Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal
celebrates 100 years of National Home Safety Month
This year's theme: 'Safety starts with me'
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[June 10, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- During the month
of June, which is National Home Safety Month, the Illinois Office of
the State Fire Marshal is making a special effort to remind the
public about the importance of safety awareness. Families across the
state are encouraged to prevent tragedies from occurring by taking
the time to evaluate every fire safety feature in their homes. |
This year the nation celebrates 100 years of promoting home safety
during the month of June, an initiative established to create a
culture of safety awareness at home, in the workplace, schools, day
care centers and senior housing facilities. "Fire safety starts at
home. Our responsibility is to stress the importance of having
working smoke alarms in every home as a tool to promptly alert us if
a fire breaks out," said Larry Matkaitis, state fire marshal.
"During this month, every resident should be proactive by following
simple guidelines to stay safe. And keep in mind the theme of this
year's National Home Safety Month observance: Safety starts with me!
That means everyone has a role to play in keeping our homes safe."
During June, OSFM reminds residents to pay extra attention while
cooking in the kitchen, grilling and camping.
The following tips are essential to keeping every home safe:
on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of your
sleeping quarters. Regularly check the batteries and test your
alarms.
Compile a home
safety kit (emergency preparedness kit) for your family.
Include things like flashlights with extra batteries, blankets,
food, water and a battery-powered weather radio. Keep the kit in
an easily accessible place, so you can quickly grab it in case
of an emergency.
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For more information about fire prevention and fire safety, visit
www.sfm.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |