At 8:30AM Sat., Sept. 29, the Naperville Professional Firefighters for a Cause and the Naperville Fire Department once again will be hosting the Stop, Drop and Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s Camp ‘I am Me.’
Immediately following you can attend the Public Safety Open House from 10AM – 2PM. There will be fire and police vehicles on display, a flashover fire demonstration, K9 demonstration, and much more! This event is perfect for families and children of all ages! Visit www.naperville.il.us/psoh.
To register for the Stop, Drop and Run 5K Run/Walk visit www.naperville.il.us/stopdroprun5k. The last day to ensure that you get a race shirt is Sept. 16. We can’t wait to see you on Sept. 29!
Now let’s change gears and talk about our beloved pets. Pets give us comfort, friendship and unconditional love. Our connection to them can be among the strongest relationships in our lives. But pets can cause fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), pets have a part in starting about 700 home fires per year. Roughly three-quarters of these fires were started by cooking equipment, fireplaces or chimneys, lighting or candles.
Pets are curious! They may bump into, turn on, or knock over cooking equipment. They might jump up on stoves or countertops. Keep them away from candles, lamps and space heaters. Pets can also be chewers. Watch them to make sure that they don’t chew through electrical cords.
And finally, make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level. Test them at least once a month. Hard wired alarms still need to be tested. And if the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out! If your pet is right there, take them with you. But you don’t have time to go looking for them. Never go back inside for your pets. Tell the firefighters if your pet is trapped and they will go get them.
Questions about fire safety? Email me at soraya.mclaughlin@naperville.il.us and I’d be happy to address your concerns.
