Fire safety more important now than ever
Local firefighters have been responding to numerous calls in the area over the last few months, coming off of what has been called “one of the deadliest holiday seasons in recent memory.”
Now, the early months of 2009 are of great concern, with colder temperatures, lack of rain and the economy forcing alternative methods of heating in some homes.
A national press conference was held this month between the United States Fire Administrator and fire chiefs to ask all residents of this country to install, maintain and test their smoke alarms as soon as possible. North Fort Myers Fire Chief Terry Pye and staff are now putting out that call, and Pye said now is the time to be vigilant.
“We have seen an increase in residential structure fires through the holiday and through now, as well as in the city of Fort Myers and Cape Coral,” Pye said.
First of all there were the holidays, with Christmas lights, candles and traveling for holidays. Now, especially with the cold, some homes that may not have great heating. Once these houses truly get chilled people are going to use alternative methods to heat them up again.
Absolutely check fire alarms, said the chief, and just use common sense.
He also suggests to only use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved heating devices.
“You pay just a few dollars more, for say, a space heater,” he said. “Anything that’s UL-approved had been tested, especially for tip overs and inadequate wiring.”
Concerning the economy, he said, some people are using other alternative methods of heating their homes to save money, which cause fires.
“They’re turning down their heat, using electric blankets but leave them on, using fireplaces that haven’t been used in years, and some even creating outdoors fires for warmth,” he said. “There definitely seems to be a correlation to fires and the economy.”
Brush fire season usually starts around February, with low rainfall at that time.
“It’s something else to be vigilant with. The USFA reminds everyone to have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers and practicing a home fire escape plan,” added Mary Havener, public education officer for the North Fort Myers Fire District.
All smoke alarms in your house should be tested once a month and their batteries replaced annually or as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions.
For additional information regarding smoke alarms, visit usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus.
For additional information regarding the United States Fire Administration, visit usfa.dhs.gov/nfa.