Max Kinsey, left, has been a Warsaw firefighter for over 15 years. He has seen fires start with many different ignition sources and has shared tips so you and your family can stay safe. Tony Shilling, right, has been a firefighter for six years. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Fire Prevention Week is recognized nationally during the week of Oct. 8-14 every year to help people of all ages learn fire safety.

This year’s theme was “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” According to National Fire Prevention Association statistics, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries nationwide.

A group of firefighters watch how quickly fire can spread and intensify during a practice drill. Photo provided by Brian Mayo.

Fire is quick and devastating. A small flame can turn into a major blaze in less than a minute. In another moment, a house can be filled with thick black smoke or entirely engulfed in flames.

“Tragedy can happen quick. In a blink of an eye, a fire can catch or an injury can occur,” Max Kinsey, a firefighter with over 15 years of experience, explained. “Fire hazards are not always obvious. A lot of times, fires start because of freak accidents.”

Cooking
Always keep stove top and oven off when not in use.
Move flammable items away from the stove top.
Regularly clean food and grease residue from the stove top and oven.
Never use aluminum foil or metal inside a microwave.

Grease Fires
Never throw water on a grease fire.
Always turn off the heat source.
Cover the flames with a metal lid or damp, not wet, towel or rag.

Smoke Alarms
Place smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.
Test every smoke alarm once a month.
Replace every smoke alarm every 10 years.
Change every smoke alarms’ batteries every year.

Evacuation
Have an established evacuation plan.
Practice the evacuation plan.
Know two ways out of the building.
Have an established meeting place once evacuated.

Candles
Never leave a candle in an unattended space.
Keep candles away from ledges or uneven surfaces.
Keep candles at least 3 feet from flammable objects.
Always keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

Electricity
Check cords to ensure protective layer is intact.
Do not overcrowd power strips.
Never plug two power strips into each other.
Never run cords under rugs, carpets, doors or windows.

Home Heating
Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn off when leaving a room or sleeping.
Never use a cooking stove to heat a home or dry clothes.
Never use a space heater or any appliance with a damaged cord.
Have a qualified professional inspect your house heating system annually.

Smoking
Smoke outside.
Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
Use a deep and sturdy ashtray.
Never discard cigarettes in vegetation, such as mulch, potted plants or dried grass.
Never leave charging e-cigarettes unattended. Battery failures have led to small explosions.

Tools v. Toys
“Accidents can occur when children play with tools, thinking they are toys,” Kinsey explained.
Ensure children are aware that tools are not meant to play with.
This includes tools, like a lighter, matches or scissors.

Holiday Safety
Turn off holiday lights at night or when you leave the house.
Replace any string of lights with broken cords or loose-bulb connections.
Ensure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source.

The number one thing to do in face of a fire is to remain calm.

Panic can often make situations worse.

Remember your evacuation plan, meet at the established meeting place, and always call 911.