Although National Fire Prevention Week happens only once a year, fire safety should be practiced every day. ìWe donít just do fire prevention in the month of October,î said Battalion Chief Vernon Champlin. ìWe practice it all year long.”Taking personal responsibility is the key to creating a safe environment, said Glenn Levy, division chief of training. ìAll the fire prevention in the world doesnít do any good if people donít take steps to protect their own property.îHere are things everyone can do to create a safer home:
- Reduce wildfire risk by reducing fuels and practicing good mitigation habits.Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level.
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
- Test smoke alarms once a month.
- Replace batteries in battery-operated smoke alarms twice a year. A way to remember: ìChange your clock, change your battery.î
- Develop and practice a home escape plan, and know two ways out of every room.
- Donít leave lit candles or cooking unattended.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.
- Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Store flammable materials in approved safety cabinets.
