__________________________________________Ask the DA

 

With the upcoming holiday season upon us, as a former New York City Fire Commissioner I would like to highlight certain fire safety rules for my readers.

First, be sure to stay in your kitchen while food is cooking since meal preparation is the leading cause of fires in the home.  Also, if there are children in your home keep a “kid-free zone” around your stove to avoid injuries.  To prevent burns caused by accidentally overturning or spilling, keep pot handles facing the wall.

            Next, if your home does not have heat call 311 to report the problem.  Do not attempt to warm your home with the oven or burners.  As importantly, never leave candles, a space heater or a lit stove or oven unattended.  Be aware that space heaters need ample free space around them.  They should always be placed at least three feet from paper, fabrics or anything else that could ignite.

            Candles are safe products, but if they are not used safely and watched carefully, they can lead to accidental fire.  Always keep a burning candle within sight, and completely extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep, making sure that the wick ember is no longer glowing.  Never burn a candle on or near anything that can ignite.  Also, keep candles out of reach of children and pets or anyone else who can accidentally knock the candle over.  Always read and follow the manufacturer’s use and safety instructions; keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents, and burn candles in a well-ventilated room. 

            It is essential to teach children that matches and lighters are not toys to be played with, and are to be used by adults.  Keep matches and lighters in locations where children cannot reach them.  It is important to have a fire safety plan for your family and to practice it with your children.  Teach your children how to call 911, and keep your home address near the phone where they can see it.

            Make sure that you have working smoke detectors in your home.  If a fire does break out, first get out, making sure to close the door behind you, then call 911.  If you are caught in a fire, remember to crawl low under smoke, check all doors for heat before opening them, and if your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL.

For additional information, visit www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org.

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