(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - In the state of Alaska, fire is a serious public safety concern. As such, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation  to recognize the October 2020 as Fire Prevention Month. National Fire Prevention Week begins October 4 and runs through October 10.

The national slogan for the 2020 Fire Prevention Week is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” By following the advice of the slogan, we can heavily reduce the number of residential fires that plague this state. 

“The vast majority of the injuries and deaths experienced in Alaska due to fires were preventable and that is simply unacceptable.” said Virginia McMichael, Public Education Coordinator, Division of Fire and Life Safety. “It is imperative that Alaskans protect their homes and families by using simple fire prevention measures like supervising all of the cooking and being cautious of home heating equipment, and proper placement of ignitable material.” 

In 2019, there were 893 residential structure fires reported in Alaska, which resulted in 14 deaths, more than 44 civilian injuries, and 39 firefighter injuries. Property losses were estimated at over $50,411,728, and four civilian deaths from other fires. 

“Any fire death in Alaska is unacceptable and we must take appropriate action to safeguard ourselves in our homes. We encourage Alaskans to make sure that they have properly functioning fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in their homes,” said Alaska State Fire Marshal Richard Boothby, Director of the Division of Fire and Life Safety. “Spend time with your family during Fire Prevention week and month to create and practice an escape plan so if a fire does occur, you and your loved ones know what to do.” 

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Information and resources:

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Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Public Safety
www.dps.alaska.gov

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