By Chris Kauffman

Despite significant strides in fire prevention technology, the threat of fire persists, claiming homes and lives each year. In the United States, and in Kernersville, cooking fires stand out as the leading cause of home fires. The importance of fire safety should be practiced in our everyday lives.

One of the essentials of fire safety is a working smoke alarm in the home. Smoke alarms serve as your early warning systems, alerting you and offering precious time that can be the difference between survival and tragedy in the event of a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms. Studies show you may have as little as two minutes to evacuate safely from the home once a smoke alarm sounds. It is important to ensure that smoke alarms are not only installed in the home but also regularly maintained and tested.

Regular maintenance of smoke alarms is essential to their overall effectiveness. A few important things to remember about smoke alarms: replace batteries at least once a year, test smoke alarms monthly to verify their functionality. Smoke alarms are recommended to be replaced when they are ten years old. Replacing the old alarms with new units guarantees optimal performance and protection. If you need assistance with your smoke alarms, including replacing batteries, and you live in Kernersville, you can fill out a request form here:
toknc.com/forms/smoke-alarm-request-form/ or call 336-564-1662.

In addition to having working smoke alarms, it is crucial for every household to have and practice a fire escape plan. This plan should have two ways out of each room in the house and a designated safe meeting point outside. The key to a good escape plan is to practice it regularly with all members of the household, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Cooking fires remain a prevalent threat, accounting for nearly half of all reported home fires. These fires often occur due to common factors, such as distractions or grease buildup. To mitigate these risks, proactive measures can be adopted:

Stay Present: Never leave cooking food unattended, particularly when frying, broiling, or grilling.

Keep Flammable Items Away: Ensure that flammable items are kept away from cooking appliances to prevent accidental ignition.

Check Appliances: Regularly inspect cooking appliances for any damage and replace worn-out components promptly.

Use Caution with Oil: Exercise caution when heating oil for frying, avoiding overfilling pans, and using splatter guards to contain flare-ups. Consider using an air fryer instead.

Keep a Pan Lid or Baking Sheet Nearby: Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Make sure to turn off the burner after the pan has been covered.

Have an Exit Plan: In the event of an uncontrollable cooking fire, evacuate immediately, closing doors to contain the fire, and dial 9-1-1.

As summer approaches, it is a good time to address fire safety concerns related to seasonal activities such as grilling and fireworks. Grilling, while enjoyable, requires careful attention to prevent accidents.

Maintain Distance: Keep grills at least ten feet away from combustible materials and structures.

Check for Gas Leaks: Regularly inspect gas grills for leaks and address any issues promptly.

Supervise: Never leave the grill unattended, especially when children or pets are nearby.

Create a Safe Zone: Establish a designated area around the grill, free from children and pets.

Use Proper Utensils: Utilize long-handled utensils to minimize the risk of burns and avoid using charcoal starter fluid on a lit fire.

Keep the Grill Clean: Regularly clean grills to remove grease buildup and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

While fireworks are a staple of summer celebrations, they pose significant hazards and are best left to professionals. The NFPA strongly advises against consumer use of fireworks due to the high risk of injuries and fires associated with their handling.

Learning and practicing fire safety is essential to safeguarding you and your loved ones. By prioritizing having a working smoke alarm in the home, having a fire escape plan, practicing safe cooking habits, and exercising caution during seasonal activities, we can reduce the incidence of fire-related tragedies in our community. Let us work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all!