Submitted by Mel Thurston, Secretary, Madison County Vol. Fireman’s Association Inc.
(Madison County, NY – Oct. 2013) The Madison County Volunteer Fireman’s Association urges residents to practice kitchen safety and “Prevent Kitchen fires” during fire prevention week, Oct. 6-12.
Fire prevention week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,400 structures. The fires began October 8, but most of the damage happened October 9 1871. In 1920 President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation.
The National Fire Protection Agency was formed in 1896 by a group of insurance firms. The annual Fire Prevention Week is a national campaign for which NFPA has been the official sponsor since 1922. This year fire prevention week will be observed Oct. 6-12.
Over the past 90 years there have been many different themes that the NFPA has used to promote fire safety. One of the most important was EDITH exit-drills-in-the-house. Fire Departments throughout Madison County and around the nation are teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2013, to urge residents to “Prevent Kitchen Fires!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire prevention and safety in the kitchen.
Madison County Vol. Fireman’s Association recommends the following tips and firefighting equipment in the home:
Carbon monoxide; Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Fire extinguishers; A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.
Home fire sprinklers; Properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives. Because fire sprinkler systems react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames, and smoke produced in a fire.
Smoke alarms; Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
Fire Departments in Madison County and around Central New York will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention Week to inform students and parents the importance of preventing kitchen fires. This year, we are learning about staying safe in the kitchen. No matter how old you are, kitchen safety is important. Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention. And remember Fire prevention should not be practiced just one week a year; everyone should be vigilant 24 hours a day 7 days a week 52 weeks a year.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in your area, or if you would like to become a volunteer firefighter, contact your local fire department or chief, or Madison County Fire Coordinator Joe DeFrancisco at 366-2258/
To learn more about preventing kitchen fires, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.