The first letter was a “second notice” that I had “failed to return the Annual Window Guard Notice form previously sent you…failure to complete and return this form will result in your apartment being inspected by Management…” I usually return the form immediately but was in the hospital when I received it initially. I quickly sent the form back, in part because I’m responsible and in part because it’s the law. The other letter from my landlord was a copy of my apartment building floor’s Fire Safety Plan. The fact that these in the law offers an incentive for the landlord and in turn the tenant to follow them.

I mention these letters because they are just more examples of how government uses either sticks or carrots to accomplish social objectives. I am not in favor of making citizen preparedness part of the law, but as readers know I do favor using carrots. Without using either, it is not surprising that our public readiness numbers are so low.

Due to dangerous wildfire conditions, please do not travel to the areas affected by the fires without explicit instructions from a qualified emergency response organization. In the days and months to come, longer-term recovery efforts may be under way and in need of support. These services are best provided through coordinated efforts, and it is critical that potential volunteers do not self-deploy. Please see the Web site links below for the most up-to-date information regarding the wildfires, potential volunteer opportunities, and donation opportunities.

It then offers links to the most updated information, places to provide financial/in-kind assistance, and possible volunteer opportunities through LAWorks. The site also shows how Californians can sign up to train for future disasters through CERT, the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

(photo: Associated Press)

*The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home – period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
*Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) – hot enough to melt gold.
*Steer clear of others – fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
*Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
*Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they’ll run loose or get injured.

“As we head into, what by all accounts is likely to be a very costly heating season, these survey results and Fire Prevention Week provide a critical opportunity for us to remind people about the things they can do to prevent home fires and keep their families safe and warm this winter,” said NFPA President James M. Shannon. “If people use alternative heat sources to reduce energy costs, it is critical they use devices that are new or in good working order, and they turn off units when they go to bed or leave the room.”

The survey identified additional behaviors related to appliance maintenance and cooking that could also present home fire hazards this winter. The survey is being released during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11.

“We hope this survey will encourage more people to take the simple steps necessary to protect their families and homes from fire,” said Gail J. McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Of the more than 74,000 disasters the American Red Cross responds to each year, approximately 93% are fire related, but unlike natural disasters, most home fires can be prevented.”

For fire safety tips, check out www.firepreventionweek.org or www.redcross.org/homefires.