IS THE THEME FOR

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK (OCTOBER 3-9, 1999)

1999 National Fire Prevention Week is slated for October 3-9th. This year's theme is "The Great Escape…Having a Home Fire Escape Plan."

"In 1998, Ohioans experienced 13,836 residential fires killing 111 people, injuring 871 more and causing $128,063,894 in property damage," said Gary Suhadolnik, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "The number of injuries and deaths would be significantly decreased if more families had and practiced a home fire escape plan, and had working smoke detectors present on every floor.”

State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage recommends that Ohioans take the following precautions to ensure the safety of their homes and families. Whether you are at home or at work, it is vital that you know two ways out of every room. Chances are that, during a fire, one of your potential exits may be blocked or impassable, limiting your means of egress. Knowing two ways out and being able to make a quick, decisive response are often what makes the difference between life and death in a fire.

Every household in Ohio should practice the Home Fire Escape Drill. If a fire should occur, this drill can help you and your family escape. The Home Fire Escape Drill is designed to help families practice their two chosen escape routes out of the house if a fire should occur. Planning and practicing two escape routes -- one normal route through hallways and stairways; and an alternative route through windows or onto the roof -- will help save the lives of you and your family.

Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time to escape harm, even if you are sleeping. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside of each sleeping area. If you sleep with the door closed, install one inside your sleeping area as well.

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Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer's directions and replace batteries once a year or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use --a disabled detector cannot save your life. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old; and for complete protection, consider installing automatic fire sprinklers in addition to smoke detectors.

According to Marshal Rielage, firefighters surprisingly find that, although many smoke detectors retail for less than $10, they are often not present in homes or are not operational. In residential fires reported to Rielage’s office, smoke detectors were not present nearly 26% of the time. In 15% of the fires, a smoke detector was present but did not operate.

"We hope to continually illustrate to the public the grave importance of installing and maintaining smoke detectors," said Marshal Rielage. "The facts speak clearly: working smoke detectors save lives. They also double individuals’ chances of escaping a nighttime fire. I encourage all Ohioans to ensure that their smoke detectors are properly placed, regularly tested and maintained. By taking the time to test them monthly, you may save your life, the lives of your family members and your property if fire ever breaks out in your home."

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The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Fire Marshal's Office trains firefighters, enforces the Ohio Fire Code, investigates the cause and origins of fires and explosions, provides fire prevention programs, and performs other services. Other Commerce divisions enforce regulations regarding industrial compliance, financial institutions, liquor control, real estate, securities, auctioneers, unclaimed funds, and private investigators, among others. The department's internet address is www.state.oh.us/commerce

NOTE TO EDITOR: During Fire Prevention Week, we will be sending out a packet of releases which will provide fire facts on a variety of fire prevention and fire safety topics. These releases can be used as daily graphics or stories.