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Fire safety is everyone's responsibility

  • Published
  • By 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Joint Total Force Scott kept the Wreath Red, which means there were no reportable fires during the 2007 holiday season. 

In 2006, fire departments responded to 542,000 structure fires. There were 3,245 deaths, more than 16,000 injuries and an estimated property loss more than $11 billion. Of those, 79 percent were residential fires, Fortunately, most fire losses can be prevented through effective public education and awareness initiatives. 

Across Air Mobility Command, electrical fires are the leading cause for fires in the work place. Unattended burning of candles along with cooking fires continues to be the primary cause of fires in military family housing and dormitories. The fire department's goal is to reduce the occurrence of preventable fires. To achieve this goal they need everyone's help. Below are a few helpful hints:

Cooking

· Never leave cooking unattended. 

· Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. 

· Use extra caution 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 

· Never use flour, salt or throw water on a grease fire.

Candles

· When burning a candle never leave it unattended. Be sure it is kept well away from other combustibles. 

· Never leave children or pets unattended in a room with lit candle. 

· Always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters out of the reach of children. 

· Always extinguish the flame prior to leaving the room.

Electrical

· Don't plug space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves or other heat producing devices into systems furniture and/or extension cords. 

· Never overload extension cords or electrical circuits. 

· Don't place electrical cords and wires under carpets or rugs. 

· Don't use extension cords as permanent wiring. 

· Don't staple or nail cords to walls, around doorways or floors. 

· Don't leave heating devices on and unattended. 

· Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. 

· Space heaters require a 36 foot clearance from all combustible materials and must have a tip over switch.

Smoking

· Don't put ashtrays on the arms of sofas or chairs. 

· Dispose of smoking materials in approved receptacles or empty into the toilet. 

· If an individual becomes drowsy while watching television or reading, be sure to extinguish cigarettes, pipes or cigars. 

· Never smoke in bed.

General Fire Safety Information

· Install a smoke alarm on every level of a home. Test smoke detector batteries monthly and change them when changing clocks for daylight savings. 

· Have an escape plan in-place for every room and a designated location outside of the home to meet. 

· In case of a fire, stay low to the ground and beneath the smoke. 

· Always report home fires to the fire department even if it is you successfully extinguished.