27 Tips for Fire Prevention Week

Did you know that each year more then 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States?  Direct property loss due to home fires is estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Home fires can be prevented though!  Help us celebrate Fire Prevention Week by checking the smoke detectors in your home at the Lake of the Ozarks and using these other fire prevention tips below!

History of Fire Prevention Week 

Fire prevention week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.  This tragic fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.  The fire began on October 8, but ended up doing most of its damage on October 9.  This is why since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.

Great Chicago Fire Myth

Photo Courtesy of GreatChicagoFire.org

Legend says that the Great Chicago Fire broke out after Mrs. Catherine O'Leary's cow kicked over a lamp, setting fire to the barn and then spreading throughout the city.  You've probably heard some version of this story as people have been blaming Mrs. O'Leary for more than 130 years. The story does have some truth to it.  The fire did start near the barn where Mrs. O'Leary kept her milking cows.  However, there is no proof that O'Leary was in the barn when it started or that a jumpy cow sparked the flame.

Fire Prevention Tips

Most home fires occur in the kitchen while cooking and are the leading cause of injuries from fire. Other common causes include carelessly discarded cigarettes, sparks from fireplaces without screens or glass doors and heating appliances left too close to furniture or other combustibles.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.  If you need to leave the room even for a short period of time, turn the stove off.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. 
• Don't cook if you're sleepy, have been drinking or have taken medication that causes drowsiness. 
• Keep children away from cooking areas. 
• Position BBQ grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings. Also keep them out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

Smoking 

• Smoke outside and put your cigarettes out in a can of sand. 
• Make sure the cigarette is completely stubbed out in an ashtray.
• Soak cigarette butts in water before tossing them out. 
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used because it is explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster. 
• Don't smoke in bed. 

Electrical and Appliances

• Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately because frayed wires can cause fires.  Do not run cords under rugs or furniture. 
• If an appliance has a 3-prong plug, only us it in a 3-slot outlet. 
• Use extension cords wisely by never overloading them or the wall sockets. 
• Immediately shut off and replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. 

Portable Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away from portable heaters. 
• Make sure the heater has a thermostat control mechanism that will shut off automatically if the heater falls over. 
• Never overfill kerosene heaters and use them in a well-ventilated room. 

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Inspect and clean wood stove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. 
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace or stove. 
• Use a fireplace screen large enough to stop rolling logs and large enough to cover the entire opening to catch flying sparks. 
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. 

Other Tips 

• Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach. 
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time. 
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home. 
• Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources. 
• Portable generators should never be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.  

Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development is beautifully tiered so most lake view homes will always enjoy the stellar lake views. Mission Bay boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Residents enjoy multiple common areas, parks, and picnic areas, as well as 1400' seawall and lakefront cart path to provide ease of access to community docks.

Sources:
http://www.firepreventionweek.org
http://www.ready.gov/home-fires

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Camdenton, MO 65020