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| Serving Callaway County communities since 1875. | www.fultonsun.com | Saturday, July 04, 2009 |
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Red Cross offers fire safety tips for the holidays By KIMBERLY LONG The Fulton Sun
Though only one of the four December fires was caused by a home heating source, a recent Red Cross poll found that nearly half of American families use heating alternatives such as a space heater, fireplace or wood/coal stove to stay warm. For that reason, Callaway County Red Cross director Anne Johnson urges citizens to be prudent when using optional heating sources, and plan ahead for the possibility of a home fire. “Given the increased number of fires, I felt it was timely information to get out to remind people to be careful through the holiday season,” Johnson said. “Following these tips can save lives, prevent the loss of property and deter disruptions during the holidays.” In addition to functioning smoke alarms, Johnson said, one of the easiest ways to prepare for a fire is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan. “Preparing for a home fire doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment or training,” she said. “Fire escape plans include at least two exit routes for every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire.” To ensure that everyone knows the plan, she advises families to practice the procedure at least twice a year. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, many fires are caused by home heating sources, unattended cooking and candles. With a little forethought, Johnson said these types of fires can be prevented by using the following eight tips: * Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves. * Provide constant adult supervision in rooms with lit candles and fires. * Keep fire in the fireplace by using glass or metal fire screens. * Never leave a fire unattended, and always extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the home. * Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. * Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep. * Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned if necessary; and * If you must use alternative heating sources, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. “I think it's good for people to be reminded of safety precautions and how important it is to be prepared,” Johnson said “Fires can happen to anyone, and we want everyone to be safe and have a wonderful holiday.” The primary concern of the Callaway Red Cross unit, Johnson said, is to provide food, shelter, clothing and immediate needs in emergency situations through a disaster relief fund - which is supported by the general public and United Way. This year, the agency already has responded to 10 fires - which nearly surpasses its annual average (15). Anyone interested in making a financial contribution can mail donations to the Red Cross office at 350 Sycamore St., in Fulton. For more information on fire safety and Red Cross fire preparedness, visit www.redcross.org/homefires. |
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