Boonville fire fighters meet with elementary students during Fire Prevention week 2022.
BOONVILLE — Boonville Fire Department members visited Boonville Elementary School last week to offer some hands-on learning about fire safety for students.
“This year is the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week which runs from October 9th through the 15th. Boonville Fire Department members spent time last week educating students of Boonville Elementary about fire safety and fire prevention in the home, how to call the fire department, police or ambulance during an emergency and how to escape from a house fire,” said Fire Chief Brandon Renegar. “Students were educated on hazards in the home associated with causing fires including lighters and matches, candles, heaters and fire places and cooking related fire hazards.”
Renegar said prevention is the first step but said it also important to remind children (and their families) the importance of having protection measures and a plan in place in case a fire does occur.
“While we hope to prevent fires by educating children about these hazards, statistics obviously show that fires are still possible and happen. That is why smoke alarms and exit drills are so important and why they help save lives when fires happen,” said Renegar.
“House fires contribute to over 90% of civilian fire deaths in the US. Children, especially under age 5 and seniors are the highest risk groups for death as a result of a house fire,” he said.
“It is important to have working smoke alarms inside and outside of all bedrooms and to have at least one smoke alarm on all levels of your home,” Renegar continued. “It is also very important that all occupants of a home practice exit drills at least annually in their homes and have a safe, designated meeting place outside the home. People have less time to escape from a house fire today than years ago. Fires in todays homes burn hotter, spread faster and produce a more toxic smoke because the combustible contents and furniture found in today’s homes are mostly synthetic and are derived from petroleum. Parents and adults must do their part and use fire prevention practices at home and they should definitely work with their children to further educate them on fire safety in the home.”
“Everyone should know two ways out of their home in the event of a fire.” Renegar said. “As cooler weather moves in, home heating measures will increase and the associated risk of fires as well. All heating devices, especially space heaters, should be used according to manufacturers recommendations and should be kept away from combustibles such as paper products, drapes, clothes and bedding. Fire places and chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned regularly and should have a screen or other appropriate barrier to prevent embers and coals from spilling out of the fireplace. These are common causes of fires that contribute to the increase in home fires during cooler months. Cooking is always a common cause of home fires and parents are reminded to stand by their pan and watch as they cook.”
The theme for Fire Prevention Week this year is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.”
“We hope the children and adults in our community do just that and that they practice fire prevention at home,” Renegar concluded.