FIRE SAFETY: The Facts

Fires and burns are the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under. Children, especially those ages 5 and under, are at the greatest risk from home fire-related death and injury, with a fire death rate more than twice the national average. A less acute perception of danger, less control over their environment, and a limited ability to react promptly and properly to a fire contribute to this excess risk.

In 2002, U.S. fire departments responded to nearly 401,000 residential fires or one every 79 seconds. These fires accounted for 24 percent of all reported fire incidents, yet caused 80 percent of all fire-related deaths and 76 percent of all fire-related injuries. Smoke alarms are extremely effective at preventing fire-related death and injury. The chances of dying in a residential fire are cut in half when a smoke alarm is present. Residential sprinkler systems, escape plans and fire extinguishers are also effective at preventing fires and mitigating this risk.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Keep matches, gasoline, lighters and all other flammable materials locked away and out of children's reach. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Place candles in a safe location away from combustible materials and where children or pets cannot tip them over.
• Install smoke alarms in your home on every level and in every sleeping area. Test them once a month, replace the batteries at least once a year (unless the batteries are designed for longer life) and replace the alarms every 10 years. Ten-year lithium alarms are also available and do not require an annual battery change. For the best protection against different types of fires, consider installing both ionization alarms (better at sensing flaming fires) and photoelectric alarms (better at sensing slow, smoky fires).
• Plan and practice several fire escape routes from each room of the home, and identify a safe outside meeting place. Practicing an escape plan may help children, who can become frightened and confused, to escape to safety in a fire.

Fire Safety Checklist

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