Fire Prevention

October 9th-15th

What you can do to stay safe!
 

By Brian Stoothoff, Ocala Fire Rescue 

Fire Prevention Week (October 9th-15th) is designated annually to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire which occurred in 1871. As a veteran firefighter, I get to see the devastation caused by fire on a regular basis. The statistics are alarming. According to the National Fire Protection Agency there were more than 1,450,000 fires last year in the United States, causing more than 3,300 civilian fatalities and 16,000 injuries. The simple act of having a working smoke alarm more than doubles your chance of surviving a fire in your home. Please change the batteries in your smoke alarm twice a year, during daylight savings. The slogan to remember is “When you change your clocks, change your batteries.” Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, and occupants should learn how to use it before a fire occurs. Practice escape plans and have a designated area outside your home for your family to meet should you have to evacuate.