The Alternative Press

Following the tragic Chicago Fire -- October 9, 1871 -- October has acted as Fire Prevention Month, in a constant attempt to improve safety measures at work, home, and school.

When I was growing up, I learned firsthand what not to do. My father's nickname was "Boom Boom Bradley." He carried around an old milk carton filled with his own concoction of gasoline, oil, and other un-named combustibles that would guarantee a "boom." He'd carefully apply his mixture to twigs and timber, and it never failed to start a fire. He'd bring the secret mix to camping trips, BBQs, and unfortunately, into our own house. Once, he started a fire so well that the flames came bursting through the chimney. Luckily, no one was hurt! And "Boom Boom Bradley" retired his milk carton after watching flames shoot from his house.

Here at PuroClean, we receive countless calls to remediate damage from natural, candle, and cooking fires, and unlike my childhood luck, the damage can be severe.

To Observe Fire Prevention Month, take a few minutes to check the simple safety precautions that can save your family and property from disaster.

1. Designate an escape plan with your family that includes:
   • More than one way out of the house: keep collapsible ladders in second story rooms in case the hallways are unusable
   • Designated helpers for the young, the elderly, and the disabled
   • One person responsible for calling 911
   • A place to meet after you've exited the house
2. Keep smoke detectors in all hallways and bedrooms in your home
   • Check each detector once a month
   • Keep extra batteries in your house at all times
   • Change the batteries every fall and every spring
   • If detectors ever begin to chirp, change the batteries immediately
3. Keep a fire extinguisher on each level of your home in places of easy access
   • Make sure an extinguisher exists in the places most vulnerable to fires: notably, the garage and the kitchen
   • Do not place behind closed doors (in closets, cabinets) that might be difficult to access in an emergency
4. Keep all flammable substances out of reach of children, including:
   • Matches
   • Lighters
   • Gas, motor oil, combustible chemicals
5. Close bedroom doors each night to prevent the spread of nighttime fires
   • If the alarm goes off, feel the door
   • If hot, use an alternate exit strategy

In case of a fire, worry about family members over material possessions. We can help restore your property. Your family is irreplaceable.

This October, start the routines that will continue to protect your family through the years to come.