Fire Safety Focus: New Bern Department Offers Prevention Tips

By New Bern Local News | October 26, 2023

As autumn brings cooler weather and increased indoor activities, the risk of home fires often rises. In response, the New Bern Fire-Rescue Department is stepping up its efforts to ensure the safety of our community, offering a comprehensive set of prevention tips designed to protect lives and property.

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” says Chief [Insert Fictional Chief’s Name or leave as “Chief”]. “Our goal is to empower every New Bern resident with the knowledge and tools to prevent fires before they start. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.”

The First Line of Defense: Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are arguably the most critical component of a home fire safety plan. They provide early warning, giving you precious time to escape.

• Install Correctly: Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside every sleeping area.
• Test Monthly: Press the test button on each alarm monthly to ensure it’s functioning.
• Change Batteries: Replace batteries at least once a year. A good reminder is to do it when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
• Replace Old Units: Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Replace alarms that are more than 10 years old, even if they seem to be working.
• Interconnected Alarms: Consider interconnected smoke alarms, so when one sounds, they all sound.

Plan Your Escape: Every Second Counts

Once an alarm sounds, you need to act quickly. A well-rehearsed escape plan is vital.

• Two Ways Out: Identify at least two escape routes from every room in your home.
• Family Meeting Point: Establish a safe outside meeting place a good distance from your home (e.g., a neighbor’s mailbox or a specific tree).
• Practice Regularly: Conduct home fire drills at least twice a year, practicing both day and night scenarios.
• Call 911: Once you are safely outside, call 911 immediately. Never go back inside a burning building.

Kitchen Vigilance: Preventing the Most Common Fires

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. Simple awareness can dramatically reduce this risk.

• Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking unattended, especially if you’re frying, grilling, or broiling.
• Clear the Area: Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, towels, paper, plastic bags—away from your stovetop.
• Handle Grease Fires: If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the burner. Do NOT use water.
• Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the stove and oven during cooking.

Heating and Electrical Safety: Staying Warm, Staying Safe

Portable heaters, fireplaces, and electrical systems can pose significant fire hazards if not used properly.

• Space Heaters:

  • Maintain a 3-foot clear zone around space heaters from anything that can burn.
  • Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, not extension cords.
  • Turn off space heaters when you leave a room or go to sleep.

• Fireplaces & Wood Stoves:

  • Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
  • Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying out.
  • Properly dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside and away from combustible materials.

• Electrical Safety:

  • Do not overload electrical outlets.
  • Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords immediately.
  • Avoid running electrical cords under rugs or carpets.

General Home Fire Prevention Tips

• Candles: Never leave burning candles unattended. Place them on a sturdy, non-combustible surface, away from anything that can burn.
• Smoking: If you smoke, do so outside. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and ensure all smoking materials are completely extinguished before leaving them. Never smoke in bed.
• Matches & Lighters: Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet or drawer, out of the reach of children.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms: While not a fire prevention device, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are crucial for safety, as CO is an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas often produced by faulty heating appliances. Install them on every level of your home.