ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 23, 1996 TAG: 9601230097
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
Roanoke Fire Chief Jim Grigsby said the fire Saturday night that killed four children and their grandmother should heighten awareness of fire safety.
During a news conference Monday, Grigsby and Assistant Fire Marshal Marlan Morris displayed the extension cord and electrical outlet where the fire started.
Although they still cannot determine whether the extension cord used with the electric heater was improper, the fire investigators said the fire should call attention to a common practice in many households.
Before using any extension cord, you should first make sure it can handle the amount of voltage that the appliance requires, Grigsby said.
That amount is known as the extension cord's rating, and can be found on a tag around the cord.
"Most people think every extension cord is alike," Grigsby said.
He also said Saturday's fire should boost the community's awareness of the need for smoke detectors. The Stewart Avenue house didn't have smoke detectors.
"With this increased awareness, now is the time for all of us to check our own homes for possible fire hazards, and to make sure we have smoke detectors in each bedroom and in all hallway areas," Grigsby said.
Grigsby also gave these fire safety suggestions:
Practice fire drills with your entire family and select a meeting place outside the home, such as a tree or the front curb, where all family members are to report if a fire occurs.
Once a fire has been detected, leave the house and do not go back in.
Be extremely careful when using alternate heating sources, such as electric or fuel-oil heaters.
People wanting more advice on fire safety are encouraged to call the Fire Department at 981-2328. Smoke detectors are available free of charge at the Fire Department for those residences not already equipped with them.
- Staff report
LENGTH: Short : 45 linesby CNB