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Fire Safety Prevention Week: Learn to Prevent Home Fires

FOLSOM - Folsom residents can learn how to prevent home fires during a Fire Safety Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the main fire station, 535 Glenn Dr.

"Prevent Home Fires" is the theme of Fire Safety Prevention Week, Oct. 5 through 11. This year's campaign focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires including cooking accidents, faulty heating and electrical equipment and unsafe smoking practices.

"A pot holder too close to a lit burner or a space heater left on overnight could be all it takes to starts a home fire," said Fire Marshal John Haberek. "In fact, cooking and heating are among the leading causes of home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association."

During the open house, public safety staff and volunteers will teach residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs, the safe use of home electrical systems and appliances, the proper selection and use of fire extinguishers, and other important skills and methods to prevent fires.

Fire fighting apparatus and equipment will be on display during the open house. Residents will be eligible for raffle prizes including smoke alarms and coins commemorating the Folsom Fire Department's 150 years of service to the local community.

The latest research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows that more than 2,500 people died in home fires and 12,500 were injured during 2006 in the United States. Fire departments across the country responded to 396,000 home fires that year.

Haberek shares the following tips to help residents prevent home fires during Fire Prevention Week and year round:

Cooking - Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave even for a short period of time.

Heating - Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords, use electrical cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.

Smoking - Smokers should smoke outside and use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

Fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week for 85 years, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For more information about Folsom's Fire Safety Open House, visit the City's website at www.folsom.ca.us.