Lakenheath offers tips to "Preventing Home Fires"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jonathan B. Sullivan
  • 48th Civil Engineering Squadron
RAF LAKENHEATH, United Kingdom --  Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871. The first National Fire Prevention Day Proclamation was issued by President Woodrow Wilson in 1920. Since 1925, The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance for Fire Prevention Week. This period is observed Sunday through Saturday during the week of Oct. 9.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 3,430 lives were lost in 2007 because of fire related emergencies. Of that number, 84 percent of these fires occurred in the home. That is 2,881 lives that may have been saved by incorporating extra fire prevention measures into our daily lives. 

Clutter and unattended cooking are the two most leading causes of fires in the kitchen and kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. It is our responsibility as occupants to prevent fires before they start. The best line of defense is to take proper steps which will minimize the risk of a fire within the home as well as provide a better chance of survival if a fire does break out.

Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5 to 11, is a nationally observed campaign to reach out to all citizens across the United States and any other U.S. occupied territories around the world. 

During this week, firefighters and prevention specialists step out into the communities to educate the public on fire safety matters that could save lives. This year's theme "Prevent Home Fires" will focus on the several preventive measures you can take within your home to prevent fires and save a life. Fire prevention measures can and will make the difference between minimum and maximum damage to life and property. Keep the following guidelines in mind when reviewing your home fire safety plan

  • Inspect smoke detectors quarterly and change batteries.
  • Inspect household fire extinguishers for serviceability.
  • Do not ever leave cooking appliances unattended. 
  • Space heaters should be approved and never unattended.
  • Do not burn candles or incense near cloth material or leave unattended.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets or transformers.
  • Smoke only in approved smoking areas and dispose of the material properly.
  • Store all flammable liquids away from the primary family dwelling.
  • Pour water on charcoals and let stand overnight before disposing in the trash.
  • Maintain a fire escape plan and practice it with all family members monthly. 
These few steps have been proven through research and experience to reduce the risk of fires in the home. I urge everyone to take fire prevention seriously and educate everyone in your home to become familiar with fire safety and practice it on a regular basis. You can never go wrong with fire prevention except with no prevention at all.