The month of October brings to mind crisp autumn weather and trick-or-treating.
Gov. Bill Walker’s office hopes it will bring something else to mind as well: fire safety.
Walker issued an executive proclamation designating October 2015 “Fire Prevention Month.”
According to the proclamation, there were 845 residential fires across Alaska in 2014, which resulted in 12 civilian deaths and 55 injuries, 52 firefighter injuries and $25 million in property loss. This year, fire has burned millions of acres of land and numerous house fires in Alaska.
“Fires pose major public safety concerns, though they are largely preventable by practicing diligence in basic fire safety measures,” the proclamation reads.
Those measures include following the manufacturer’s safety precautions when using appliances and unplugging them when not in use, being cautious not to overload circuits or extension cords, and not placing wires or cords under rugs.
Walker also encouraged Alaskan families to have working smoke alarms in the home, a prepared fire escape plan and fire extinguishers that are tested regularly.
He wrote, “We encourage all Alaskans to practice this year’s fire safety theme, ‘Hear the beep where you sleep: every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm.’”
For more information about fire safety, visit the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office Facebook page.
