October is National Fire Safety Month

  • Published
  • By SMSgt. Gary A. Bristol
  • 507th ARW Safety Office
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  The history of National Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire which occurred October 8, 1871. 

According to legend, it was started in a two story barn owned by Patrick O'Leary. His wife ran a milk business out of the barn and carelessly left a kerosene lantern in the barn after the last milking. A cow kicked the lantern over igniting the hay. Of course no proof to this story has ever been offered, other than the testimony of a neighborhood liar, but the legend took hold. 

Regardless of how the fire started, Chicago became the City of Flames. There are many things that people can do to improve the fire safety of their homes and the safety of your family. 

* Have at least one operating smoke detector. 
* Have an escape plan with at least two exits. 
* Assign someone to help either the elderly or small children. 
* Assign someone to call 911 
* Choose a meeting place once outside the home. 
* Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. 
* Have a working fire extinguisher. 
* Keep small children away from cooking area. 
* Assure portable heaters and space heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that will burn. 
* Never run extension cords under rugs. 
* Unplug any electrical appliance that has a strange smell. 
* Have your chimney cleaned regularly.