Dec. 19 Ward 6 meeting
Covered by Documenter Carol Sparkman (see her notes here)
The coldest weather brings the highest risk of house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a combination of heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months.
Individuals can take steps to decrease the likelihood of house fires. At the Dec. 19 Ward 6 meeting, Akron Fire Department Lieutenant Jeff Payne joined Ward 6 Council Member Brad McKitrick (a retired firefighter) to discuss fire safety tips for Akronites.
Most importantly, if there’s a fire, don’t hesitate to call 911.
“When in doubt, call us out,” Payne said. “Let us figure it out — that’s what we’re here for. That’s your tax dollars at work. We’re available 24/7 and are always happy to come out.”
Be prepared, help prevent fires
To keep everyone in the home safe, make sure smoke detectors are installed on every level, including attics and basements. Smoke detectors can save lives by alerting you to fires you can’t see.
AFD partners with the American Red Cross to provide and install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to Akron homes at no charge. Akronites can call AFD’s Fire Prevention and Community Service Bureau at 330-375-2197 to learn more.
Consider equipping your home with a fire extinguisher (all-metal) and a flame-retardant welder’s blanket for additional fire suppression options.
Fill out an Emergency Medical Data sheet for everyone in the home and stick it on the refrigerator with a magnet. In the event of an emergency, EMS and firefighters are trained to look on the side of your refrigerator for this information to help them understand how to quickly help you or your loved ones during a crisis.
Suggested Reading
Fire safety and prevention best practices
- Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires overall, and unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of all home cooking fires.
- Unplug small appliances when they’re not in use, especially items like microwaves, toaster ovens and coffee makers.
- Close your bedroom door when you go to bed. This step will slow the spread of a fire and buy you up to 30 minutes to escape through a window to safety.
- Create, discuss and practice a fire escape plan with everyone who lives in the residence.
- Establish two ways out of the home.
- Equip second floor bedrooms with emergency ladders.
- Determine a safe spot to meet.
- Consider egress, or exit, windows in the basement as an option.
- Replace old Christmas tree lights and keep heating sources and blankets a safe distance from live trees.
- Big appliances that draw a lot of voltage like refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers should have their own electrical circuit.
Learn more about how to safely stay warm inside and outside during Akron’s cold winter days.
