On average, there were 358,300 house fires nationwide. House fires were re sponsible for 2,620 deaths.
Most home fire deaths are caused by someone inhaling smoke. Cooking
equipment, electrical malfunctions, heating equipment and clothes dryers are some causes of house fires. One of every three home fire deaths is
caused by a faulty smoke alarm or dead
batteries. Every year, 500 children die from a fire.
To minimize the chance for a house fire, installing smoke and carbon mon oxide detectors near every bedroom and on each level of the home is essential.
However, simply having these devices is not enough.
Regular testing and battery replacement are crucial to ensure their functionality. Additionally, never leave candles unattended.
Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach, checking it every six months for the expiration date.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking and turn off the stove when you leave the house. If a pan catches fire, cover it with a lid and turn off the heat. Never pour water on grease fires.
Keep combustible materials away from hot surfaces, and have your home’s electrical system inspected periodically. Check extension cords for damage. Don’t run cords under furniture or rugs.
Use the correct wattage bulbs in fixtures. Having too high of a wattage bulb for what the fixture is called for can cause it to overheat and catch fire.
Make sure cigarettes are completely out before discarding them.
Clean dryer vents of lint build-up regularly.
If a fire breaks out in your home, you typically have about two minutes to escape. Agree on a home escape plan, so every family member knows where to go outdoors if an alarm goes off.
