The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-11-22
CUT DOWN WASTE
Plan to Check the Heavy Losses
by Fire.
Chicago Expert Says Topeka
Water Supply Is Inadequate.
HOUSEHOLDERS' HINTS
Tells How Risks May Be Kept
Down.
Supt. Lewis Suggests a State
Clean Up Day.
HINTS

That the waterworks system OF 10
peka should be more adequate; that
Kansas should have a fire marshal
law; that the national government
should establish a fire prevention bu-
reau, and that a law should be passed
making it a criminal offense to start
a fire in the open, either through care
lessness or otherwise, were among the
suggestions made by Insurance Engl-
neer e r. Townsend of Chicago in
speaking before $50 OF the representa-
tive men of Topeka and members OF
the Kansas State Fire Prevention as
ISOLATION at a banquet held Iuesuay
night at the Commercial CLUB
Something must be done, said MT
Townsend. The government lnVestl-
cation, showing that We burn down
one-half of what we build IS sIrIk-
ing confession of our national care
lessness indifference and thOughtiess-
ness. but how does this effect you ana
DO YOU realize that in lessening the
fire waste you lessen your insurance
taxation also YOUR taxation for puDnc
fire protection. which annually costs
about so per cent of the yearly pullu-
ing construction? You lessen your
rentals and YOU lessen the cost of what
we are pleased to call our every day
living. for everything purchased mas
concealed in its price an amount thal
is contributed to those who nave SUI
Authoritative statistics indicate that
our fire loss per capita is about eight
and one-half times greater than IN the
countries of continental Europe, whIch
signifies that we are about $50 per
cent more lax than Europeans in cur
rnfndfulness of fire, in our laws ana
in our execution of fire preventive
measures But. with our American
energy. ingenuity and resourcefulness,
cannot we at least enmesh this fire
monster Don't you suppose 1t Is
worth the effort2
Various states have recognized the
growing evil of commonwealth be-
coming endangered and impoverished
by fire and have sought relief through
state fire marshal laws, some states
having such laws, report as much as
55 per cent reduction in the annual
number of fires This is surely prog
ress but let US see if we cannot con-
tribute our mite in diminishing the
excessive number of fires with attend
ant losses and horrors TO reasonable
minimum
How to Protect Home.
Let US begin in our home:
Have YOU examined your furnace
or YOUR stove to ascertain If 1t is safe
and if the surrounding WOODWORK Is
amply protected therefrom?
Have YOU investigated the stove
pine. the flue and the chimney
which cause 90 per cent of our flres-
IL see if they have safe clearance at
damaged or cracked and IN need OF
repair2 -
holding ashes?
have you cited the dangers OF
stoves or furnaces becoming overheat-
ed and of curtains coming in contact
with gas jets or gas Jets swinging
against combustible material2
Have you given proper instruction
for the care of oil lamps and gas heat
ing appliances Do you permit a
rubber tube connection to your gas
stove or gas apparatus
.Have YOU cautioned your servants
against the use of kerosene Tor build-
ing fires and against the use of gaso-
lire for cleaning purposes Non-eX-
Dlosive cleaning fluids can easily be
obtained.
~Haye you pointed out to your chill
dren the fact that ordinary matches
which cause fully > per cent of fires
and many deaths, are dangerous, even
nothing but safety matches should Dc
@Do YOU see to it that oil-soaket
cloths for cleaning furniture, wood
work and the like. which are subJec
to self-ignition, are properly cared for
DO you have constant VentllatloI
in YOUR attic in warm weather to pre-
vent spontaneous combustion OF th'
MANY articles stored there2
.sFIave YOU given your children due
advice in bonfire and fireworks cele
bration2
"Have you provided a ladder. a va
ter nail for fire purposes only, or
chemical extinguisher and have you i'll
structed your family in the use
DO you know where is located tn