Do your part to prevent fires

Fire Prevention Week, observed this week, provides us all with another opportunity to participate in fire safety initiatives that will immediately have a positive impact on our well being. We encourage all residents to take part in Fire Prevention Week with these simple beneficial safety behaviors:

Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to be sure that they are working properly. If you have battery-operated detectors, a good practice is to remember "change your clock, change your battery" as it refers to the time change each spring and fall.

For proper emergency planning, discuss and practice an escape plan with your family. Establish a meeting place to make sure that everyone has gotten out safely. In the event of a fire, once you exit your home, do not return. Too many people lose their lives going back into a burning home.

Please remember that stoves are not made for heating homes. Supplemental heating devices should be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Keep combustibles clear. Do not leave supplemental heating devices unattended. If you are burning wood in your fireplace, make sure your chimneys are properly maintained.

Be conscientious about properly maintaining your furnace and water heater. If candles are necessary, use them in a safe environment in a fireproof container and away from children. Do not leave them unattended. Many fires can be attributed to improper use of smoking materials, and failure to follow basic rules for electrical safety.

Take the time to be safe and consider consulting your fire department if you have questions.

On behalf of the 28 fire/rescue agencies of the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association, we extend our best wishes to you and your family during Fire Prevention Week, and throughout the year.

Chief Patrick Gallagher

President

Lake County

Fire Chiefs Association

Wauconda