Is your home fireproof? What about where you work? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) observes National Fire Safety Month every October to raise awareness about fire safety and ensure that you and your family are protected. The second week of October was deemed Fire Prevention Week (FPW) by the NFPA back in 1922. Since then, the month of October has been celebrated by conducting activities across communities to educate each other and raise awareness.
Did You Know?
According to FEMA, there were over 1,500,000 fires in 2022.
Every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire somewhere in the nation.
A home fire occurs every 89 seconds.
74% of all fire deaths were caused by home fires.
Top Fire Causes
Fire safety education is not just for children. Fires can affect anyone and everyone. Once a fire ignites, just a few seconds can be the difference between escaping safely and a tragedy. That is why fire prevention is critical.
On the job, fires often result from an inattention to the job site operations and surrounding conditions. This lack of attention can result in devastating incidents. Most fires can be easily extinguished if caught soon enough and the proper extinguishing tools are nearby.
What To Do When a Fire Starts
Sound an alarm - yell, if necessary
Warn anyone near the fire
Call the Fire Department if the fire can't be easily and quickly extinguished
Evacuate the area if the fire can't be quickly extinguished
Direct the Fire Department to the area of the fire
Stand by to help, but ONLY if asked by a Fire Department official
Important Details to Know
The Fire Department's phone number
The nearest cross street to give the Fire Department directions
Where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them
How to evacuate the work area
Preventing Fires
Regularly inspect all fire extinguishers
Keep the work area free of debris and trash
Designate high-risk areas as "no smoking" areas
Enforce no smoking rules
Store flammable fuels and materials properly in approved safety containers
Check temporary wiring and electrical tools for defects