Kalona

When it comes to fire safety, you can never be too cautious. A fire can start quickly and become dangerous, so it is important to take steps to prevent one and have a plan in place if one occurs.

Kalona assistant fire chief Aaron Gingerich, who has been with the department for 18 years, explained how people can prepare themselves and their loved ones for a fire. He said even a small oversight can put people at risk.

Grease fires in the kitchen can be especially dangerous. Gingerich said baking soda can put one out, and he also recommended covering a burning pan to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply.

“If you can have a cookie sheet or something to sit over the top of it, it’ll smother the fire out. It can’t get oxygen. If you can cover it with something other than a towel, something solid that you can put over the top of it, and try to get it away from the heat.”

When a fire starts to spread, people may think they have time to get dressed or gather their belongings. Gingerich said getting out should be the priority.

“Some people might wake up disoriented, and their first thing that they do is to get dressed and sometimes you don’t have time. Depending on where the fire’s at and how much time they have to get out, you forget a lot of things. It’s just trying to escape.”

Gingerich said vegetation fires are among the most common fires the department responds to. He urged people who are burning outdoors to pay attention to the weather, especially the wind.

“The wind may be blowing in the right direction when they light it, but it can change while they’re not there to watch it. Pay attention to the weather and know what’s coming.”

He also advised people to keep an eye on brush piles while burning them.

“If it’s a brush pile, pay attention to it and maybe throw some on a little bit at a time, because if the wind picks up, the embers are gonna start flying. Or wait till it rains and then try to burn it. That way, everything’s wet around it.”

Gingerich also discussed ways to help keep children safe. Because many children have never experienced a fire, he said it is important to teach them what to do, including “stop, drop and roll” and “get low and go.” He encouraged families to make a habit of closing bedroom doors at night.

“If it’s kind of hard for kids to get in the habit of doing it at night, close your doors. If something catches on fire in the kitchen and it ends up down the hallway, the door is a barrier to keep it from getting into your bedroom.”

He also recommended having an escape plan for the whole family.

“Have some sort of an escape plan for if or when it happens. The smoke is normally going to be up high, and you can get down low and kind of see where you’re going and get to the first door you can to get outside. Don’t worry about your toys, don’t worry about all your other things, just leave them alone and get out.”

Gingerich said children should also know that firefighters are there to help, even if their protective gear looks frightening.

“We can look kind of scary in our gear with all the masks and everything, and don’t be afraid, we’re here to help you. We’re not monsters, we’re trying to help you out. If we make it to your room, don’t hide and make sure you can present yourself when we’re hollering for you.”

If you smell smoke or think your home is on fire, call 911 and get out immediately. Do not stop to gather belongings. Things can be replaced, but lives cannot.

Gingerich’s message for families is simple. Make an escape plan, practice it and get out before the fire starts