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Dear ROC/Taiwanese
Students in the Midwest,
We regret to inform you
that one of our students at the Illinois Institute of Technology died
when his apartment caught on fire on New Year's Eve. Causes of this
fatal fire are still under investigation, but authorities have pointed
out a properly functioned smoke alarm can make a remarkable difference
between life and death.
We urge you check the
smoke alarm in your dwelling place to make sure it works to save your
life. Never "borrow" the battery in your smoke alarm, the price is
unaffordable. Some students like to "temporarily" disable their smoke
alarm when they cook. Please never do this again as you are risking your
own life. Smoke alarm can wake you up when you are in sleep and give you
enough time to escape fire. Also put a flash light at a handy place.
It's an indispensable tool to help you escape in darkness. Attached are
practical fire safety tips provided by National Fire Protection
Association.
Safety Tips
These tips can help you put together - and practice - an effective home
fire escape plan.
* . Pull together
everyone in your household and make a plan. showing two ways out of each
room, including windows. Don't forget to mark the location of each smoke
alarm.
* Test all smoke alarms (Listed by a qualified testing laboratory)
monthly to ensure that they work. Replace batteries as needed.
* Make sure that everyone understands the escape plan and recognizes the
sound of the smoke alarm. Are the escape routes clear? Can doors and
windows be opened easily?
* If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that
the bars have quick- release mechanisms on the inside so that they can
be opened immediately in an emergency. Quick-release mechanisms won't
compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely
escaping a home fire.
* Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that
everyone is involved - from kids to grandparents. Allow children to
master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at
night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to
frighten, so telling children there will be a drill before they go to
bed can be as effective as a surprise drill. If children or others do
not readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are
infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that
someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the event of an
emergency.
* Agree on an outside meeting place where everyone can meet after
they've escaped. Remember to get out first, then call for help. Never go
back inside until the fire department gives the OK.
* Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire
department. That way any member of the household can call from a
cellular
phone or a neighbor's home.
* Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out
immediately. And once you're out, stay out - leave the firefighting to
the professionals!
* If you live in an apartment building, make sure that you're familiar
with the building's evacuation plan. In case of a fire, use the stairs,
never the elevator.
* Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape
plan. When visiting other people's homes, ask about their escape plan.
If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one.
We offer our heartfelt condolence to the families of the deceased
student and hope this tragedy can give other students an impressive
lesson of life. Your assistance in sharing and stressing this message to
your members is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Shane T. Wu, Director
Cultural Division
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago
180 N. Stetson Avenue, Suite 5803
Chicago, IL 60601-6710
Tel 312.616.0805
Fax 312.616.1499 |