Did you know that every 2 hours and 41 minutes someone dies in a fire?

Since I arrived at my office at 8 a.m. this morning 2 people have died as a result of a fire. In 2014 according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) there were 3,275 civilian deaths as a result of fire. This is so sad because most of these deaths are preventable. Matter of fact most of the fires are preventable. Half of all home fires happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

7 Easy Things You Can Do Tonight To Keep Your Family Safe

1. Every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm! 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were in houses with no smoke alarms or alarms that did not work.
2. Replace old smoke detectors. It is a fact that smoke alarms expire. I know you thought that was only milk but smoke alarms need replaced every 10 years.
3. Change the smoke detector batteries every 6 months. Don’t just test them. Actually replace the battery with a fresh one. When smoke alarms fail to operate it is usually because batteries are missing or the alarm has been disconnected.
4. Fire Drill!! Create an escape plan for each member of your family. Write it down. Do a safety drill with your family when it is light out so everyone practices getting out. After a smoke alarm goes off you may have only 1-2 minutes to escape.
5. Install interconnected smoke alarms wherever possible in your home. When they are connected in that manner if one sounds all of the alarms will sound.
6. Two out of every 5 home fires start in the kitchen. When you are cooking be alert at all times. Don’t leave your kitchen unattended while you have things on the stove.
7. Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and that you know how to use it. Don’t spend too much time trying to fight a fire! Your best defense is to get everyone out of the house and call 9-1-1.