Fire Safety Open House Will Be Held Saturday

The Berkley Public Safety Department will hold its annual fire safety open house this Saturday.

The theme for this year's open house, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Berkley Public Safety building, is "Always have two ways out of a room." The free event will include a chili cook-off, fire safety tips, a live burn, an extrication and more.

The department held a poster contest to promote the open house and all of the entries, which were created by elementary school-age children in Berkley, will be on display.

The department funds the event via fundraisers throughout the year. Contact the Public Safety Department on Facebook to RSVP.

Fire safety tips

The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following advice.

• Every Home Should Have at Least One Working Smoke Alarm: Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It's inexpensive protection for you and your family. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. A working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival. Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at least once a year. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Prevent Electrical Fires: Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.
• Use Appliances Wisely: When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home.
• Alternate Heaters: Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
• Keep fire in the fireplace: Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread.
• Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities: Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.
• Affordable Home Fire Safety Sprinklers: When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable – they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.
• Plan Your Escape: Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.
• Caring for Children: Children under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with matches and lighters. Fifty-two percent of all child fire deaths occur to those under age 5. Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Caring for Older People: Every year over 1,000 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire deaths could have been prevented. Seniors are especially vulnerable because many live alone and can't respond quickly.

The Federal Emergency Management Authority also recommends that families take these 5 steps to protect themselves in the event of a disaster.