This week is National Fire Prevention week, and all week we'll be sharing some helpful tips and reminders to help keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.
Tip #1: Using a non-combustible ashtray.
Firefighters throughout the valley respond to a number of deck fires every year. The main cause of these fires is due to plastic coffee containers or dried-out flower pots. If not properly put out in the right ashtray, a cigarette can cause a dangerous and deadly fire.
"A plastic ashtray if it's being used as an ashtray can start on fire and it can spread very easily once it does start on fire," explains Matt Nelson with the Fargo Fire Department. "We want to make sure people who do smoke use a proper non-combustible ashtray."
An example of a non-combustible ashtray would be glass or metal. Also, it's important to be sure you're not leaving large amounts of smoldering cigarette's in your ashtray.
Tip #2: Working smoke detectors
Tip number two is probably the most common one: Always have working smoke detectors. It's also recommended that you change the batteries twice a year, a good reminder is to do it during daylight savings time.
If your smoke detector looks old or discolored, or you're not sure how old it is, you should just replace it.
"Smoke detectors can save your life in the event of a fire," Matt Nelson with the Fargo Fire Department. "They will alert you if you're sleeping if a fire starts and it's very important to make sure they're operable for that reason."
You should replace your smoke detectors every five to seven years.
Tip #3: Learn to Safely Use a Fire Extinguisher
Firefighters recommend using the acronym "pass" when approaching a fire: "Pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep."
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the extinguisher at the fire
- Squeeze the trigger
- Sweep at the base of the fire until it's out
Fire fighters remind you never get yourself into a fire or situation that is over your head.. And you should never run back into a burning building to try and save valuables. And after you use a fire extinguisher, you should replace it or have it re-charged.
"You don't know when a fires going to happen so you wanna make sure that not only your smoke detectors your smoke alarms things like that are operable," Explains Matt Nelson with the Fargo Fire Department. "But incase a fire happens and you can put it out you wanna make sure your fire extinguisher is charged as well."
Check back to this story, and watch the Valley Today all this week from 5:00-7:00 a.m. for a new fire prevention tip everyday.
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