National Fire Prevention Week has arrived, providing an opportunity to stop and review home fire facts. This observation commemorates the Great Chicago fire of 1871, which killed 260, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed 17,400-plus structures. This year’s theme is: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are some grim statistics we should be aware of:

•       In 2016 there were 352,000 home fires
•       Three out of five fire deaths occurred in homes without smoke alarms
•       Less than half of all homeowners have an escape plan

Fortunately, there are a variety of steps you can take to protect yourself this National Fire Prevention Week.

Simple Solutions

Homeowners should appropriately handle flammable items, such as propane, and identify locations (fireplaces, heaters, etc…) where fire is most likely to break out. Also, every home should have a fire escape plan.

Smoke alarms are a vital part of fire protection, but not all detectors are created equal. Courtesy of the Boston Fire Department, here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure these alarms work as promised:

• Deploy smoke alarms in every sleeping room/outside all sleeping areas
• Place carbon monoxide alarms from the basement up to every level of the home
• Hold home fire drills
• Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed

The Next Step: Fire Monitoring

For an extra layer of safety, consider turning to a professional, proven alarm installation and monitoring service. American Alarm is just such a regional provider, based in New England. Our Central Station operators are watching 24/7 to protect your home and immediately guide first responders to any threat.

Recently, a fire in a laundry area in a Worcester condominium triggered an alarm. Firefighters arrived on the scene and discovered a small fire in a clothes dryer vent and soon extinguished it.

Given the risks, why wait to sign up for that extra safety? This is a great week to do it. Talk to us today.