National Fire Prevention Week, observed from October 7 to October 13, 2018, sets out to equip individuals and families with information that will help them avert the devastation that comes with fire emergencies. Created in response to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it has become the longest-running public health observance in the U.S.

When it comes to home fires, a split second decision can be the difference between saving lives and tragedy. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to one every 90 seconds in 2016.

The leading causes of home fires? Cooking equipment, heating tools and electrical/lighting equipment.

Preparation is key! Remember these tips and share them with family and friends as National Fire Prevention Week approaches:

  • Eliminate fire hazards around your home. Lower the potential for fire in your home with a few quick, easy steps. Move flammable things away from the stove, pay close attention to food while cooking, keep candles at least one foot away from items that can catch fire (and put them on a sturdy base) and smoke fire-safe cigarettes outside.
  • Be mindful of appliances. Take inventory on the state of your home's electrical items. Don't have more than one heat-producing appliance plugged into a wall outlet at a time and don't use extension cords to power major appliances. Make sure that all electrical work (e.g. addition of outlets) is done by a professional.
  • Check on your home's smoke detectors. Two of every three home fire deaths resulted from homes having no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don't work. Make sure every floor has a functioning detector, changing batteries or replacing as necessary.
  • Plan, plan, plan. Develop a plan in the event of a fire emergency. Make sure everyone in your home is aware of two ways to escape every room in the house (keeping all doorways and windows clutter-free) and are familiar with the sound of a smoke alarm.

Don't take fire safety for granted! Get more tips by visiting these Empowering Michigan blogs.

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DTE Energy Company published this content on 11 October 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 11 October 2018 18:37:08 UTC