President Bush has declared October 6 - 12 as Fire Prevention Week 2002. It's the perfect time to learn about fire hazards in the home -- and what we can do to reduce hazards in every home in the nation (see Tips and Helpful Links below).
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Both Secretary Martinez and Deputy Secretary Jackson encourage HUD staff across the nation, residents receiving HUD housing assistance, and every American who reads this message to think and act about fire safety. This week is a good opportunity to take action to prevent fires in your home - and even to consider volunteering to be your neighborhood or apartment building's fire safety "team leader" to help keep others safe.
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In fact, the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2002 is "Team Up for Fire Safety." In his proclamation (www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021005-3.html), President Bush said: "Approximately 3,500 Americans die each year in home fires; and 85 percent of all annual fire fatalities occur in residences. To prevent this tragic loss of life, the National Fire Protection Association, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Fire Administration, and America's 26,354 fire departments, is sponsoring the 2002 Fire Prevention Week campaign (www.nfpa.org/Education/fpwhome/fpwhome.asp)."
This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign touches on three simple but essential safety lessons that everyone can learn: installing and testing smoke alarms (www.nfpa.org/Education/FPW/fpw_home/Kit/Tips/Alarms/Alarms.asp); practicing home escape plans (www.nfpa.org/Education/FPW/fpw_home/Kit/Tips/Escape/Escape.asp); and hunting for home hazards (www.nfpa.org/Education/FPW/fpw_home/Kit/Tips/Hazards/Hazards.asp).
Did you know that unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires? Three in every 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home. Follow these safety tips:
- Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven.
- Keep cooking areas clean and clear of materials that could catch fire, such as pot-holders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging.
- Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach - preferably in a locked cabinet. Replace or repair any electrical device with a loose, frayed, or broken cord.
- In the hands of an adult who knows how to use it, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and minimize property damage by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. But never forget that fire spreads rapidly. Your first priority should always be to get out of the house.
About 94 percent of homes in the U.S. have at least one smoke alarm - but fully half of all home fire deaths occur in the small percentage of homes with no smoke alarms!
- Consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light, vibration and/or an extra loud horn to alert people to a fire emergency. Not only will this help protect the hearing-impaired, but the majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping. Because smoke can put people into a deeper sleep, it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure that they wake up.
In his proclamation, President Bush said America's firefighters were among America's greatest heroes: "During Fire Prevention Week, our Nation also gives thanks for the invaluable service rendered by our firefighters, who risk their lives to preserve and protect our communities. These courageous public servants have inspired us with their dedication and professionalism. On September 11, 2001, we saw that our brave firefighters are among America's greatest heroes. As we remember the sacrifice of so many firefighters that day, let us draw great strength from their example of selfless service to others. These firefighters embodied the best of the American spirit."