LAS VEGAS – October is fire safety month, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to do their part to prevent fires, as well as be ready to take the proper action in case a fire occurs.
“We respond to a local house fire every 30 hours here in Southern Nevada,” says Scott Emerson, CEO of the Southern Nevada Chapter. “Many fires could be prevented by having a few safety tips in place.”
Remember these simple tips when it comes to fire prevention and fire safety:
- Have functioning smoke alarms. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of a home, and be regularly tested. Batteries should be replaced AT LEAST once a year.
- Take the proper precautions in your home. Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking something that is very hot or over an open flame. Turn off space heaters and other hot items when you go to sleep. Keep anything that can catch fire (such as a towel of pot holder) away from open flames and hot items. NEVER smoke in bed.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms. Have carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home. CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS, so be sure to get to fresh air quickly if the alarm sounds.
- Educate your children about fires. Keep lighters, matches, and other open flames away from children. Make sure they know the importance of fire prevention, and are able to dial 9-1-1 as well as follow through with your family’s fire escape plan.
- Have a solid escape plan in case of a fire. Every member of the family should know at least TWO ways to escape from the house in case it is on fire. If the handle of a door or the door itself is hot, DO NOT use it. Remain in the room with the door closed and wait for help. Wave a brightly colored piece of clothing out the window to let officials know where you are. Remember to stop, drop, and roll, if your clothing catches fire. Have a meeting spot outside the house so everyone can be counted.
- Practice your escape plan. Take the time to practice your escape plan together as a family and emphasize the importance of acting quickly in case a fire happens.
The American Red Cross encourages everyone to be take the time to make a plan and be informed.
Visit www.redcrosslasvegas.org for a downloadable safety sheet loaded with tips to help your family.
