“As we head into the cooler months, risk of fire increases for reasons such as a greater use of heating equipment. Fire Prevention Week is a great time to focus on how to prevent and fight unexpected fires,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of NSC.
According to NSC, 3,200 people died in incidents related to fire, smoke and flames in 2009. NSC offers the following tips to help prevent deadly fires:
· Have properly working smoke alarms.
· Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least annually.
· Place smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in each bedroom.
· Plan a family escape route and practice it once a month.
· Install a home sprinkler system.
· Place fire extinguishers throughout your home and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them.
NSC, which partnered with Amerex and First Alert for this event, offers fire safety tools and information on its Fire Prevention Week Web site. NSC’s safety checklist can be downloaded as a PDF.