October is National Fire Prevention Month

Thursday, October 8, 2015

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH – Parish President Natalie Robottom, the Parish Council and the St. John Office of Fire Services are joining municipalities and Fire Departments across the nation to proclaim October as Fire Prevention Month and to remind residents and businesses to check for hazards that could lead to fires.

This year’s campaign, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm” stresses the importance of having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the attic.

According to the National Fire Association, smoke alarms should also be installed along escape paths to assist in getting out with limited visibility conditions.  Batteries should be replaced yearly and smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years.  “Smoke alarms often make the difference between life and death in a fire by giving occupants time to escape safely. Please check your smoke alarms to ensure they are operating properly and don’t forget to review fire safety plans in the event of an emergency situation,” said Cain Dufrene, Chief of Operations for the Office of Fire Services.

Additionally, the Office of Fire Services will educate the community about fire prevention and fire safety by visiting schools, daycares and faith-based organizations throughout the month.  Their goal is to educate children on fire safety, perform firefighter demonstrations, and hosts presentations for children and adults.  “Fire Prevention Month is the perfect opportunity to better inform residents and to share this potentially lifesaving message,” said President Robottom. “I applaud our firefighters for spearheading this effort to promote fire prevention,” she added.

Although this month is dedicated to fire prevention, the public is welcome to contact the Office of Fire Services at 985-359-0440 throughout the year to set up fire prevention demonstrations for groups. For more information on fire safety, please visit www.nfpa.org.

Fire Prevention Tips:

• Install and maintain working smoke alarms outside every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year
• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly
• Teach everyone the “Stop, Drop and Roll” technique in case clothing catches on fire
• Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage
• Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home so when one sounds, they all do
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly
• If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside to your meeting place and stay outside
• Call the fire department from outside the home

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