Don't Let It Happen to You: Fire Prevention at Home

The that claimed the lives of five people has shaken Fairfield County. On a special holiday, a local woman experienced an unfathomable tragedy, seeing her parents and three young children perish in an blaze. It's left many of us wondering why something so devasting like this can happen while hitting the firefighting community hard.

"We urge families to make sure that their home’s smoke detectors are in working order and that carbon monoxide detectors be replaced every five years," Stamford firefighter Brendan Keatley said. "Talk to your family about the dangers of fire and explain to your children what they should do in case of a fire. Have a family escape plan and practice the plan regularly."

"It's very difficult and definitely has an impact on us," said Ed Prescott, Norwalk Fire Department deputy chief. "When you pull up to a scene and it's already that involved and that far gone. It's tough. We feel for the victims and the firefighters in Stamford who went to the call and couldn't do anything."

The fire in Stamford has thrust the focus on home safety once again, putting many on alert for the things that could ignite a blaze. Prescott says during the winter, residents have to be more careful than at other times of the year.

"You have heating products, candles, portable devices, trees getting dry, and things up against heaters, " said Prescott. "People need to be aware of those types of hazards. And we have a saying when it comes to candles, 'when you go out, blow them out.' Never leave the house with a candle burning by itself. Smoke detectors should be checked and batteries changed."

According to the Keatley, only 20% of reported fires occurred between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, 50% of the deaths caused by fire are reported during this time period.

Prescott also advises people to use only wood that's in season for their fires and have their chimneys serviced.

"Chimney fires can become serious issues," he said. "Older chimneys may have cracks in them. You can get sparks and the heat outside the chimney going through the attic and and interior walls can cause problems."               

If you are planning to have guests over during the rest of the winter season Prescott says those staying over should be advised where the exits are in case of a fire. In addition, doorways shouldn't be blocked and power sources should be free of clutter.

"People should make sure they don't put any blankets or bedding over extension cords which can be dangerous and start a fire," he said.

Smoke and fire can rip through a home with incredible speed. Split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.

"Smoke can cause you to become disoriented quickly," said Prescott. "We've arrived at homes where people were on the other side of the door and could not get out on their own. Don't stand around and try to put out a fire yourself. Get to safety and do not try to go back into the house under any circumstances."  

Editor's note: This article by Norwalk Patch.

Related Topics: Fire Safety