Tips to prevent home fires Published Oct. 2, 2008 By 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- This year's Fire Prevention Week's theme is Prevent Home Fires due to the alarming number of 400,000 home fires in 2006. In 2006 there were 3,245 fire related deaths of which 80 percent occurred in the home and more than 16,000 were injured with an estimated property loss more than $11 billion. Fortunately, most fire losses can be prevented through effective public education and awareness initiatives. Many people believe "fires can only happen to other people - not me and not in my home". Unattended cooking is still the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Across Air Mobility Command, electrical fires are the leading cause for fires in the work place. Unattended cooking, burning candles and improper disposal of smoking material also continue to be the primary cause of fires in military family housing and dormitories. The goal is to reduce the occurrence of preventable fires, which requires to cooperation of everyone. Below are a few helpful hints. Smoking · Ashtrays should not be placed on the arms of sofas or chairs . · Smoking materials should be disposed of in approved receptacles or empty into the toilet . · Cigarettes, pipes or cigars should be extinguished before becoming drowsy while watching television, reading etc. · Nobody should smoke while in bed . Cooking · Cooking should not be left unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds. · Oil should be heated gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Extra caution should be used when preparing deep-fried foods. · If a fire breaks out while cooking, immediately turn off the burner and put a lid on the pot to smother the flames · Flour, salt or water should not be used on a grease fire . Candles · Candles should not be left unattended and should be kept away from other combustibles. · Children and pets should not be left unattended with lit candles. · Candles and matches should be kept out of the reach of children. Electrical · Space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves or other heat producing devices should not be plugged into systems furniture, extension cords and/or surge projectors. · Extension cords or electrical circuits should not be overloaded. · Electrical cords and wires should not be placed under carpets or rugs. · Extension cords should not kept as permanent wiring. · Cords should not be stapled or nailed to walls, around doorways, floors, etc. · Heating devices should not be left on and unattended. · Appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell should be shut off and unplugged. · Space heaters should be 3 to 6 feet from all combustible materials. General Fire Safety Information · A smoke alarm should be on every level of a house. The batteries should be tested monthly and changed when the clocks are changed. · An escape plan should be in-place for every room with a designated location outside of the home to meet. · In case of a fire, stay low to the ground and beneath the smoke while escaping. · Every fire in a home should be reported to the fire department even if it is successfully extinguished. Emergency Reporting Procedures Provide the 911-Dispatcher the following information: · Identify whether police, fire or medical assistance is needed. · Be prepared with the address, building number or location of the emergency. · Know the nature of the emergency. · A name and call back phone number will also be asked. If calling from a cell phone, it is important to notify the dispatcher of the emergency location so the dispatcher can notify the proper police, fire or medical agency. Chief Master Sergeant Vaughn Chief, Fire Emergency Services and the entire Scott Fire Department encourages participation in Fire Prevention Week activities to create a team effort in preventing home fires. Remember Fire Safety Begins with You! For additional information, call the Scott Fire Prevention office at 256-3378.