Fire Prevention is Our Job

Fire Prevention is Our Job

Fire prevention is paying off.

While estimated dollar losses caused by fires exceeded fl-billion for the 8th year in a row, there was a slight decline of 2.7 per cent under losses for 1963.

This decline was encouraging news to people dedicated to fire prevention because without fire prevention efforts, the nation’s fire losses would be three times what they are today, says the American Insurance Association.

During Fire Prevention Week fire safety programs will be held in thousands of schools throughout the United States.

There will be speakers on the subject of fire safety at Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and other service organization weekly meetings.

In many communities, school children will be taken on visits to the local fire department headquarters to get a close look at fire fighting equipment and the men who operate it.

The job of fire prevention, however, should begin at home. Every citizen in this community can participate in Fire Prevention Week by getting his family together and making sure that all members know at least two escape routes from the home.

Throughout the year, the home, from attic to basement, should be kept clear of unneeded combustibles such as old newspapers, accumulations of old paint cans, broken furniture, and discarded clothing.

And, remember, if fire occurs, get everybody out of the home first—then call the fire department.

Fire Prevention can help save lives. That is most important. But secondly, it can prevent the destruction of property, which reduces our national wealth. -1