Neighborhood News Area Fire Chiefs Offer Tips On Fire Prevention Including Home Inspections to Prevent Fires BY RON AARON EISENBERG
Terrell Hills Fire Chief Billy Knupp told 78209 Magazine the city will inspect homes to let residents know about potential fire hazards. “We call them in-home safety surveys. The crews have the city divided, and they go door to door and offer the service. We also talk about it on our website, and people can sign up for a survey from the website. The third way we offer is when we are at calls that turn out to be non-emergent, we will provide the service for the resident then. “We explain that we walk around the home with the owner and show them fire hazards that they may not think about in their day-to-day lives. We have a check sheet we go off of, and they get a copy. Some of our residents have turned those sheets in to their homeowner’s insurance, and they have even received a small discount. Alamo Heights Fire Chief Michael Gdovin shared information on their fire inspection program. “The firefighters schedule a time to inspect the home for any fire safety issues and mitigate or offer solutions for issues, thus preventing an accident or injury. It’s not a ‘code compliance’ inspection. It may be difficult to go into the citizen’s homes during COVID precautions, but we can also walk through the checklist with them over the phone via Facetime.” Olmos Park fire department also offers home safety inspections. The City of San Antonio fire department only does home fire safety inspections if a resident is applying to be a foster parent. Many home fires are preventable. FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS: MAKE SURE WE CAN FIND YOU! Don’t wait until you have an emergency to find out that your home’s address numbers are missing, faded, or hidden by your landscaping. Take the time now to inspect the front of your home. The Fire Department recommends that your address numbers be at least 4 inches tall and visible from the front street. Address numbers that are illuminated or reflective are especially helpful at night. 26 APRIL 2021 | 78209magazine.com
BE CAREFUL WHEN COOKING OUTDOORS. Don’t let a backyard BBQ ruin your day. BBQ pits (gas or charcoal) should never be placed on your deck or within 10 feet of your home. This includes attached porches and balconies. Proper care should always be taken when disposing of coals or ash. Ash and coals from a BBQ pit on a deck can easily fall below the decking, starting a fire that will quickly spread. Always closely supervise your cooking and have a water source or fire extinguisher nearby. WATCH YOUR COOKING Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove. GIVE SPACE HEATERS SPACE Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. SMOKE OUTSIDE Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers. Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock. INSPECT ELECTRICAL CORDS Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
