An Open House will be held at the DeKalb County Fire Department Main Station at 782 King Ridge Road on Saturday, October 18th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Donny Green, DeKalb County Fire Chief, on behalf of the department, invites you to come by and see the newly renovated station and training center. Enjoy free hotdogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. Come see the fire trucks, ambulances, medical helicopter, and the Sheriff’s Department will be represented there. Call 615-464-7176 or 615-464-0344 for information or directions.
Meanwhile, Bradley Mullinax, Lieutenant and Fire Prevention and Safety Officer for the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department offers some safety tips in conjunction with October Fire Prevention Month.
Cooking Fire Safety: -Do not wear loose fitting clothing when cooking, as they are easy targets to catch on fire.
-Always turn pan handles in to prevent food spills.
-Make sure that you keep pot holders and towels away from the stove.
-Replace any old or frayed electrical cords on your appliances.
-Never leave your cooking unattended.
-If a fire should occur on the stove, slide a pan lid over the flames and then turn off the heat.
-If a fire should occur in the oven, keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat to smother the fire.
-Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure it is kept in an accessible place away from the stove and oven.
If the fire does not go out quickly, use your escape plan and call the fire department immediately.
Heating Hazards: Nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. We recommend these tips to help you stay warm and safe during the winter months.
-Make sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned once a year.
-Dispose of ashes only when they have fully cooled.
-Don’t use an oven to heat your home.
-Install carbon monoxide detectors outside each sleeping area.
-When using space heaters, make sure that there is nothing within 3 feet of it that could burn.
Always make sure that portable heaters are turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
Electrical Fire Prevention: Electrical distribution and lighting equipment were involved in an estimated 20,900 reported home fires in 2005. These fires resulted in 500 civilian deaths and 1,100 injuries, with an estimated $862 million in direct property damage per year.
-Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as bedding, curtains, and clothing.
-Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
-Use extension cords for temporary wiring only.
-Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping of circuit breakers, discolored or warm wall outlets, flickering lights, or a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
Smoking and Fire Safety: In the United States, smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths. A majority of these fires resulted from the careless disposal of smoking materials. The NVFC and Fire Corps provide you with the following tips to avoid such tragedies.
-Never leave a lit cigarette or cigar unattended. They can easily fall off whatever you placed them on and start a fire.
-Don’t smoke in bed. You might fall asleep with the lit product in hand.
-Always use an ashtray. Never put your ashes into a waste basket.
-Always make sure that all smoking products are completely extinguished when disposing of them or before going to bed. Pour a cup of water on them to be sure.
-Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children.
– Always use child-resistant lighters.
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