By Samantha Edwards
It's Fire Prevention Week. Did you know that fires are the number one disaster that we respond to? Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in home fires over the past year.
Since January 1, 2021, our volunteers in Nebraska have responded to 389 home fires and assisted 1,016 individuals. In Iowa, volunteers have responded to 672 home fires and assisted 1,690 individuals.
Due to the frequency of fires inside the home, it is crucial to take steps to prevent them and know what to do if a fire occurs.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms once a month. If they are not working, change the batteries.
Talk to all family members about a fire escape plan, and practice the plan twice a year.
If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT, AND CALL FOR HELP. Do not go back inside for anything or anyone.
Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
Learn more about preventing home fires by checking our our home fire information.
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