The Salisbury Fire Department teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association last week to focus on the leading causes of home fires.
Fire Prevention Week was Oct. 5-11 in Salisbury and across the country.
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.
According to the latest research from the National Fire Prevention Association, more than 2,500 people died in home fires in the U.S. in 2006, and 12,500 were injured.
Fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires, accounting for 80 percent of the civilian deaths and 76 percent of the fire-related injuries that year.
“While the number of home fires is daunting,” Salisbury Fire Marshal Terry Smith said, “the good news is that many are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase their safety from fire.
“Whether it’s smoking outside the home, keeping space heaters at least 3 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.”
Reviewing the following information can help you prevent home fires:
– Cooking ó Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
– Heating ó Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
– Electrical ó 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 ó If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
For 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.