LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A new report from LARA says that 86 people have died in home fires this year to date.
As a result, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer is urging Michiganders to spend time this weekend developing and practicing a fire escape plan with their families.
“It is so important to teach kids what to do if a fire occurs,” Sehlmeyer said. “The last thing we want is for children to hide, thinking that will keep them safe. It is vitally important that we teach our families what to do if the smoke alarms go off and practice how to escape if there is a fire in your home. A family fire escape plan is essential.”
According to an official press release, the Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) has created a document for Michiganders to review, download, and print to help them develop their fire escape plan. It can be viewed online here.
“It is tragic and devastating when we lose even one person to a fire,” said Orlene Hawks, Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), where BFS is housed. “These are our kids, our aunts, our uncles, our parents, our friends. We all need to realize that this can happen to us. If you see smoke, don’t investigate – don’t even fight the fire – just escape.”
State Fire Marshal Sehlmeyer also recommends the following:
- Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
- Replace batteries annually or when the smoke alarm begins to chirp, signaling that the battery is running low.
- Make sure you have a smoke alarm in every bedroom or sleeping area and have one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement.
- For added protection, consider a connected smoke alarm system, so when one smoke alarm sounds all the smoke alarms sound in the whole home.
- Hardwired smoke alarms are more reliable than those powered solely by batteries.
- Newer smoke alarms come with lithium batteries that can last up to ten years.
- Every ten years replace all your smoke alarms, or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
Officials also note that Michigan fires in the month of October claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including seven kids.
