National Fire Prevention Week

October 9-15, 2016 is National Fire Prevention week. This annual week of awareness started after The Great Chicago Fire devastated many. On October 8,1871 The Great Chicago Fire started, killing 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres. It also showed the country that fires of this size are possible and in many cases can be prevented if citizens are aware of the dangers.

The winter months have a higher rate of household fires than any other months. This is due to an increase in use of fireplaces, space heaters, unsafe holiday decorations, and more time spent in the kitchen cooking and baking. Sometimes fires happen regardless of your preparedness, but here are some important tips to stay safe this fire season.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms should be changed every 10 years.
Make sure you know how old a smoke alarm is, look at the manufactured date on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced every 10 years from that date.
Smoke alarms should also be tested EVERY year! Check your batteries and make sure that the alarm is working.

Fire Escape Plans

- Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.

- Everyone in the household must understand the escape plan. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.

- Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of

your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

-Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.

-If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency

-Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible.

Take the opportunity during this National Fire Prevention week to spend a little time assessing your home for fire safety. Talk to your family and make sure that everyone knows your evacuation plan. Check ALL of your smoke alarms to make sure they are still in date, have batteries, and work properly. Sometimes fires are unavoidable no matter how prepared you are. If your home ever experiences fire damage just know that you can call ServiceMaster by Bailey 24/7/365. We are here for you, at your side and on your side. 770.720.9533