Fire Prevention Month
IN THE CITY
by Grant Spinney
Leaves are changing, cool crisp breezes are now blowing and we have all woken up to a few frosts.
Fall time is here and as we all prepare for winter, we also have to keep Fire Safety in mind. As everyone knows, October is Fire Prevention Month and the Presque Isle Fire Department wants everyone to be fire safe this month as well as year round.
As we get into the heating season, remember to have your heating system inspected, cleaned and serviced. For those who burn wood, have your chimneys cleaned and inspected and remember that you might have to clean them on a regular basis depending on outside temperature fluctuations and the type of wood you might be burning. (Seasoned or Green) As everyone knows these variables are what causes creosote build up. Creosote is what catches fire in your chimney liner causing a chimney fire. A cracked chimney or liner could result in a structure fire.
When buttoning up your home. Be very careful when covering windows and doors with plastic to prevent drafts. These openings might be your only way out if there is a fire. If you have a draft issue, you might want to consider replacing those windows and doors or re-insulate around moldings with spray foam or caulking.
Carbon monoxide can be an issue year round. We find that this issue increases in the colder months due to the heat sources people choose and everyone having their windows closed. Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and especially near bedrooms. CO poisoning is a silent killer. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it. You can purchase CO/Smoke combo detectors or install them separately. Make sure both types of units in your home are working by testing them monthly and changing your batteries twice a year. (Change your clock, change your battery.)
When using alternative heat sources like electric heaters. Be sure to purchase only those that have safety mechanisms. These assure you that the unit will shut off in the event they tip over. Be sure to never put these units too close to combustibles.
Remember when Mom or Dad always told you to clean your bedroom or pick up your laundry? Most people don’t realize that clutter is a fire hazard to you and to firefighters. A home that has clutter poses a great risk to everyone. Clutter inhibits firefighters from being able to swiftly move through your home, knocking the fire down as they go from one room to the next. Clutter usually means combustibles. A room with clutter will ignite much faster. Fire will spread through your home quickly from one room to another.
Every year we remind all our citizens to make sure that their house is marked with the appropriate number for your address. I still see in my travels that there are several homes in and around the city that are not marked. Remember that we cannot help you if we cannot find you. Be sure that your house number is visible clearly from the roadway night or day.
Many adults think that fire escape plans are for children. Though it is very important that children know what they are and how to use them, they are intended for every home. When was the last time you or spouse talked about what you would do if there was a fire? Do you know where you would meet? What options do you have to escape from each room in your home if you can’t use the door. If you do have one, are you practicing it?
Every year the Presque Isle Fire Department visits every school in the Star City Pre-K through fifth grade. Usually the contest is for the children to create a fire escape plan with their parents. Sadly about 20 percent do not turn their assignment in. This computes to about 130 children in the city of Presque Isle that do not have a fire escape plan. If you are one of those parents or you know someone who has children, ask them to participate. It could save you or someone’s life.
The Presque Isle Fire Department strives to have a very active and committed Fire Prevention Program. Our doors are always open to anyone who might have questions or concerns. Feel free to call and schedule tours for the kids or if you or someone you know want or need a safety inspection of your home in Presque Isle, call us for an appointment. We just received funding to distribute smoke detectors in our area. Applications are available at our fire station.
Grant Spinney is the fire prevention officer with the Presque Isle Fire Department. He can be reached at 769-0881 or via e-mail at pifire@maine.rr.com.
