Take the Time During National Fire Prevention Week to Protect Your Family Against Fires

Residents of Pennsylvania are urged to take the time this week to participate in National Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week, celebrated Oct. 7-13, has been set aside through a Presidential Proclamation as a time “to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.”

According to the National Safety Council, in 2010, there were 3,100 unintentional deaths related to fire, smoke and flames. Many of these fires resulted in death, serious injuries and destroyed homes.

The National Safety Council offers the following steps for families to take to prevent fires:

Have properly working smoke alarms
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year
Place smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in each bedroom
Plan a family escape route and practice it once a month
Install a home sprinkler system
Place fire extinguishers throughout your home and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them

One key theme of the week is to “Have 2 Ways Out!” According to Firehouse.org, this is a key part of any fire escape plan and focuses on it this year along with the general importance of fire escape planning and practice. Fire departments across the state will be holding education and training sessions to raise awareness of ways to protect your family against burns.

Through the Proclamation, President Obama encourages Americans to take the following steps to be prepared in the case of a fire:

“I encourage all Americans to install and maintain smoke alarms, test smoke alarm batteries regularly, and follow safe practices in the kitchen and when using electrical appliances. Families should also develop and practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room. To learn more about these and other simple precautions against home fires, visit www.Ready.gov.”

A burn injury is one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat. For example, a burn of 30% of total body area can cost as much as $200,000 in initial hospitalization costs and for physicians’ fees. For extensive burns, there are additional significant costs which will include costs for repeat admission for reconstruction and for rehabilitation. In addition to the financial and physical tolls on the victim, the emotional toll on the victim and the family is overwhelming.

Preparing for a fire is a critical step in protecting your family. Unfortunately, not all fires can be prevented. Faulty products and negligence can lead to unexpected fires in an around a house. If you believe you were a victim of a fire caused by negligence or carelessness you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced burn injury lawyer to understand your rights.

About Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

Munley Law is a Pennsylvania accident and injury law firm that represents car accident victims and their families throughout the state of Pennsylvania and the Northeast, including those injured in accidents that involve speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, aggressive driving and careless driving in hazardous weather conditions. The Pennsylvania personal injury law firm’s additional practice areas include trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, toxic chemicals, workplace injuries, nursing home litigation and other serious accidents. To contact the law firm, use the firm’s online contact form.