Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 16, Number 47, DeMotte, Jasper County, 11 October 1946 — ASKS FARMERS TO JOIN FIGHT ON FIRE LOSS [ARTICLE]

ASKS FARMERS TO JOIN FIGHT ON FIRE LOSS

Series Of Recommendations Made As Medium To Reduce Rural Fire Losses County Agent J. A. Carroll, today called upon farmers to enlist in the fight on fire which last year destroyed more than SBS million of farm property and snuffed out almost 400 lives. Stating that the fire curve continues to surge upward to an alltime high this year, he urged farmers to itake time to eliminate the common causes of fire during Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, which is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. Pointing out that 90 .per cent of the fires, which are devastating farms at the rate of one every fifteen minutes, can be prevented i-y practicing constant vigilence, the County Agent declared: “So many times we have seen the result of a lifetime of work go up in smoke in a few mintes—and all due to failure to exercise ord’-ry care.” Losses would drop immediately and sharply if farmers would: 1. Protect all farm buildings with adequate lightning rods. 2. Clean and keep dean heat-’ ing systems, fireplaces and flues. 3. Check electric systems for adequacy of load, and repair or replace worn cords and equipment. 4. Cover roofs of all farm buildwith fire-resistant material. 5. Never discard a lighted match or cigaret. 6. Store gasoline and kerosene safely, and away from buildings. 7. Never use explosive cleaning fluids. 8. Cure hay properly before storing. However, not all fires are preventable, the NFPA concedes. For that 10 per cent that are unavoidable, it recommends: 1. Know how to call your fire department. 2. Ladders long enough to reach the highest roof not protected with fire-resistant roofing. 3. An adequate water supply, such as a clear cistern. 4. Inspection of fire extinguishers .to be sure they are ready in case of need.