Staying Prepared for Fire Prevention

For many people, October is about fall festivals, changing leaves and crisp weather. What most people do not know, however, is that October is also Fire Prevention Month and the American Red Cross encourages individuals to take steps to lessen the risk of a fire in their home. Unfortunately, many people learn quickly just how devastating a fire can be. Red Cross volunteers have witnessed firsthand not only the physical damaging effects caused by fires, but also the emotional damage people experience as a result.

Disaster victim meets with Red Cross Disaster workers at the scene of an apartment fire.

During Fire Prevention Month, the Red Cross reminds everyone of the steps they should take if a fire breaks out in their own home.

The most important thing to remember if facing a fire is to:
GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 (or local emergency number).


Other important safety tips include:

To Prevent a Home Fire...
-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
-Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
-Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
-Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
-Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

In Case of a Fire...
-Crawl low under smoke.
-Go to your outside meeting place and then call for help.
-If closed doors or handles are warm, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
-Use caution when using a portable fire extinguisher.

Remember the word PASS when using the extinguisher:

Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

A Red Cross volunteer offers assistance with a victim of a home fire.

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, please visit http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/ or call the chapter house at 706-353-1645.
(All photos courtesy of redcross.org)


By: Helen Farmakis, Public Affairs Intern