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FIRE SAFETY REMINDERS
BY: TERRI GUEST, CIRMS, CMCA, BERG INSURANCE AGENCY
As we approach National Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), we thought it timely to provide some important safety reminders regarding fire safety.
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Never hang things on fire sprinkler heads, and make sure the area around them is clear so that the sprinklers can operate properly. Check your smoke detectors at least twice per year. If you have battery smoke / carbon monoxide detectors, change their batteries when the time changes for daylight savings time. Even if your building has fire extinguishers, keep a personal extinguisher in your kitchen.
SAFE GRILLING
Remember it is against fire code to grill on a balcony, under an overhang, or within 10 feet of a structure. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), residential grill fires result in $75 million of property losses each year. 28% of these fires start on balconies.
CANDLE SAFETY
The NFPA reports that over 25 home fires are started by candles every day. Avoid the use of candles in bedrooms or areas where people can fall asleep. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
HAVE A PLAN
Draw a map of your home and map out 2 exit paths from each room. Practice an evacuation plan twice a year with each member of the family. Try to remember to close doors behind you as you leave to slow the fire from spreading.
Terri Guest, CIRMS, CMCA, is Sales & Marketing Representative for Berg Insurance Agency and the Insurance Agent for Shadowhawk HOA and may be reached at Terri@BergInsurance.com
OCT 8-14
