The Crookston Fire Department held their annual open house to kick off fire prevention week on Saturday, October 6 at the main station. Temperatures may have been near freezing, but that didn’t keep kids and their families from enjoying festivities. More than 500 people were estimated to have partaken in the day’s activities including riding the ladder truck, using the fire hose, trying on gear, lunch, door prizes, coloring contest and more.
It was a nice kick off to Fire Prevention Week, which marks the anniversary of the 1871 Chicago Fire and the four other major fires that consumed all or parts of different Midwest towns and cities from October 8-10. Throughout the week, Crookston Firefighters will provide us with a different fire prevention tip each day.
Today’s Fire Prevention Tip comes from firefighter Shane Heldstab-
“This year’s theme is Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere. Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and address them. If necessary, have a qualified professional correct these hazards.”
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, causing nearly half of all homes fires each year. Leaving cooking unattended is the leading cause of home fires.
Here are some simple ways to minimize the risk of having a home cooking fire:
· Remove clutter from the cooking area, keep anything that can burn (i.e., towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils, loose papers/mail, food packaging) away from the stovetop.
· Keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. Check on baking or roasting food regularly and set a timer to remind you that you’re cooking if you need to leave the kitchen.
· Be alert! Avoid cooking if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol or other substances.
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment is involved in 34,000 fires each year. These fires involve equipment such as wiring, lighting, cords, and plugs.
Follow these guidelines for safety using electrical equipment and appliances in your home:
· Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
· Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into an outlet at a time.
· Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
· Extension cords are intended for temporary use. If needed, have a qualified electrician add more outlets so you don’t have to use them.
· Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.
Candle fires are reported on average 24 times a day. More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.
Use these tips and recommendations for using candles safely:
· Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid using candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
· Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
· Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily; put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
· Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
· Consider using battery-operated candles, which are widely available in stores, and look and smell like real candles.
Children of all ages had a chance to use the fire hose and they also had a chance to take a ride on the snorkel truck
