Benson Recognizes National Fire Prevention Week

Benson Mayor William Massengill stopped by the Benson Fire Department to sign a proclamation recognizing national Fire Prevention Week — Oct. 8-14. The Mayor, along with Fire Chief Alan Johnson and several firefighters, discussed common hazards in the home and the best way to keep citizens informed and protected against fires. In the photo from left are Kevin Godwin, Travis Johnson, Mayor Massengill, Chief Johnson, Steven Moore, and Andrew Peed.

The Town of Benson has recognized the upcoming National Fire Prevention Week October 8-14.

Benson is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting the community.  Fire Prevention Week is a great way to spread the word about how to be safe at home, but also what to do should a fire occur.

U.S. fire departments responded to 365,500 home fires in 2015, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Many newer homes are built with lightweight materials that burn faster than older home

constructions and many of today’s products and furnishings produce toxic gases and smoke when burned.

These conditions contribute to a much smaller window of time for people to escape a home fire safely — having as little as one to two minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds.

Being prepared is important.

Here are a few tips.

  • Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
  • Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
  • Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
  • Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
  • Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
  • Check your smoke alarms regularly. A good rule is to make sure the batteries are fresh when the time changes (during Spring and Fall).
  • Kitchen fires are some of the most common calls firefighters respond to. It’s recommended top have a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen
  • Never use cheap extension cords or overload power outlets with too many things plugged into them.
  • Make sure to keep the lint trap in your dryer cleaned out.
  • Teach children the address of their home as well as a contact number.
  • For more information — including customizable home maps and activity sheets for kids — visit nfpa.org.

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