5 Questions with Eddie Saffell, Deputy Chief, Administration, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District

National Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. The historic fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

Fire departments across the country, including the Central Jackson County Fire Prevention District, are using the commemoration as an opportunity to educate communities about fire prevention strategies.

Grain Valley News talked with Eddie Saffell, Deputy Chief, Administration with the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFD), about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention tips for homeowners.

Does CJCFD have any events planned during National Fire Prevention Week?

We held an open house the weekend of October 6 th as a part of Fire Prevention Week awareness. We believe in community outreach all year long but wanted to open the stations for education and interaction a little more during this week.

We have a large number of sessions scheduled for the next 4-5 weeks that others have called and requested. These are in the form of school visits, day care visits, trunk or treat attendance at churches and schools, and two larger community events: Butterfly Trail Trick or Treat in Grain Valley Oct. 26 th and the Main Street Trick or Treat in Blue Springs on Oct. 27 th .

National Fire Prevention Week informational materials suggest looking for places around the home where fires could start. What are some of the most common places/ items that homeowners should watch out for? Candles, ashtrays seem obvious, but what are some things that people might not think about that are common fire hazards?

Be aware of extension cords and overloaded electrical outlets. Water heaters and furnaces should be correctly maintained and working. Clothes or other flammable materials should not be stored or stacked around the water heater or furnace. Ensure proper storage of gasoline and other flammable liquids, keeping them away from flame producing devices.

Another tip is to sleep with doors shut. There is a national push for “close before you doze” to help give more time and protection if a fire starts. Every family should have an exit plan and practice it often. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in the appropriate places and working properly.

What tips do you have about smoke alarms/detectors? Are there resources CJCFD provides related to smoke detectors?

If a detector is 10 years old or older, it should be replaced. Replacing hard wired detectors that have a battery backup with a standard battery smoke detector is lowering the level of protection and residents should consider replacing old detectors with the same type.

There are some wireless options that work well. There should be a smoke detector on every level, in every bedroom, and outside every sleeping area. CJC will install battery only smoke detectors for residents, but we will not take the hardwired detectors out. We can also change batteries for residents that can’t reach detectors in high ceilings and for our older population.

The kitchen is one of the most used areas of a home and one of the greatest areas of fire risk. What tips/reminders do you have for home cooks in terms of fire prevention?

Keep towels, boxes and other flammable materials away from the stove top. Never leave things that are cooking unattended, especially with children in the house. Keep the surface of the stove and the oven clean from debris and grease. If a fire starts in the oven, leave the oven door closed and call 911.

If a fire starts on top of the stove, use a cookie sheet or pan lid to cover the fire and call 911. Never try to carry a pan that is on fire to the sink or outside.

Smoke detectors shouldn’t be placed in the kitchen areas; they will go off with the heat and cooking smoke. Be careful when using the microwave: things get extremely hot quickly and can burn you.

As the temps get colder and people start to bring out space heaters, fire up fireplaces, etc., what reminders/tips do you have for homeowners/renters?

When it comes to any type of space heater, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the proper fuels and keep them away from flammable materials such as curtains and furniture. Don’t leave them unattended, especially with children around. Turn them off when leaving the room or house.

If a fire starts, don’t try to put it out yourself. Call 911. Make sure chimneys are maintained and clear of debris. Keep spark screens in place in front of the fire place and on the top of the chimney.

Use dry wood in fireplaces, not wet or green wood. Make sure furnaces are serviced and working properly, including the flue pipes.