It’s starting to get cooler outside and that means people are starting use their fireplaces. Lighting the first fire of the year can be exciting. However, there is one thing you should do before you fire up your chimney this year: make sure that your chimney system is free of any potential fire hazards! That’s why now is the perfect time to talk about fire safety. Read more about why fires pose a legitimate threat to homeowners, below.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were approximately 365,500 home fires in 2015 causing 2,560 deaths, 11,075 injuries and 7 billion dollars in damages. This is why, from October 8 – 14, we here at The Chimney Guy partake in National Fire Prevention Week. Our goal during this week? Making the public aware of how they can use fire safety practices to protect their family and home!
What is National Fire Prevention Week?
National Fire Prevention Week was first sponsored by the NFPA in 1922. This was to commemorate the lives lost in the Great Chicago fire of 1871. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week to be held every on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. Today, Fire prevention week is the longest running national health observance.
Every year there is a theme to National Fire Prevention Week. This years theme is “Every second counts, plan two ways out.” It stresses the importance of having everyone in your family know two ways out of the house in case of a fire.
What can I do during National Fire Prevention Week?
Since it’s National Fire Prevention Week, now is the perfect time to check if your chimney system is ready to use safely. The best way to do this is too have your chimney system inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technician.
It’s also the perfect time to check if your family is ready in case of a fire. Bring your family together and go over house rules for fireplace, stove, and heater safety. Check all your smoke alarms together. Plan two escape routes in case of a fire. In addition, practice using your escape routes from frequently used rooms – such as bedrooms and family rooms. You can never be too prepared when it comes to fire safety.
If you have questions about fire safety, please call The Chimney Guys at 920-830-1920. Talk to one of our fire safety experts, because there is nothing more important to us than your safety!
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