September 18, 2008

Charlotte, NC -- The Charlotte Fire Department will observe Fire Prevention Week, October 5 - 11, 2008 with the theme "Prevent Home Fires."

Observed since 1922, Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire (October 8 -9, 1871).  That historic blaze raged for several days, killing more than 250 people, leaving 100,000 homeless and destroying 17,000 buildings.

While methods of prevention and suppression have greatly improved, fires still have a devastating effect on our lives and property.  Did you know:

• In 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to 296,000 residential home fires, an average of one every 80 seconds.
• In 2006, 65% of reported home fire deaths were in homes that had no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• Cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.
• Smoke is the leading cause of civilian fire deaths.

To insure that you and your home is safe, here are some things to remember:

• Make sure that you have a working smoke alarm. Test monthly.
• Never leave food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended.
• Keep your space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
• Turn off space heaters before you leave the room or go to bed.
• Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
• Provide large, deep, study ashtrays.
• Always keep matches and lighters in a locked cabinet out of reach of children.
• Report all fires to the fire department without delay, and from a safe location.
• Plan and practice a fire escape plan with everyone in your home.

For more information on preventing home fires or any fire safety topics, visit the Fire Department website or call Fire & Life Safety Education at 704-336-3970.