Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1911 — TO THE PUBLIC. [ARTICLE]

TO THE PUBLIC.

Would You be a Fire Warden and Saver of Life? v Governor Marshall has designated Oct. 9, the 40th anniversary of the Chicago fire, as fire prevention day throughout Indiana and has asked the co-operation of all citizens to reduce the enormous fire loss. In 1910 loss by fire in this country was over $250,000.000 with a sacrifice of over SIO,OOO human lives, most of which could have been prevented by the exercise of proper care and precaution. Every citizen owes it to his neighbor and especially to his own family to exercise such precaution as will reduce this fire loss to a minimum. Now, then, in order to carry out the purpose of the Governor’s proclamation, I would suggest that every citizen appoint himself a fire warden, to see that his own premises are as near in a safe condition as possible. Average annual, property loss in this country, $250,000,000. It is estimated that 50 per cent of this is due to carelessness. Will you join in a movement to reduce enormous waste of property values and the destruction of life accompanying. Read the following pledges for the safety of the store or Victory: I will see that lamps are not filled by artificial light, or after dark. coal oil is kept In metal cans and in a safe place. That no oily rags are left around the premises over night outside of a good metal receptacle. That the furnace or heating apparatus is seen to before closing by a competent person. I will remove all waste packing material and rubbish each day that is not properly kept in metal receptacles. Packing material regularly in use for packing or shipping purposes will be kept in metal receptacles or in metal or asbestoslined compartments, or outside the building. I will not allow sawdust to be used in cuspidors, nor will smoking be allowed in the building during working hours by employes, and only in restricted places at stated times.

I will not allow the careless use of matches nor have matches about outside of metal boxes under proper custody. During the month of October I will cause to have examined all flues of stoves or furnaces by a competent person and have them put in proper -condition and repair for winter use. I will not permit open elevator shafts, well holes or stairways in the premises, nor unprotected' outside or badly exposed openings, if the same can be closed, thus preventing quick communication of fire, if this can be done without serious injury to my business. I will not permit the use of cotton or lighted candles for decoration; nor place any inflammable material near open lights. I will not use inflammable material in buildings or for repairs, if fire-resisting material can be used. I will enforce neatness and will always have a scrupulous care for fire prevention. I will promptly turn In the alarm for any fire that comes to my attention and then will assist In extinguishing it, if my assistance is required. I will remedy or cause to be reported any defect in connection with the heating, lighting, cooking or power plants within my control within twenty-four hours after discovery. I will be very . careful about lighted cigars and pipes. I will encourage the Sane Fourth of July idea. •Will you do it? I J. J. MONTGOMERY. 1 Chief Fire Dept.