Local firefighter offers guidance on prevention
By John Joyce
Published in News on October 7, 2014 1:46 PM
October 5 through 11 is National Fire Prevention Week.
Capt. Richard Lewis, of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, has been a volunteer firefighter with the Pikeville Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department for 37 years. He also serves as president of the Wayne County Volunteer Firefighter's Association. In a written message to the community this week, Lewis said saving lives starts with prevention, and prevention starts at home.
Step one is having a smoke detector. Step two is having a plan, he said.
"Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, and the batteries replaced twice a year," Lewis said.
A smoke detector installed on every floor of the home, at the highest point possible, is invaluable, he said.
Lewis cited national statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Association that demonstrate just how crucial functioning smoke detectors are to saving lives.
As of Sept. 30, 2012, 1,715 civilian fire fatalities were reported nationwide.
"Eight out of 10 people die from breathing poisonous smoke (rather) than from the actual flames of a fire," Lewis said.
And three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke detectors were present.
Having working smoke detectors inside the home is only half the battle.
Knowing what to do when the alarm sounds is just as important.
Families should practice E.D.I.T.H., Exit Drills In The Home, he said.
"Everyone should have an evacuation plan for exiting the house and then meeting at a predetermined location so they know everyone is safe," Lewis said.
For assistance with smoke detectors, or more information on fire prevention, Lewis suggests going online to www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach.
He also suggested checking with a local fire department.
"The citizens of Wayne County have a great asset in their Volunteer Fire Departments. They just don't realize what we've got here," he said.
Smoke detectors are usually affordable, and in some cases can be obtained at no cost. The benefit of having them, however, far outweighs the alternative.
"The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with properly installed and working smoke detectors," Lewis said.