Charlevoix county herald., 1919-05-02
Cleanup Week
May 12-19
Proclamation Issued By State
Fire Marshal.
TO THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN:

designated Dy the otate rlTe MaTSndi rs
one which the people of Michigan shall
observe by general cleaning up Of
their premises.
CARELESSNESS is the principal
cause for large part of the fire waste
of this country, and the cost OF insur-
ance is increased, naturally, by the
heavy fire losses.
Let all our people observe Cleanup
. Week May 1919, by thorough clean
ing up and removing all rubbish, and
inflammable material from their prem
ises, and by carefully inspecting the
chimneys and heating plants.
All factories, theatres, public and
private institutions should be thorough
ly looked over, and all necessary
changes made Immediately that will
prevent fires, and insure the lives and
safety OF the occupants.
Let the local authorities give special
attention to better building regulations,
fire prevention, and where necessary,
Immediately install additional fire ap-
paratus for fighting fires.
Cause fire drills to be held in all pub
lie and private institutions, factories
and schools, and let teachers instruct
their pupils by short talks on Fire Pre-
vention.
During the year 1918 there were l441
fires in Michigan from unknown and
incendiary causes; defective heating
plants and chimneys caused 3072 fires;
gasoline and kerosene were the cause
of $40 fires; careless use of matches
3 and smokers, 1888; spontaneous COM
bustion and rubbish, 265; and hundreds
OF other causes, making total OF TO-
618 fires, with a total loss of over
3l0,0O0,000.
BY the cooperation of our citizens,
greater results along fire prevention
ines can be obtained, and |, therefore
urge most earnestly that everything
possible be done to minimize the dan
yer oil fire, lessen fire hazards and thus
reduce the tire loss in Michigan.
FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR THE
PREVENTION OF FIRES AND LOSS
Or LIFE:
Ashes should be kept in metal recep-
tacles, and never in wooden barrels or
boxes.
Oily Rags or Waste should be kept in
standard metal waste cans, and con-
tents removed and burned each night
Rubbish should never be allowed to
accumulate, in or near buildings.
Gasoline should not be kept in build
ings, and should be used only with ex-
treme care.
Gas Brackets should have rigid fix
lures; where necessary to use swing
br,.ckets, all exposed woodwork should
tie protected with sheet metal, leaving
an air space. Metal bells should be
placed over gas jets on low ceilings.
Steam Pipes should be kept clear
from all wood and combustible material.
Electricity, where improperly install
ed, is dangerous. Lamp cords should
not be hung on nails, or wrapped
around any pipes. Paper shades should
never be used. Confer with your city
electrician where changes are contem'
plated. Do not allow employees to tam
per with electrical installations.
Stovepipes should be securely riveted
and run direct. to brick chimneys, and
never through floors or partitions
Protect floors under and around stoves
with brick, cement or sheet metal.
Stairways should be kept closed anC
clear at all times; never pile stock in
front Of windows, or against the doors
as it handicaps the firemen in case o.
fire. Fire doors and shutters shoulc
be closed every night, and stock shoule
never be placed so as to hinder the
ready closing OF these fire stops. Better
10 use metal frames and sash with wire
glass.
See That All Fire Extinguishing Ap
paratus is in good working order.
Slack and Pulverized Coal will spon
taneously ignit, as will charcoal, wher
wet.
Use Safety Matches.
tRequiring All Doors to Swing Out
kard, in public buildings, schools
heatres, etc., may prevent the loss o
many lives. All buildings two stories
or over, should be provided with fir
escapes.
Let Every Day Be Fire Prevention
Day For The Year 1919.
FRANK II. ELLSWORTH,
Commissioner of Insurance
Ex-Offcio State Fire Marsha