For Mayberry, fire safety has a deeply personal meaning. In January 2016, she lost her parents and three siblings in a house fire. The experience eventually inspired her to find a way to give back to the fire departments and community members who supported her family during that difficult time.
Several years after the fire, Mayberry reached out to local fire officials to discuss ways she could help. Those conversations eventually led to Hopkins Family Fire Safety, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about fire safety and helping make sure families have the equipment and knowledge they need to stay safe.
The organization held its first community event about two years ago at the mall, where volunteers distributed smoke detectors and extension cords designed to replace older, less-safe cords.
One of the lessons Mayberry hopes people take seriously is the importance of keeping smoke detectors operational. Her family had smoke detectors in the home, but batteries had previously been removed from one because of nuisance alarms and were not replaced. A smoke detector upstairs was sounding when firefighters arrived.
The experience reinforced the importance of never disabling a smoke detector and making sure detectors remain functional at all times.
Smoke Detectors Are the First Line of Defense
Sommers and Northcutt emphasized that properly installed and maintained smoke detectors are among the easiest and most important ways residents can protect themselves.
Fire officials recommend having at least one smoke detector on every floor of a home and one in each bedroom where people sleep.
Carbon monoxide detectors are also important, particularly in homes with gas-fired appliances. Fire officials recommend having at least one carbon monoxide detector in homes with gas water heaters, furnaces, ovens, or other gas appliances.
Residents should also pay attention to the condition and use of extension cords. Older cords that resemble traditional lamp cords may not provide the same level of protection as newer, surge-protected options. Overloading extension cords can also create additional fire hazards.
Keeping homes free from excessive clutter is another important prevention measure. Reducing the amount of combustible material in a home can help lower the potential fire risk and provide occupants with safer paths to exit if a fire occurs.
Candles are another potential hazard, particularly during the fall and winter months. Residents should keep candles away from decorations and other materials that could catch fire, and candles should never be left burning unattended.
Preparing for an Emergency
Fire safety is not just about preventing fires. Having a plan for what to do when a fire occurs can also make a critical difference.
Families should discuss escape plans and make sure children know what to do if a smoke detector sounds. Young children should understand how to leave the home, where to go, and how to contact 911.
Fire safety education at a young age can help children develop habits that remain with them. Rock Falls firefighters visit local schools each fall, with kindergarten, first- and second-grade students participating in fire safety education through the fire safety house.
The program gives children an opportunity to practice important concepts, including how to respond when a smoke detector sounds and how to determine whether a door is safe to open.
The goal is to help residents feel prepared rather than fearful. Knowing where to go, having an escape plan, and understanding basic fire safety procedures can help people respond more effectively during an emergency.
Fire officials also stressed that fire safety applies to everyone. Fires can happen in any home and to people of any age, making preparation important for the entire community.
Supporting Local Fire Safety Efforts
Community members and businesses can support local fire safety initiatives by donating new smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, power strips, and other safety supplies.
Hopkins Family Fire Safety is also collecting items that can be used to create emergency care kits for families affected by fires. Suggested donations include travel-sized personal care items and other necessities that can help families who may suddenly find themselves without basic supplies following a house fire.
Donations for the emergency kits can be directed to the appropriate local fire department. Residents in Sterling can take donations to the Sterling Fire Department, while Rock Falls residents can bring items to the Rock Falls Fire Department.
The fire departments also accept donations that help support community education programs, including transportation costs for students visiting fire stations.
Upcoming Fire Safety Events
Hopkins Family Fire Safety and local fire officials will have opportunities for residents to learn more about fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
The organization is scheduled to participate in Taco Throwdown on Sept. 25, where attendees can visit its table, receive information, and enter giveaways featuring fire safety equipment. Items will include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other emergency supplies.
A fire safety basket will also include items such as a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and escape ladder.
The Sterling Fire Department will host an A Block Party on Oct. 4. The event will feature hands-on safety activities and allow residents to learn more about the work of local firefighters. Hopkins Family Fire Safety will also participate.
Through community events, school programs, and emergency resources, local fire officials and Hopkins Family Fire Safety are working to make fire prevention and preparedness more accessible to families across the Sauk Valley.
For Mayberry, that work provides an opportunity to turn a devastating personal experience into an effort focused on protecting others and helping families be better prepared before an emergency happens.
Residents can follow Hopkins Family Fire Safety on Facebook for information about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
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