National Fire Safety and Prevention Month in Golden Valley

Oct. 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week, which was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed 250 people and left more than 10,000 people homeless. In fact, the entire month of October is dedicated to National Fire Safety and Prevention, which is a perfect opportunity to talk to your family about fire safety.

According to the Golden Valley Fire Department's website, firefighters reccomend the following actions:

• Don't park in fire lanes or in front of fire hydrants.
• Be sure the numbers on you house or building are at least 3 inches high and are clearly visible from the street (required by Golden Valley City Code).
• Shovel the snow around any hydrant near your house so that firefighters have ready access.
• Install smoke alarms on every level in your home and in every bedroom. Change the battery twice a year and replace the smoke alarm every 10 years.
• Keep flashlights in bedrooms and in the kitchen, basement, and family room, all with fresh batteries, so you can signal firefighters if you are trapped.

Everyone knows the stop, drop, and roll, but there are many other ways to prevent a fire in your home. Here are five tips recommended by the CDC:

1. Install a smoke detector in every floor of your home and if possible, in all sleeping rooms. Be sure to perform a monthly test of your existing smoke detectors throughout the year.
2. Make sure there is space around your heater and that window curtains or other flammable materials aren’t touching the heater.
3. Create a family escape plan from your home in case of a fire. Everyone in your home should know at least two ways out of each room. Also, be sure to have a meeting place outside your home.
4. Don’t smoke in your home. If you do, never leave burning cigarettes unattended and don’t empty burning or hot ashes in a trash can.  
5. When cooking, keep anything that can catch on fire away from the stove including potholders, towels, long loose-fitting sleeves, etc. Also, never leave cooking food unattended and keep pot handles turned in when on the stove.

For more fire safety tips and facts, visit the National Fire Protection Association page.

TELL US: What are your fire safety tips? What is the most useful thing you have taught your family about preparing for a fire?