Keeping You Fire Safe

In the last few weeks, the rash of fires across the city has destroyed many family's homes and lives. And as we enter a long winter, officials say there are things you can do to prevent a fire in your home.

These are things we have all been taught our entire lives and while they may be simple, they are things we should not take for granted. “Some of these fires were caused by extension cords that were overloaded, one fire was caused by unattended cooking,” said Cleo Hill, of the Anchorage Fire Department.

As several areas and residents have been hit hard by the cruel reality of fires, officials say, they all share a common theme. “There is a common denominator, and the common denominator is that these are all residential structures, these are all places where people live,” said Hill.

The Anchorage Fire Department stresses two important things in protecting your life and your home.

First make sure you have a working smoke detector which includes regularly checking batteries and testing it out with your family. “Smoke detectors are the number one thing that can give people notice to get out if they have a fire, ideally they wouldn't have a fire in the first place,” said Hill.

Make sure the detector and its sounds are recognized by all members of the household. “What we found recently when you set a smoke detector off in the middle in the night, teenagers don't get up, there so saturated by the sounds it doesn't register in their mind, that it is a life saving device, so they roll off and go to sleep,” said Hill.

Secondly , officials recommend having fire drills and practicing them frequently. “Please have a fire drill, have a

escape drill, set your detector off in the middle of the night when your children are sleeping, make sure your children can wake up and get out safely,” said Hill.

Officials say although these are easy ideas, it makes the difference between life and death. “These are just simple things, that guess what, they actually work, they actually save your lives,” said Hill.

With statistics showing fires accounting for 19 deaths a year in Alaska, officials say we should take them seriously.

According to fire officials, the number one priority is saving yourself, your family and making sure you can live to see another day.

Something you may not think about is trees hanging out or on your house. They could be a hazard to potential fires.

For other important ways to protect you, your family and your home, click on the fire departments page on our links page.

To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.