State Fire Marshal urges Missouri

Missouri's fire service and State Fire Marshal Randy Cole are teaming up with NFPA from October 5-11 to urge Missouri residents to prevent home fires during Fire Prevention Week.

This year's campaign focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires -- cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking materials.

Additionally, fire safety educators in many parts of Missouri will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice home exit drills in case a fire occurs.

"While the number of home fires is daunting, the good news is that many are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase their safety from fire," Cole said. "Whether it's smoking outside the home, keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, or staying in the kitchen when you are using the stovetop, there are easy things you can do to keep your home and family safe from fire." According the latest research from NFPA, more than 2,500 people died in home fires in the United States in 2006, and 12,500 were injured. Fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires, which accounted for 80 percent of civilian deaths and 76 percent of injuries that year.

Reviewing the following information and taking action can help you "Prevent Home Fires" during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

* Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

* Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

* Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.

* Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 which killed more than 250 people. This important time of observance is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

During this week Cole encourages parents to take time with their children to educate and raise their awareness level to how they can help prevent home fires and to practice fire safety behaviors.

The following NFPA links are a great interactive avenue for children to become involved in fire safety awareness during the week.

On the Net:

Home Fire Safety Checklist- http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//

FPW08/FPW08checklist.pdf

Fire Safety Quiz http://www.

nfpa.org/assets/files//FPW08/fire_prevention_week_quiz_2008.html