Sound the Alarms: WordFULL Wednesday

In an effort of to coordinate Wordless Wednesday with Fire Prevention Week both in the states and here on my blog I present to you My Little Fireman.

This was his first year trick or treating but as we all know kids catch on pretty quick when candy is being tossed in their bucket. I can't believe it's almost been a year since this picture was taken! And here we go on this crazy ride we call the Holiday Season. Halloween comes and then it's a full speed ahead until after the new year when life finally starts to slow down. The days might seem long but the years are sure going by so fast.

For more Wordless Wednesdays check out 5 minutes for Mom and Seven Clown Circus.

If you'd like to catch up on my previous fire prevention posts look HERE and HERE and check back throughout the week to educate ourselves and our loved ones on fire safety.

Fire Safety Week: Smoke Detectors

In reading articles and researching statistics in prep for Fire Safety Week it is absolutely amazing to me about how simple most of the prevention methods are, yet people still overlook them. So today we'll be discussing smoke alarms, a very simple, inexpensive device that can save you or someone you love's life.

You would think that if someone didn't know that smoke detectors save lives than they must be living under a rock but apparently I'm wrong because you would be surprised at this statistic, between 2003-2007 40% of house fire deaths occurred in homes without a smoke detector. That is CRAZY! People are losing their lives because they didn't have a $9.99 basic alarm installed. So if you don't have a smoke detector installed please head to your local Wal-Mart or Target and buy the one that suits your family's specific needs and budget.

For those of us that already have a smoke detector it's now our job to make sure they are working properly 100%.

• Test them monthly. What are some ways to remember to test the alarm? Here are some ideas, test on the 1st of the month, when your mortgage is due, on the number of your kid's birthday, hell, you could even test on day 1 of your period (probably not a good idea if your preggo or post-menopausal.)


• Change the batteries yearly, pick a holiday and make it part of your family's traditions to switch out those batteries. Halloween is fast approaching, why don't you play trick or treat with your smoke detector?


• Here is a biggie, change the entire alarm every 10 years. Often times it is the elderly who have alarms that are pass the 10 year mark so check with your parents, neighbors, and friends to see if they need help updating their smoke detectors.


• Lastly, if you have an internal wired alarm don't forget to test it and make sure it's in working order but it still needs to be switched out after 10 years.

For different types of smoke detectors and where is the best place to position them please visit the National Fire Protection Association.

Fire Safety Week: Burn Prevention

October 4-10th is Fire Safety Week across the states and I thought that I would take this opportunity to raise a little fire safety throughout the week. Today's focus is going to be on burn prevention. While some of these tips may seem like common knowledge, many people are still unaware and adults and children are still getting injured.

• Keep hot foods/liquids away from the edge of a table or counter top. We all know that curious children will pull on whatever is there and become a burn victim.


• Have a 3 ft "kid free" zone around the stove. My son knows that he has to stand behind a certain spot if I'm opening the oven or working with food on the stove.


• NEVER hold a child/baby in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking hot liquid. I see this one all the time! How many moms have you seen drink coffee while wearing their infants in a sling or carrier? Too many! Accidents happen and hot coffee spilled on an infant's head could be extremely dangerous. I know that these moms are not deliberately putting their children at risk but we all need to share this info and educate each other.


• Teach children about things that are hot. While we usually do this for food, stoves, and other kitchen appliances we often forget about hair dryers, curling irons, and heaters. We used the sign for hot and taught our son way before he could speak about what was hot and what was cool.


• Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be hot enough to take hot showers, dishes etc. but will reduce the amount of burn damage if a child accidentally turns on the hot water.

While these are only a few tips I am curious as to what tips or tricks you use around the house to teach your kids about fire/burn safety? Take a few minutes today and go over some age appropriate points with your kids. You won't be sorry.