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Wednesday, October 11, 2000 October is Fire Prevention Month ATLANTA Last year, the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross helped more than 1,090 local citizens get back on their feet after fire destroyed their homes. Many of those fires could have been prevented if simple, common sense tips had been observed. The American Red Cross urges citizens to be serious about the responsibility of planning for and practicing what to do in case of a fire. Nancy Brockway, director of disaster services for the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross, emphasized the need for prior planning. "Everyone should take the time to make their home fire safe," she said. "Prevention is the key but you also need a plan in place just in case tragedy strikes," she added. Brockway provided some tips that could save lives: Practice prevention aggressively. Don't leave food unattended on the stove. Don't let small children play with candles or matches. Don't store flammables near an ignition source. Why is early escape so important? Fire's power is often underestimated or misunderstood. If more people understood fire's intense heat, the high speed in which it spreads, and the toxic power of smoke, they'd undoubtedly take early warning signs of fire much more seriously. Buy and install smoke detectors on each level of your residence, as well as in the garage and workshop. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Test smoke detectors every six months. Start a chart and sign it after each round of tests. Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly. Alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. Buy a fire extinguisher to protect your home or test the one you have. Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two fire escape routes for each room. Get everyone out quickly. (In a real fire, escape and then call the fire department from a neighbor's house if necessary.) Pick a place outside to meet following a fire so you can easily account for everyone. Practice a low-crawl escape from your bedroom. Try it with your eyes closed to see how well you could do in thick smoke. Also, practice the "stop, drop and roll" technique. Teach small children how to do these techniques. Close the door åas you leave a room and feel closed doors before you enter a room. A hot door probably means fire on the other side. Make or purchase rope or chain ladders to use to climb out of rooms above the first floor, and practice using them. Store them in the room where they will be used. If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Discuss what you would do about family pets if you need to escape from a fire. Conduct a home fire drill at least once a year. The South Metro Service Center is participating in several local events during Fire Prevention Month. For details or more information about fire safety, contact the South Metro Red Cross Service Center at 770-961-2552.
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