By Robin Tarnowetzki
Journal Staff Writer
[email protected]
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11 and this year the main emphasis is on smoke alarms.
"We always try stressing fire safety throughout the year, but national fire prevention is brought to attention every year to raise more awareness, specifically for different issues," said deputy fire chief Darrell Wickenhauser.
Fire Prevention Week was created to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that burned about 2,000 acres and left 100,000 people homeless. Each year has a different theme. Some examples in the past include: "Why this mad sacrifice to fire?" (the first theme in 1927), "today every fire helps Hitler" (1942), and "Play it safe...plan your escape" (1987).
To get the word out about fire safety, the Humboldt Fire Department is putting on an open house at the fire hall on Oct. 9 from 4-8 p.m. There will be a barbecue, displays, and door prizes. The displays will talk about smoke alarm tests, kitchen fires, and some history.
"We hope that they learn some fire safety," Wickenhauser said. "We hope they learn about testing smoke alarms, learning what it means when it goes off, and having an escape plan organized in their house."
The following are things people should know about smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association:
-Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
-Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
-It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
-Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
-There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smouldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
-A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
