IT’S FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Laredo, TX: It’s Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Prevent Home Fires”. Prevention is our best defense against any fire; this is why we would like to take this opportunity to raise fire prevention awareness in our community with the objective of avoiding a loss or tragedy.
The efforts will include fire safety presentations at local schools as well as distributing fire prevention tips throughout the week.
Today’s Fire Safety Tip is as follows:
Everyday Electrical Safety
Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
Use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers,

Discolored or warm wall outlets, flickering lights or a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871. (Source: National Fire Protection Association)