PA State Fire Commissioner Gives Fire Safety Tips For the Holidays
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Firefighters at a house fire during the winter.
by Olivia Smith= Special to Delaware Valley News.com
State officials reminded Pennsylvanians to practice fire safety this Thanksgiving. According to the U.S Fire Administration, the average number of house fires on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the number of fires on any other day, An average of about 2300 house fires have been reported to fire departments from 2017 to 2019, with an estimated annual 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and 26 million in loss of property. Christmas is also very busy.
Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Tom Cook says that it only takes a few simple precautions to stay safe on during the holidays. “Before you fire up the oven, grill, or turkey fryer,” he says, “make a plan. Ensure all smoke alarms are functioning and there is a fire extinguisher handy. Set regular timers or alarms on your phone to make sure not to lose track of timing. And if you’re using a turkey fryer, make sure to follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for use and cooking.”
Linglestown Fire Company Chief Sean Harp provides residents with more tips for preventing and extinguishing fires and reminds Pennsylvanians of the useful acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep back and forth. He also reminds citizens to evacuate in the case of an out of control fire, to call 911, and to go to a meeting spot. Do not go back inside a building that is on fire.
In case any property is destroyed in a fire, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys urges Pennsylvanians to file a claim as soon as possible. He offers the following tips to file a claim:
- Keep a record of all written exchanges and telephone conversations, including names and date/time of the conversation;
- Ask questions if they do not understand something;
- Photograph and make a list of the damaged items;
- Save any receipts for materials purchased for repairs;
- Do not throw away damaged property until the claims adjuster advises it is okay to do so;
- Protect their property from further damage by making temporary repairs until the insurance company advises them on next steps; and
- Do not make permanent repairs until their insurance company has inspected the property and they have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Consumers who make permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen the damage could have their claim denied.
For more safety tips, Pennsylvanians can visit the Office of the State Fire Commissioner website.