FF Patrick O'Keefe Rescue Co.1

In 2006, there were 1,642,500 fires reported in the United States (up 3% from 2005). These fires caused 3,245 civilian deaths, 16,400 civilian injuries, 89 firefighter deaths, and $11.3 billion in property damage. Many home fires are preventable. For many more safety tips visit www.nfpa.org 

• Watch your cooking
  Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Give space heaters space
  Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Smoke outside
  Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
  Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
• Inspect electrical cords
  Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
• Be careful when using candles
  Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep. NO Children at anytime lights or Extinguishes lite Candles, thats the PARENTS Job!
• Have a home fire escape plan
  Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Know 2 ways out of EVERY room in your house.
• Install smoke alarms
  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms
  Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old. DONT BE A BATTERY BANDIT!! Have your replacement Battery in hand when replacing the old one!

This is a message brought to you by the Fire Prevention Division of the Municipality of Murrysville. For any Fire Prevention talks in the municipality contact Assistant Fire Chief Paul Paiano at 724-327-3987 . Now scheduling ALL Fire Prevention Talks/Tours stop by the Fire Prevention section of the site for a complete outline of our services.