Release courtesy of Gloucester County:
The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners and the Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office want to remind residents of the importance of fire safety during the month of October.
“The goal of Fire Prevention is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family has a plan and is ready for the unexpected,” Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger said. “Fire Prevention week is the perfect time to talk with your whole family about fire safety – including testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, how to use a fire extinguisher and escape route planning.”
Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire. Residents should plan and practice a home fire escape plan to ensure safety and preparedness.
“You can never be too prepared for an emergency,” Commissioner Dan Christy, liaison to the Office of the Fire Marshal said. “Take the time with your family to familiarize yourself with fire safety tips. You may think you have it covered, but it never hurts to sit down and discuss your plan.”
The Gloucester County Fire Marshal wants to remind all residents of some simple tips that could save a life in the event of a fire:
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
- Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires.
- All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from heating equipment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov or call the Office of the Fire Marshal at 856-307-7912.
