October 4th-10th was National Fire Prevention Week, a time when fire education spreads through the U.S. like wildfire. This year, however, the celebration hit close to home on a more somber note.
On November 17, 2008, firefighter Michael Snowman of Hartland died while responding to a house fire in Detroit, Maine. Snowman was the lone fatality of the fire, and one of 103 firefighters who passed away in 2008 while on call in the U.S. On October 4, 2009, each was honored at the 28th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security, the tribute draws more than 5,000 people annually, including members of Congress and White House officials. At the ceremony, families of fallen firefighters received U.S. flags that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol and the National Memorial.
Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of October 9, 1871, which killed 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,000 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres. Each year, more than 4,000 Americans are killed by fire, with an additional 20,000 injured. It is estimated that every three hours someone in the U.S. dies from a house fire.
In honor of local firefighter, Michael Snowman, his friends, family, and colleagues, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein would like to pass along some timely information on fire safety and prevention.
When maintaining your home or office be sure:
- You have a well planned escape route that is accessible and clear of clutter. Be prepared to exit your home or office from all rooms.
- Smoke alarms have been tested and work properly.
- Electrical cords are in good condition.
- Appliances and lights are plugged into separate outlets.
- The furnace and chimney have been inspected and cleaned within the past year.
- Portable heaters are turned off when no one is present and remain three feet from other objects at all times.
- When cooking, someone remains in the kitchen at all times. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires.
- To avoid using lighted candles when possible and always keep them three feet away from combustibles. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
In the event that a fire does occur, it’s important to keep both you and your family safe. By making a concerted effort to be prepared, you can help save the lives of those you love, as well as those who endanger their lives to save you. The most dire circumstances in life are often unplanned, which is when planning ahead prepares you.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we have represented clients who have been injured in house fires and helped get them the justice they deserve. If you or a loved one is renting a house or an apartment and have been injured due to faulty wiring, inadequate smoke detectors, defective appliances, electrical systems not being up to code, negligent building maintenance, or electrocution accidents, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.
And our heartfelt thanks of gratitude goes out to firefighters throughout Maine for keeping our great state safe, and we salute fellow Mainer and fallen firefighter, Michael Snowman, who put his life on the line to save others. The true meaning of “hero.”
For more information on Fire Prevention Week please visit: www.usfa.dhs.gov/.
