October was Fire Safety Month

“Unfortunately, our research indicates that too many families don’t understand
or appreciate the danger of home fires and as a result, have not taken even the
most basic steps to prepare for a fire emergency” - the Home Safety Council

The topic today is a belated recognition of October as Fire Safety Month. Fires and burns are the third leading cause of injury-related death in the home. It is the number one item that Red Cross responds to on a daily basis. Yes many more people are made homeless by a hurricane but fortunately hurricanes are few while nearly every day in each local Red Cross Chapter one or more families are forced out their home or apartment due to fire.

In 2006 every half hour someone was injured by a home fire and every 2 1/2 hours someone died in a home fire. Cooking caused the most fires but smoking caused the most deaths by fire. This is because you're awake while cooking but it is not uncommon for smokers to fall asleep with a lit cigarette and either never wake up or wake up too late.

Bottom Line

The Web is filled with information about Fire Home Safety.

For a list of recommendations check out www.homesafetycouncil.org/media/media_w145.aspx
See http://homesafetycouncil.org/mysafehome/index.aspx for a virtual home tour and possible Fire Dangers in each room.

Other items worth checking out...
Candle Safety: www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_candle_w001.aspx
Games & Activities for Children: www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalmonths/10_october/fire_safety_month/
Great site with links and suggestions: http://www.cityofflint.com/Fire/FPmonth.htm