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October is Fire Safety Month

By Doug Francis

Tysons Ladder Truck in Vienna VAOctober has been designated “fire safety month” because the historic Great Chicago Fire happened in October 1871.

These days, fire safety comes to our attention thanks to fire house pancake dinners and open houses geared toward parents and kids.

But today, as I sat at my home office computer crafting an especially inspirational email, I heard sirens which seemed to be getting closer.

Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Engine 2 suddenly roared down the street stopping in front of my neighbor’s house.

Firefighters were scrambling, and I knew that their house must be on fire.

A cloud of white smoke came out the door.

As far as I could tell, four engines and two ladder trucks quickly set up operations as more white smoke poured out.

Luckily, the fire was quickly put out and no one was hurt, but, it was a reminder why smoke detectors are still essential.

As it turns out, the smoke detector wasn’t working and if this had happened at 4:00 A.M., then lives would have been lost.

Test Your Smoke Detectors

Vienna VA VFD Engine 2Some readers may remember my monthly newsletters back in the 1990’s when I would dedicate an issue to replacing batteries in your smoke detectors.

My mission began one morning when reading The Washington Post, and I noticed an article about a town house fire in Falls Church. It was on a street where some clients lived, and then it mentioned that “a couple had escaped the early morning fire.”

I drove over to Scott and Jeannie’s to see that their townhouse had a burned thanks to a neighbor’s careless actions.

And she mentioned that she did not remember the smoke detectors going off.

Yikes!

After that experience, I started to mail clients 9-Volt batteries every October with a note reminding them to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors. These days, the USPS doesn’t like me to mail batteries.

Batteries are important, and remember that replacing older smoke detectors is important too.

With Fire Safety Month in mind, spend some time this weekend checking your smoke detectors, consider installing a CO or Carbon Monoxide detector, and move combustibles away from your gas furnace or gas hot water heater.

Filed Under: Blog, Living Here Tagged With: Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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