As Fire Prevention Month comes to a close, we want to remind you to take a moment to think about fire safety. The purpose of Fire Prevention Month is to raise awareness or remind us about fire safety and help ensure your home and family are prepared in case of fire.
This is a great time to talk with your family about fire safety. You should have an escape plan. Discuss what to do, where to go, who to call. Thinking through an escape plan will help you respond better if an actual emergency were to occur. This is also a great time to ensure your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are working.
Working alarms are your best protection in the event of a fire. They are working 24/7 to give you an alert in the event of an emergency, giving you notice to safely escape. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be in every home and on every level.
Did you know?
- 3 out of 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
- Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death
- 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly
- Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
Why October?
October was chosen for Fire Prevention Month to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October, 1871. The fire is claimed to be the result of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, who allegedly kicked over a lantern in the barn. A drought and strong winds from the south fueled the blaze. Since most of the structures and even sidewalks were made of wood, the fire consumed a path that was nearly 4 miles long and a mile wide.
The CIG Challenge
At Cardinal Investment Group (CIG) work alongside people everyday and recognize that for most of us, our homes are our biggest investment. We would like to challenge all homeowners to ensure your home is protected. Here are a few suggestions:
- Make sure your homeowner’s insurance is up-to-date and you have adequate coverage
- You should have an active termite contract
- Check to make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working
Accept the CIG challenge and protect your family!