Fire Safety
As my friend Sarah and I drove home from the Launch party on Saturday night we witnessed a huge plume of smoke on Jefferson. Upon further inspection we arrived at a home that was completely consumed with flames. This was markedly sad because the house was clearly occupied. The fire department responded very quickly, but it was clear that nothing would be salvageable. As I was dialing 911, I realized that this was probably the fifteenth fire I have called on in five years. This got me thinking, just why are there so many fires in Detroit? As I write this there are six burned out houses on my street alone. A few years ago I was visiting a friend in Naperville Illinois and was very impressed by their fire safety program. Known as Safety Towns, these mock towns teach children fire safety, using realistic fire scenarios that include non-toxic smoke used to simulate a fire, ways to escape burning buildings, and smoke detectors. In a city that has so many house fires, and an average of fourty seven fire fatalities (mostly children) annually; I think it’s time we give the children of Detroit the same education.
I think adults need to also be educated. The City of Detroit website has some helpful tips for the spring as well as some suggestions for fire-safety in general. I never even thought that I should vacuum my smoke detector. However, I agree with Brooke that children who are well educated will grow up to be adults who are well educated.
http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/fire/default.htm
http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/fire/how_can_you_protect_myself.htm
…or an “accidental” fire can sometimes be better than foreclosure? i’ve known people that have had there cars “stolen” and totaled to get out from the car payment when they could no longer afford them. just a thought.