Some tips to help
you prevent fire

National Fire Prevention Week begins on Oct. 4.
President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 4-10, 1925, to expand upon Fire Prevention Day initiated by Woodrow Wilson in 1920 to mark the 50th anniversary of two deadly fires on the same day in the United States.
An Oct. 9, 1871, fire in Chicago burned for three days, claiming about 300 lives, destroying 17,000 buildings and leaving 100,000 residents homeless.
The second fire happened in Pishtigo, Wis., and claimed about 800 men, women and children. The blaze destroyed 4 million acres of forest and obliterated the town.
Despite constant fire prevention efforts by firefighters and many civilians, fire deaths still occur.
In 2006, there were 3,245 deaths and more than 16,000 injuries reported in the United States.
In 1989, there were 103 fire deaths in Philadelphia, but last year, that number was reduced that number to 52.
The officers and members of Engine 36, Ladder 20 and Medic 17, at 7818 Frankford Ave., believe this figure is still too high and they are working to lower it, as is the entire Philadelphia Fire Department.
Last year, thousands of smoke detectors and batteries were distributed thought the city. This effort made a major impact on protecting the citizens of Philadelphia.
Most fire deaths occur not from burns, but from breathing the poisonous gases that are given off by fires. Carbon monoxide is one deadly gas produced by fires. It is particularly dangerous because it is odorless, tasteless and colorless. Without a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector, occupants may not know they are in danger of breathing the deadly gas.
According to Philadelphia fire statistics for 2006, 30 of the 52 fire deaths occurred between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This is the time most people are sleeping and when the detectors are most valuable.
Having smoke detectors installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries must be tested every week and replaced with new ones at least twice a year.
As a reminder, the fire department recommends changing the batteries with the changing of your clocks for daylight savings time. The department’s slogan is, Change your clock, Change your batteries.
Also, consider replacing the entire smoke detector every 10 years, or more often as manufacturer guidelines recommend. If your home has very high ceilings, the fire department recommends replacing your nine-volt battery smoke detector with a 10-year smoke detector. After 10 years, replace the whole smoke detector. ••
This information is provided by Lt. Ronald Regan, of Ladder 20, Philadelphia Fire Department.