Chat Transcript: Fire Prevention

NBC 10 News
Published: October 7, 2008

In celebration of the 85th Annual Fire Prevention Week, NBC 10 and turnto10.com hosted a Live Chat. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Prevent Home Fires,” focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking materials. According the latest research from National Fire Protection Association, more than 2,500 people died in home fires in the United States in 2006, and 12,500 were injured. Fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires, which accounted for 80% of civilian deaths and 76% of injuries that year.

Joining us wasChief Timothy McLaughlin , Chief of the Pawtucket Fire Department, and 2008 President of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs

Read a transcript of the Chat:

Welcome to the NBC 10 Chatroom.  Joining us today is Chief Timothy McLaughlin, Chief of the Pawtucket Fire Department, and 2008 President of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs.
jack says to (2008-10-8 12:30:0):
what type of smoke detector is best?

moderator says (2008-10-8 12:31:10):
They all do the same job, price or name brand doesn’t matter. shop for the best you can get. hardware, home improvement stores will carry a variety of brands
jack says to (2008-10-8 12:31:42):
thanks how about carbon monoxide detectors

moderator says (2008-10-8 12:32:31):
Jack - it’s actually the same answer, price can be expensive, and we just recommend that you have them in your home

moderator says (2008-10-8 12:33:5):
the plug in type of CO2 detectors is NOT acceptable
jack says to (2008-10-8 12:34:3):
i heard fire depts. sometimes give them out free?  is that true?

moderator says (2008-10-8 12:35:1):
Some did throughout the state, when there was a grant to do this.  I don’t think this is done by any departments now but you can call your local fire department to be sure.
jack says to (2008-10-8 12:38:26):
thanks

jack says to (2008-10-8 12:39:43):
how often do you replace the batteries?

moderator says (2008-10-8 12:40:15):
twice a year, daylight savings time..coming up in November so get new batteries ready!
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:44:6):
Chief Timothy McLaughlin: The theme of the this week’s Fire prevention week is Prevent Home Fires
It encourages us to think in broad terms the way we can protect our homes and families.
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:45:43):
Going into winter, people are going to rely on alternate heating sources and use fireplaces. We recommend you have a chimmney cleaned once a year if not, you put yourself at risk for CO2 poisoning
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:46:26):
Fire Chief Association recommends that if you use a space heater that you use it in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:47:4):
for example, it needs to be vented properly to prevent CO2 poisoning; it can’t be on or need any combustible materials
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:47:13):
such as carpets, curtains or furniture
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:47:35):
we strongly recommend that homeowners take cautions especially this winter
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:48:1):
If used faithfully it’s a good alternative to heat IF used properly
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:48:46):
For elderly residents, RI Fire Chiefs we don’t recommend using your oven as a heating source
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:49:2):
Holiday season is near
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:49:25):
check extension cords
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:49:53):
don’t use home extensions to power decorations, Christmas trees, holiday stuff
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:50:36):
NEVER run extension cords under your carpet
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:50:50):

Be careful of candles… Fire
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:51:8):
Unattended candles cause fires!  Be careful
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:51:55):
Wood stoves need to be cleaned and installed properly and used with proper ventilations
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:52:29):
Another thing—we encourage parents to develop an exit plan within their home!
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:52:43):
and be sure to practice this exit plan before an emergency
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:53:0):
teach your children how to get out, and be sure to have a meeting place
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:53:23):
Never go back to the home for a pet....that’s the Fireman’s job…
moderator says (2008-10-8 12:54:18):
Thank you Chief McLaughlin for joining us today. —Be safe!  the Chatroom is now closed!