Don't Forget, October is Fire Safety Month!

I will always remember fire drills. Whether they were in elementary school, high school, or even in college, they were all somewhat memorable. A few teachers regarded them as a nuisance for wasting class time, and students were unhappy if they had to quickly jump out of the dorm shower and go outside in a towel, but I always thought highly of them. I thought highly of them not because it gave me a chance to get out of class, but because the way everyone acted during them. Even when the ear-numbing alarm went off, everyone remained calm. This calmness is only achieved through safety education.

At a young age, children are taught what to do when the fire alarm goes off. They are taught to listen to their teacher and follow all instructions. When I was first learning to read, my favorite book was Smokey The Bear. Smokey is known for saying, "only YOU can prevent wildfires!"  Not only is it a heartwarming story, but it's also packed with tons of fire safety information. Fire safety education is key for children, and also extremely important for adults. In honor of it being Fire Safety Month, here are a few fire safety tips:

•  Don't leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven. If your oven catches on fire, keep the door closed and turn off the heat. When cooking on the stove, keep a lid nearby in order to cover grease fires quickly.

• Candles should be used in rooms only when people are present. Always blow out a candle if you are leaving the room. Remember that there are great alternatives to candles, such as flameless candles. Use a flashlight instead of candles during power outages.

• If you smoke cigarettes or cigars, always remember to put them out completely when finished. Never throw cigarette butts into shrubbery.

• Never try to do electrical work yourself, always have it done by a trained electrician. Only use light bulbs with the appropriate wattage.

• Have a planned exit route out of your home if a fire were to occur. When entering a new office or building, keep note of exits and fire safety precautions and drills.