The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 366,600 residential structure fires. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), since January 1, 2014, the media has reported 1,093 home fire fatalities in the U.S -- 184 in April alone!
At East Whiteland Township, we strive to insure that our community is safe from fire through various education and training programs as well as inspection efforts, but we cannot do it alone. Maintaining a safe environment in and around your home is easy to do with just a little bit of effort.
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Here are some friendly tips for you to help make your home fire safe:
Find out what's happening in Malvernfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
-Install a smoke alarm on each level of the home, including the basement. Any new home constructed is also required to have a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
-Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced annually (twice a year when you change your clocks is recommended). Any smoke alarm that is more than ten years old should be replaced with a new one.
-Homes with attached garages or any fossil fuel burning appliance (including wood-burning fireplace) are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm in the area of every sleeping area (in the hallway outside the bedrooms, for example).
-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required where electrical outlets are located within six (6) feet of water sources such as sinks, showers, and tubs, and in many outdoor locations specified in the electrical code.
- Unattended cooking is a leading cause of residential structure fires in the U.S. Never leave the area of the stove when cooking. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the burner(s) and remove pots and pans from the heat.
-Make sure your family has a home escape plan, and practice it regularly. Never re-enter a home that is on fire once you leave.
-Use extension cords properly. Do not overload electrical outlets, and never plug power strips into other power strips.
For a more complete home safety checklist that you can print and keep handy in your own home, go to the East Whiteland Township Web Site: http://tinyurl.com/kphk97x.
If you would like a courtesy home safety inspection (free of charge), call the Fire Marshal’s office at 610-648-0600 x254 or email firemarshal@eastwhiteland.org, and we will be happy to schedule a visit!
