You may feel like home is the safest place to be, but 74 percent of all fire deaths take place there, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Half of all home fires start in the kitchen, and about seven people die per day in house fires, the group said.
“Fire is not a joke, it is dangerous, and you should know your fire plan before a fire occurs,” said Melanie Flores, a Del Mar College nursing major.
During Fire Safety Week, Oct. 7-13, officials often stress life-saving tips.
“Once out, stay out,” Fire Captain Robert Ruiz once said, meaning once you get out of a fire situation, stay out, and don’t return inside to attempt to recover valuables such as pets or property.
Officials often stress the “Look. Listen. Learn.” approach:
- Look – for places a fire can start
- Listen – for sounds of a fire (snapping) as well as an alarm
- Learn – Know at least 2 ways out of every room.
“Keep your mind open and pay attention to what you are doing as well as what is around you,” Ledvic Martinez, an architectural student, said of ways to prevent a fire.
The majority of severe fire casualties occur at night. Most can be attributed to houses without smoke detectors.
The American Red Cross installed smoke alarms in several homes in Corpus Christi on Sept. 15.
Changing the batteries in smoke detectors is advised twice a year.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Maintain proper working smoke alarms
Have a fire extinguisher
Keep fire extinguisher up to date
Plan fire escape routes
Plan a meeting place
Keep space heaters away from objects
Stay attentive to your cooking
