Last Updated on May 3, 2022 by Luke Feldbrugge
Fire. The word is both powerful and scary, and many of us spend lots of time worrying about the danger of a house fire. Fortunately, we can relax and sleep each night with the knowledge that our local fire department stands ready to protect us in case of a catastrophe. Let’s take a moment to salute the firefighters in our community during International Firefighters Day (IFFD) on May 4, 2022.
International Firefighters Day
The idea for International Firefighters Day began after a bushfire in Australia took the lives of five firefighters. A volunteer firefighter started a chain of emails suggesting a special day to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty, and the correspondence soon spread throughout the world.
The first International Firefighters Day occurred on May 4, 1999. The fourth day of May was chosen because it is the feast day for Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters everywhere. Since it began in 1999, International Firefighters Day has grown in recognition worldwide, and many communities participate in special events by wearing the signature red and blue ribbons signifying the emergency service.
How You Can Honor Firefighters in Your Community
Forget dropping off a plate of homemade goodies at the fire station. As much as the firefighters enjoy eating delicious treats, many fire districts won’t allow the firefighters to eat food that comes from an unknown source. So, if yummy food is off the table, what can you do to make the firefighters in your neighborhood feel special this May 4th?
Here are some thoughtful tips that all firefighters appreciate:
- Place red and blue ribbons on trees and mailboxes
- Wave hello when a fire truck passes by
- Have young children draw pictures and write thank you notes
- Write a personal thank you note
- Send a colorful bouquet to the fire station
- Stop in and say hello at the station (if they aren’t leaving on a call)
Salute Firefighters All Year
Although the firefighters in your area will appreciate the kindness shown to them on International Firefighters Day, there are significant steps you can take to make their job easier throughout the year. Let’s take a look at some of the primary ways to salute firefighters for their service.
Number One: Practice Kitchen Fire Safety
Did you know that most home fires are cooking related? That makes sense because who hasn’t had the experience of oil overheating in a skillet? Keep your kitchen safe from fire by following these safety tips:
- Monitor pans cooking on the stove
- Store paper towels and tissue far away from anything that heats up
- Don’t overload electrical outlets
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the stove
- Never hang a dish towel on the oven door
- Use child safety devices to keep small children from being able to play with stove and oven knobs
In the scary event that a fire breaks out in your kitchen, turn off any heat sources immediately and cover the pan with a lid if applicable. Don’t hesitate to phone 911 even if the fire appears to be out, as it’s possible for it to reappear hours after the initial event.
Number Two: No Smoking in the Bedroom
Did you know that fires from discarded cigarettes represent one of the primary types of killer fires? Experts believe that more people die in these kinds of events because they are often asleep when the blaze begins, and the upholstered furniture and bedding eats oxygen and produces toxic smoke. Fire safety experts recommend that you:
- Never smoke when taking medicine or drinking alcohol
- Avoid smoking in bed or while lying on the couch
- Keep matches and lighters away from children
- Use a sturdy ashtray situated on a flat table
- Soak ashtray contents with water
Number Three: Keep Clothes Dryer Lint Free
Clothes dryers do an excellent job of drying fabrics. Unfortunately, they are also responsible for many house fires. Fortunately, you can minimize the chance of a dryer related fire by cleaning out the lint filter each time you run the dryer. Make it a habit to clean out the screen before or after operating the dryer.
Number Four: Check Safety Equipment
Examine the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home regularly. Perhaps more than any other safety feature, these two safety devices will keep your family safe by giving you the valuable time to escape from fire and deadly carbon monoxide. There are additional safety measures you can take as well, such as organizing an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to be carried out on your property so you can check for faulty wires.
Number Five: Plan and Practice to Escape
Imagine that it’s the middle of the night when the screaming sound of the smoke detectors shrieking out their warning alarm wakes you up. What would you do? Prepare for this unexpected terror by putting together an escape plan for you and your family. Practice evacuating from your home and meeting in a safe spot in front of the house.
Number Six: Pet Alert
Firefighters want to save your pets in an emergency. You can help them by placing a pet alert decal identifying your pets on the front window. Also, keep an emergency packet with leashes and pet supplies outside the home to use if your pets must leave.
Number Seven: Mark Your Street Number
Step outside and view your house from the street. Is your street address visible? The firefighters can’t reach you in an emergency if they can’t find your home. Make sure that your address stands out on your house.
Number Eight: Teach Young Children
We like to believe that we’ll hold young children in our arms during an emergency. However, the sad reality is that children must know how to respond to a fire emergency. Make sure that children understand how to exit the house in a fire and practice responding to a firefighter who might be calling for them. Train them to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
Celebrate Firefighters
Salute the firefighters in our communities who work tirelessly to protect life and property along with us here at Homes for Heroes. On May 4th, let’s pause and celebrate International Firefighters Day. Let’s also honor the firefighters by practicing fire safety throughout the year.
