Spring Fire Safety 2008 - spread the word

Over my years as a fire investigator, the words from the victims of fire always ring the same, "I can't believe this has happened to me, It always happens some where else!"

The truth be known that everyone will experience a fire during their lifetime. How well you and your loved ones survive is up to you and how well you are prepared.

THE BASICS OF FIRE SAFETY

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING: Less stuff may result in a smaller fire. Clean up combustible storage and unneeded items from your house. Keep combustible items away from heat sources like water heaters. Keep your home neat clean and clear. In the event of a small fire, there is less chance it will spread and you will be able to escape quickly.

EARLY WARNING: Get Smoke Detectors - Have Smoke Detectors - Lots of Smoke Detectors. They are inexpensive and reliable. Install them in your bedrooms and hallways and living rooms. Not in the kitchen or near the bathroom (steam sets them off). Put new batteries in them and test them. They will wake you up in time to escape a fire while it is small.

PLAN AN ESCAPE: Know how you will get out of your home should you wake up to smoke and fire. Know a second way out in the event the main door is blocked by heat and smoke. Practice your escape with everyone in the household and pick a common meeting place so that everyone knows that everyone is safe or still trapped. In a fire, time is the enemy. Tell the arriving firefighter if everyone is out or if they are trapped and where!

There are many other ways to help prevent a fire, but these basics will most often be the best and easiest to implement and maintain.

George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain FD
SD County Station 97
(Chief Lucia is an HFD ex-Chief and former borough Building Inspector)

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors can save your life.
Don’t live home without them!