Let’s talk about fire prevention, Iowa!
Spring has sprung, and while most Iowans are gearing up to protect their homes against tornados and severe storms, one critical threat is often overlooked: fires.
You might be wondering, how important can fire prevention really be here in the Midwest? Keep reading to understand the importance of practicing safe fire habits and preventing your home and loved ones against a potential fire.
Is fire prevention and protection actually important in Iowa?
The short answer: YES!
The long answer: fire is the most common of all hazards. Each year, fires cause thousands of deaths and injuries and billions of dollars in property damage. To put things into perspective, 38 Iowans lost their lives due to fires in 2024.
How can I prevent fires?
Fires can be prevented, and all it takes is a few simple steps and a little bit of caution.
- Install the right amount of smoke alarms for your home and keep up on replacing their batteries. Not sure how many you need? The American Red Cross has resources to point you in the right direction.
- Establish a family emergency plan. This includes knowing what your smoke alarms sound like (and what to do if they sound), knowing at least two ways to escape each room of the home, knowing who to contact if a fire occurs, and knowing the stop, drop, and roll technique in the event any clothes catch on fire.
- Check the electrical wiring of your home, replacing any frayed or cracked wiring, and watching for overloaded outlets or extension cords.
- Use heating devices (think portable heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces) in well-ventilated rooms only. If you have a wood stove or fireplace, you’ll need to clean them annually.
- Take care when cooking. Keep the area around your stove clean and clear of combustibles like bags, boxes, or other appliances, and never pour water on grease fires – only use a fire extinguisher.
- Grill safely. As warmer months approach, more Iowans will opt to use outdoor grills and smokers. Prevent potential fires by closing all vents after using a charcoal grill, storing charcoal grills on a noncombustible surface (such as a driveway versus a wooden deck), waiting to dump ashes into the trash, and cleaning the grill often to avoid excess oil buildup.
- Maintain your yard. Not only does it ensure your yard is the best on the block, but it also keeps you safe. Avoid letting large piles of brush accumulate, and regularly pick up flammable materials to avoid their accumulation.
While fires may not always feel like Iowa’s biggest threat, it’s important to take action to mitigate fire risk and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Wishing you a safe and fire-free spring and summer!
Sources