ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Multiple house fires within the last week rings some alarms for fire officials, who on Monday talked with 23 News about some rules to follow to prevent house fires, as we move toward the warmer months.
- Changing our clocks shouldn’t be the only thing adjusted during daylight savings. Carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries should also be replaced to ensure a safe summer.
- Cooking fires are the most common. Which may explain why we’ve seen a rise in the last week as more people are cooking at home due to inflation caused by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Freeport Fire Marshal Hillary Broshous says keep children away from whatever masterpiece you’re frying up, and make sure to stay awake. She says a surprising number of people fall asleep while they have something on the stove.
- Broshous says as the temperature gets warmer we’ll see many more grill and smoking fires. She advises keeping grills away from plants, and disposing of what you smoke properly. Not in the plants outside the home.
- Have an escape plan, having cluttered hallways in your home will prevent you from making a quick escape if a house fire does break out.
“Anybody that lives in the city of freeport can get on our website for community connect. And they can register their home and put their contact information in there. So if you do have an incident at your home we have your cellphone number we have your kids’ cellphone number. We can call you and your neighbors and get key information,” Broshous told 23 News.
Freeports Fire Department, along with other Stateline departments, have an agreement in place with the Red Cross. The organization provides smoke detectors to the departments. If you need one installed you can call your local fire station and have it put in for free.
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