We’ve all heard the story. Docile and innocent as they come, Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, in a fit of vindictive rage (or perhaps in just a futile attempt to shoo away a fly), knocks over a lantern and starts what would later be known as the Great Chicago Fire. Whether or not there actually was a cow or even a Mrs. O’Leary is open to debate, but the effects of the October 8, 1871 fire which destroyed much of Chicago, are still felt today. One of those effects is the fact that October is now National Fire Prevention Month.
The Edina Fire Department wants to make this the safest October yet. To make sure that a fire doesn’t endanger you and your family, here are a couple tips from the Fire Department.
First, always have a fire escape plan. In any room in the house, know the quickest way out. And, once you’re out of the house, stay out. Second, make sure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors. Recommended are detectors in every hallway and bedroom. Third, portable fire extinguishers should be kept in central and accessible places. Make sure you know how to use your fire extinguisher. Fourth, avoid excessive extension cord use which can overload circuits and start electrical fires.
And lastly, make sure to keep your cows away from your lanterns.
