[Press Release] : Fire Prevention Week 2008 - 'Prevent Home Fires'

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp - (573) 499-7035 - Duty PIO Pager

Fire Prevention Week 2008 - 'Prevent Home Fires'

COLUMBIA, MO (October 6, 2008) - A pot holder too close to a lit burner
or a space heater left on overnight could be all it takes to start a
home fire. In fact, cooking and heating are among the leading causes of
home fires in the United States, according to the nonprofit National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

That’s why the Columbia Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA from
Oct. 5-11 to urge Columbia residents to “Prevent Home Fires” during
Fire Prevention Week. This year’s campaign focuses on preventing the
leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating and electrical
equipment, and smoking materials. Additionally, fire safety educators
will teach local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home
in case a fire occurs.

According to the latest research from NFPA, more than 2,500 people died
in home fires in the United States in 2006, and 12,500 were injured.
Fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires, which accounted for 80
percent of civilian deaths and 76 percent of injuries that year.

“While the number of home fires is daunting, the good news is that
many are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase
their safety from fire,” said Battalion Chief Steven Sapp. “Whether
it’s smoking outside the home, keeping space heaters at least three
feet away from anything that can burn, or staying in the kitchen when
you are using the stovetop, there are easy things you can do to keep
your home and family safe from fire.” 

Do you know how to keep your home safe from fire hazards? Reviewing the
following information and taking action can help you “Prevent Home
Fires” during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

● Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or
broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time,
turn off the stove.
● Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or
furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
● Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use
extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional
circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician. 
● Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep,
sturdy ashtrays.

Locally, the Columbia Fire Department is again teaming up with the
non-profit Theater Reaching Young People in Schools (TRYPS) to deliver
fire prevention messages to various schools. This weeks schedule of
TRYPS appearances, in addition to the Pepper and Friends show on Monday,
Oct. 6, include:  

Tuesday, Oct. 7
9:30 a.m. - Shepherd Blvd Elementary School
9:45 a.m. - Parkade Elementary School
10:30 a.m. - Russell Blvd Elementary School
1:30 p.m. - Blue Ridge Elementary School
2:15 p.m. - Lee School
3 p.m. - Benton Elementary School

Thursday, Oct. 9
9 a.m. - Fairview Elementary School
9:45 a.m. - New Haven Elementary School
10:30 a.m. - Derby Ridge Elementary School
1:30 p.m. - Ridgeway Elementary School
2:15 p.m. - Paxton Keely Elementary School
3 p.m. - West Blvd Elementary School

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across
the country. For 85 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention
Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance
on record. For additional information on Fire Prevention Week, visit
www.GoColumbiaMo.com or www.FirePreventionWeek.com.

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