News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
With several major home fires occurring across the Upper Cumberland over the last two weeks, fire safety is not to be taken for granted.
Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young said families should practice an escape plan every other month to prepare for a home fire.
“When you get a plan, everybody that lives there knows what is going on if there is a true emergency,” Young said. “There is a way to get out and stay out of a fire.”
Young said fire plans should include an outside meet-up point to conduct a head count.
Within the home, Young said fire alarms should be tested monthly and placed on each floor and outside each bedroom.
“Test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are in working condition and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone,” Young said. “Try it out every once of couple months.”
While cooking in the kitchen, avoid wearing loose clothing, cook on the back eye if children are present and never leave a hot stove unattended. Young said if you have a grease fire, smother the flame and never grab the pan or pour water.
“A lot of times, people stop and answer the phone or watch TV and forget about what is cooking,” Kirk said. “That causes fires.”
Young said lightning strikes do not cause as many house fires as most people expect. Young said if you live in an older home, it’s a good idea to have your electrical wiring inspected to make sure it is up to code.
