CCFD and Red Cross install smoke detectors and share fire safety tips 

Seven times a day, someone in the US dies in a home fire, and a fire-related injury is reported every 40 minutes. As a part of fire prevention month, the Cape Coral Fire Department and the American Red Cross conducted a home fire preparedness campaign in an effort to reduce those numbers. Today volunteers and personnel from both agencies shared fire safety tips and checked and installed smoke alarms for residents in southeast Cape Coral. A total of 17 smoke alarms were installed in eight homes during the campaign.

These residents not only received smoke alarms, but were given a home fire safety checklist that is an important reminder for everyone. “Home fire preparedness is much more than just smoke alarms,” advises Cape Coral Fire Department Fire Marshal C. Dave Raborn. “Risk reduction is achieved from home fire safety inspections and fire safety education in conjunction with smoke alarms.”

Some of these fire safety tips include:

• Cooking Safety: Stay in the kitchen when using the stove and stay in the home when using the oven. Never leave clutter, particularly anything flammable such as paper or an oven mitt, on the stovetop, even when it is off.
• Smoke Alarms: These should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.
• Matches and Lighters: These are not toys and should be locked away from children.
• Smoking: Never smoke in bed and use deep ashtrays.
• Home Fire Escape Plan: Create an escape plan and practice it twice a year. The plan should include two ways out of each room and a place to meet once you have gotten outside.
• Electrical Safety: Never use multiple extension cords and never overload outlets.

“Today was just the beginning,” states Fire Marshal Raborn, “This was the pilot program that we are looking forward to implementing across the City.”

Photo of CCFD and Red Cross personnel who participated in event

Team heading out for an installation