Bloomington and state officials give tips for winter fire safety

Fire safety is an ongoing concern among many Bloomington residents.

With December, January and February among the most common months for accidental home-heating fires to take place, Bloomington and state officials said many steps and precautions can be taken to assure safety for residents and their neighbors.

According to the 2011 IU Annual Fire Safety Report, 46 on-campus buildings were equipped with at least one fire alarm, portable extinguisher and evacuation plan, whereas 108 residential houses near campus were only reported to be equipped with a portable extinguisher.

Ian Connor, public information officer for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, said a majority of these fires come from kitchens, as well as people’s inability to handle them.

“It is important to watch what you put on the stove,” Connor said. “A lot of accidental fires are caused that way.”

Connor has worked with the IDHS since April. His duties include informing people how they can prevent fires and educating about fire safety.

In addition to kitchens, home fires can also be caused from other common household systems. This can include unattended fireplaces, chimneys not being properly cleaned and outdated equipment such as furnaces.

“A smoke detector has a 10-year lifespan, and after that it should be replaced,” said Bloomington Fire Department Fire Prevention Officer Scott Smith. He also said every bedroom and kitchen in a home should contain one as well.

A Bloomington native, Smith has worked for the Bloomington Fire Department for 24 years. His job entails public education, fire investigation and fire inspections.

Crucial steps residents can take to prevent fires include unplugging electronic items when not in use and having functional smoke detectors. Outdated or misplaced smoke detectors can lead to a serious threat for homeowners, Smith said.   

Another act of precaution to take is planning ahead, Smith said. This includes setting up an evacuation plan and organizing a meeting place in the event that a fire does take place. This can be especially important for residents who live in large homes or apartment complexes with multiple stories.

If there’s one thing that should be noted about fire prevention, Smith said, it is that you can never be too safe. Anyone who has questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the local fire department or prevention center in order to become more informed about fire safety and awareness.

“When in doubt, check it out,” Smith said. “If you think there’s a problem or something doesn’t look safe, you should always report it to a housing director.”