Community Corner

Forsyth County FD: Tips on Fire Prevention Month; Burn Ban Expires

Not only is October National Fire Safety and Prevention Month, the five-month burn ban expires.

Oct. 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week, which was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed 250 people and left more than 10,000 people homeless. In fact, the entire month of October is dedicated to National Fire Safety and Prevention.

The Forsyth County Fire Department is pleased to provide the following safety tips to help keep you and your family safe.

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and near each bedroom.
  • Place fire extinguishers in the areas of the kitchen, laundry room, fireplace and garage.
  • Replace cracked, broken or frayed electrical cords.
  • Never run extension cords under rugs or carpet.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
  • Never leave cooking equipment unattended. If you must leave the room, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove.
  • Never burn paper in a fireplace. The heat generated is far too intense for a residential fireplace.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet from people and from items that can burn, such as curtains.
  • In case of emergency, dial 911.

Everyone knows the stop, drop, and roll, but there are many other ways to prevent a fire in your home. Here are a few more tips recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

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  • Make sure there is space around your heater and that window curtains or other flammable materials aren’t touching the heater.
  • Create a family escape plan from your home in case of a fire. Everyone in your home should know at least two ways out of each room. Also, be sure to have a meeting place outside your home.
  • Don’t smoke in your home. If you do, never leave burning cigarettes unattended and don’t empty burning or hot ashes in a trash can.  

For more fire safety tips and facts, visit the National Fire Protection Association page.

Also, beginning on Oct. 1 the five-month burn ban in Forsyth County expires. 

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the months of October through April, outdoor burning is permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. and one hour before sunset. Click here for daily restrictions and other pertinent information.

TELL US: What are your fire safety tips? What is the most useful thing you have taught your family about preparing for a fire?

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