PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and this year's focus is on preventing kitchen fires. Fire officials say two out of every five house fires start in the kitchen. WYMT received a close up look at a tool used to educate folks throughout our region.
More than 6,000 people have stepped inside the 3-year-old Pike County Fire Safety Trailer.
Pike County Emergency Management Director Doug Tackett says, "We have had a rash of fatal fires in the area over the past several years and we are trying to educate the public how to survive fires...how to prepare for them and hope they never happen."
Everyone who comes through the fire safety trailer has the chance to use this a laser fire extinguisher, that operates and feels just like a real fire extinguisher, to simulate putting out an oven and stove fire.
Tackett says, "It is a hands on approach you actually have something that looks like a real fire, it smokes and there is heat involved as well."
Emergency Management officials work with local fire departments to teach both children and adults how to react in various situations to prevent fires. The can demonstrate what to do in situations like with a smoking toaster. "Teach them to never put water on it, just unplug it and it will stop smoking," says Tackett.
Officials say if a fire does break out, knowing how to escape or survive until help arrives is key. "Teach how to feel the heat of the door with the back of their hand." If the door is hot, officials say there is a fire and there is going to be smoke. Tackett explains, "Take a towel, covers, or whatever and stuff it up under the door to stop the smoke."
An interactive way to gain information and experience that officials say will save lives.
For more information on the fire safety trailer, contact Pike County Emergency Management (606) 432-0210.