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Health Tip: Home Fire Prevention
 In 2006, fire departments responded to nearly 400,000
home fires. Along with significant property damage, severe burns and deaths were
caused by these fires that were, in many cases, avoidable. The week of October 5-11
has been designated as Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Protection Association.
The following are a few facts* provided by this organization to help raise awareness
of the potential for fire danger. Let this Health Tip serve as a reminder to check
your home for fire hazards.
Fact #1 - Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
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Cooking equipment was involved in almost 150,000 home fires in 2005. This represents
the largest single cause for home fires and was responsible for $878 million in
property damage. Worse yet, these fires caused 480 deaths and 4,690 injuries. Unattended
cooking is the reason that most of these fires started. Interestingly, electric
stoves were responsible for more of these fires than gas stoves. |
Fact #2 - Electrical cords and plugs were involved in one-eighth (12%) of the
2002-2005 home electrical distribution and lighting equipment fires, but were responsible
for roughly two-fifths (39%) of the deaths.
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Electrical devices were implicated in starting almost 21,000 home fires in 2005.
Lamps, light bulbs, electrical cords and plugs were involved in starting most of
these fires.
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Fact #3 - Smoking materials (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) are the
leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
Smoking is responsible for causing approximately 25% of fire deaths. In 2002-2005
there were approximately 82,400 fires involving smoking materials. Most of these
fires were the result of smoking materials igniting mattresses and upholstered furniture.
Fact #4 - Candle fires accounted for an estimated 4% of all reported home fires
in 2005.
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It's surprising that in one year, something as innocent as candles could have been
responsible for starting 15,600 house fires. In addition to causing loss of life,
the property loss from these fires is estimated to have cost $539 million.
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Fact #5 - January and December were the peak months for home fires and home
fire deaths.
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This is not too surprising when you consider the use of heating equipment during
these months. Factors related to the occurrence of these fires include the use of
space heaters and locating heating equipment too close to flammable materials such
as clothing, bedding or upholstered furniture.
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Fact #6 - Working smoke alarms cut the risk of
dying in reported home structure fires in half.
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The fire death rate in homes with working smoke alarms is 51% less than the rate
for homes without this protection. An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year
if all homes had working smoke alarms.
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During this week, take time to survey your house for potential fire hazards. Have
heating equipment inspected and check electrical cords and lighting equipment. Make
sure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly and remember to be especially
careful when cooking.
*Information from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Web site,
www.firepreventionweek.org.
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