lighters
Children were responsible for 17 reported fires in Austin in 2003. Keep matches, lighters, and fire-starting materials out of their reach.
· Use electrical appliances safely
Don't overload outlets and inspect cords for exposed wires
· Exercise caution with all heating devices
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Monitor their use.
· Store flammable materials safely 

Many residents may be surprised to know how many common household chemicals are hazardous, flammable materials. Use approved containers. Keep materials away from children and away from ignitions sources such as pilot lights and open flames.

If you or any of your family members have any questions please call Whiteman AFB Fire Prevention, Mr. Paul Williams at 687-6083 or Mr. Tim Robinson at 687-6080