Andrew Huck
Published: February 11, 2009
DUBUQUE – Thirteen, that is the number of fire deaths in the State of Iowa so far for 2009 which is more than this time last year. While October is known as Fire Prevention Month, the winter months bring challenges for firefighters and more potential fire hazards. There are a few things that you should know about how to prevent a fire in your home.
Dubuque Fire Chief Dan Brown explains the challenges winter weather has on his department’s ability to fight fires.
“Any time we have these apparatuses [fire trucks] out there is always a problem with freezing and the hose lines freezing, you have to keep water flowing through them even if we’re not spraying them on the fire,” explains Chief Brown.
During the winter many people rely on space heaters to help heat their homes but if you use them there are a few safety reminders.
“Space heaters should not be plug into extension cords should be directly into a receptacle [outlet], careful not to over load, and then do not leave them unattended; if you leave the room or go to bed at night shut them down,” says Brown.
The most important tip is to have working smoke detectors in your house but there is something about smoke detectors you need to know.
“If they are over ten years old they probably need to be replaced and if you look at your smoke detector they will have a date on them,” says Brown.
Beginning April first a new law goes into effect requiring all new residential construction to have a dual sensor smoke detector installed, which uses two sensors to detect both fast and slow moving fires.
These are important reminders after the amount of fires in Dubuque at the end of 2008.
“December was a very busy month for the fire department here in Dubuque for structure fires,” explains Brown.
The Dubuque Fire Department also asks for your help in clearing snow from around fire hydrants. If there is a hydrant on your property the department asks that you clean a path around it, this will give firefighters quicker access during a fire.
Andrew Huck can be contacted at Andrew.Huck@lctv13.com
