August is Fire Prevention Awareness month. If you have not conducted a fire drill in the last three months, please do so immediately! Below are some fast facts about fires and the dangers they present:

  • Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

  • Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

  • Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

  • Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.

To learn more about fire prevention and what to do in the event of a fire, visit the following links:

www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/workplace-fires

www.ready.gov/home-fires