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October 31, 1995
Sheriff Hathaway offers fire prevention advice
"With Autumn upon us and the temperatures beginning to fall," warns Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway, "the chances of a fire occurring in your home rise dramatically."
Statistics show more than 1,000 home fires occur daily in the U.S. And, about 7,000 persons die each year in home fires because of carelessness or poor fire-prevention planning.
"Windows and doors are usually kept shut in the winter months," Sheriff Hathaway said, "so smoke accumulates more quickly in the home in cold weather. Smoke kills faster than flames and the loss of life is more severe in the winter because of trapped smoke."
"Unfortunately," the Sheriff continued, "thousands of youngsters die in fires every year and many of them are under the age of five. However, there are three fire-safety steps which can become true life-saving techniques if followed by everyone in the family."
Remind family members -- especially children -- to immediately stop moving and drop to the floor should a fire occur. Should clothing catch on fire, keep arms and hands close to the sides and roll over on the floor until the flames are extinguished. This should be practiced with children until they reach quickly and correctly.
Teach family members to crawl through smoke. Keep head down and keep hands out in front to feel for doorways, steps and obstructions. Practice this in the daytime and at night. Emphasize the importance of staying low to the ground, below the smoke.
Plan escape routes from every room in the house with every family member. Actually draw an escape route for everyone from every room. Instruct everyone to meet at a pre-selected place outside the home and emphasize that once outside, stay outside! Of course, it's a good idea to practice these fire drills in the daytime as well as at night.
"I sincerely hope all Caddo Parish residents have a fire-free winter," Sheriff Hathaway concluded. "However, should a fire occur in your home, following these few simple steps will greatly assist in your and your family's safety."