Yesterday (Sunday) kicked off this year’s National Fire Prevention Week, and as ever, the focus is on educating Americans on how to reduce the risk of a fire in their homes and businesses. According to Carroll Fire Chief Dan Hannasch, the theme for the week is, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” Hannasch says a good portion of their residential calls originate in the kitchen.
Hannasch says there are so many distractions in today’s world that it is easy to forget to turn the stove off or to keep an eye on the smoker while it is running. Even small fires can cause enough damage to destroy the interior of a home, so it is critical residents are prepared.
With cooler temps finally here, Iowans are firing up their furnaces and dusting off their space heaters. Hannasch says it is critical to have furnaces inspected regularly to avoid an equipment failure that could lead to a fire. As for space heaters, Hannasch says they are one of the leading causes of house fires during colder months.
Hannasch says he and Carroll Fire Department volunteers will be traveling to schools and daycares all this week to discuss fire safety.
Firefighters will be traveling throughout Carroll tonight (Monday) and for the next several weeks selling tickets to the 2023 Firemen’s Dance. He encourages residents to ask any questions about fire safety when one of the local firefighters knocks on their door. National Fire Prevention Week runs through Saturday, Oct. 14.
