Ask the Experts Blog

Each year, thousands of adults and children are injured or killed in home fires. Children are often curious about fire and may not understand the dangers. “In Berrien County we see upwards to 75 home fires each year,” says Brandon Chiarello, Fire Chief, Lincoln Charter Township. “A simple measure like sleeping with your door closed prevents smoke from entering your room and can help keep the fire from spreading. We like to say close before you doze.”

Is your household prepared in the event of a fire? Learn five tips you can put into action to keep your family safe:

• Install smoke alarms in your home, make sure they work correctly, and test them once a month.
• Teach children not to play with matches, lighters and other materials that can be used to start fires. Keep these materials out of children’s reach.
• Close bedroom doors before sleeping to help prevent fire and smoke from spreading.
• Create a fire safety action plan and practice it with your family.
• Teach kids how to call 911 or emergency services in case of fire. They should call from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone only after they are safely out of the home. All children should memorize their street address for this purpose.

"We encourage families to talk about their safety plans and the importance of fire safety. We recommend that you practice your escape plan and once you get out, you stay out! It’s important for children to know not to hide from firefighters. They may look scary in protective gear, but all of their instructions should be followed during a fire to get you out safely.”
– Brandon Chiarello
Fire Chief, Lincoln Charter Township