Informing Independence Citizens October 2023 Volume 30 Number 5 IndependenceMO.org
Be Fire Safe this Fall In this edition: 2 | Upcoming events and programs 3 | Upcoming events continued Protect yourself against serious illness this winter with flu and COVID-19 vaccines By the numbers: A look at maintenance needs across the City 4 | Renewed Investment and Growth!
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October is Fire Prevention Month and October 8-14 is National Fire Prevention Week. Why October? On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire killed more than 250 people, left more than 100,000 residents homeless, destroyed thousands of structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. In 1922, Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire. And, in 1925, President Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week. This is the longest-running public health observance in our country. Now outside of the history, there are regional reasons this week is so important. For many of us, the weather requires that we begin using our heating systems in October. Between poorly maintained chimneys, improperly maintained HVAC systems, space heaters, generators, and holiday cooking, the cooler months lead to an increase in house and structure fires. What can we do? One of the most important things our residents can do is make sure they have operating smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Following this, it is important to have and practice a family evacuation plan. In an emergency, every minute counts. There are also simple preventative measures you can take to protect your property. Have your HVAC and fireplace cleaned and serviced annually. This is a busy season for these providers too. Now is the time to schedule the cleaning, inspection, and repairs you need before the weather turns cold.
If you use a space heater in your home or work setting, follow the instructions. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord. Always leave a minimum of three feet around the space heater and keep all flammable items away from it. This includes keeping paper, blankets, decorations, and, yes, that Christmas tree away from it and other sources of heat. Cooking safely This year's theme for Fire Prevention Week is "Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to Fire Prevention." The sad reality is, the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Here are a few simple tips to help keep you safe in the kitchen. • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop. • Have a kid-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are being prepared. The City of Independence has 10 fire stations with more than 185 firefighters working to protect our residents, visitors, and property. By working together, taking preventative steps to keep our homes in order, and preparing for an emergency - we can help keep them and our homes safe. In the event of an emergency, always call 9-1-1. For more Fire Prevention Resources or to schedule a visit for your school or daycare, call (816) 325-7121.