Sioux City Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Joe Rodriguez is shown with a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters. The melted smoke alarm at right was functioning at the time it was in a fire.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
An improper use of an extension cord is shown at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
A burnt section of carpet, caused by a curling iron is shown at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
A spliced cord that resulted in a fire is shown at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
A melted smoke alarm is shown at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
An electric stove heating element with a melted butter container on is shown at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters.
The average household has about five fires in its lifetime, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Most of these fires are small and result in little damage, but all fires cause anxiety to the homeowner.
“They’re all devastating to the people going through it, even if it’s from smoke damage or water damage caused from it,” said Lt. Joe Rodriguez, deputy fire marshal.
The best weapon that people have against fires is smoke alarms, said Rodriguez. The devices last for 10 years, so test them monthly to ensure that they are still working. Also, change the batteries in them when it’s time to change the clocks in the spring and fall.
“They have their limitations,” said Rodriguez, “but they are so important to have.”
Also, Rodriguez recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in a visible location in the kitchen and being trained to use it.
“The time to learn how to use it is not when you need it,” he said. “They’re meant for small fires. There are different sizes and types of extinguishers. If you buy one, buy a multi-purpose one.”
The most common area for fires is the kitchen, said Rodriguez.
“The reason is we’ll be cooking and forget about it, we thought we turned something off but we actually turned it on when we’re in a hurry. That kind of thing,” he said.
If a fire starts and there’s no fire extinguisher nearby, grab a damp towel to smother the flames or a properly fitted lid if the fire is in a pot, said Rodriguez.
Having an escape plan in place is an important step to ensuring safety for everyone in the house. Designate one place where the family meets in the event of an emergency so that a headcount can be taken.
“That way when the fire department comes, they can tell us if someone is missing,” said Rodriguez. “It all starts with that meeting plan so we know if anyone’s inside.”
If trapped in a room, close the door and put towels underneath to prevent smoke from drifting in.
Staying diligent about fire hazards is key to preventing them.
“Most fires are preventable because they are often caused by something we aid, whether it’s a candle left or an overloaded electrical plug-in,” Rodriguez said.
Knowing what to look for when it comes to fire safety isn’t easy to the untrained eye. Because of this, a member of the fire department will come out to homes and apartments in Sioux City to check for fire hazards and make suggestions for improvements.
Those who are interested can call the fire department at 712-279-6377.
It’s only a matter of time before your house starts falling apart, piece by piece. But how long do you have?
Sioux City Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Joe Rodriguez is shown with a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters. The melted smoke alarm at right was functioning at the time it was in a fire.
