Fire Department Urges Fire Safety in National Prevention Campaign

In recognition of Fire Safety and Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, the Mercer Island Fire Department is reminding residents of the dangers of house and brush fires that kill people and destroy property every year, according to a city press release.

Six people will die today in house fires across the U.S., and during an average year there are 366,000 fires that destroy lives and property — even on Mercer Island.

MIFD Chief Chris Tubbs said this week is a good time to ensure every family in your community has smoke alarms in their homes, insures those alarms are working properly, and has a family fire escape plan (that has been practiced at night).

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are providing new information to create multiple layers of fire protection in American homes. In addition to having smoke alarms, CPSC recommends consumers follow these safety tips:

• Have a professional inspect all fuel-burning home appliances, including furnaces and chimneys.
• Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
• Use caution with candles, lighters, matches, and smoking materials near upholstered furniture, mattresses, and bedding.
• Have a fire escape plan and practice it so all family members know what to do, and where to meet, if there is a fire in the home.

Download more fire safety information at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/fire_sfy.html.