At work and home
Fire Fact: A fire department responds to a fire in the United States every 17.3 seconds.
Fire Safety
Fire in the U.S.A.
Fire Safety In The U.S.
Death rate from fires is 3 times higher than other developed countries (2.1 per 100,000) In 1999 - 3,500 deaths and 18,000 injuries. 406,500 residential fires in 1997 in the U.S. U.S. has more smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire fighters than any other country Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths overall, but in the winter months of December, January and February, smoking and heating equipment cause similar shares of the fire deaths. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and 2 home fire injuries.
National Fire Statistics
About 70% of all structure fires occur in the home. About 80% of all fire deaths occur in the home. One fourth of home fires occur between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. yet account for one half of all home fire deaths. 3
Fire Deaths
Risk Factors For Fire Deaths
Supplemental heating devices- most house fires Dec-Feb
Cigarette smoking - 23% of fatal house fires Drug and alcohol abuse - 40% of fire deaths in Philadelphia- Similar Nationally. No or inoperable smoke detectors
Most Fire Deaths are NOT Burn Victims!
Causes of Death in Fires SMOKE Hydrogen cyanide, hydrocyanic acid
Carbon monoxide
Other toxic vapors Burns Trauma (non-burn).
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Fires and Fire Deaths
There were 1,823,000 fires in the United States in 1999, down from 2,019,000 in 1990. Fire deaths have reduced to 3,570 in 1999 from 5,195 in 1990. Injuries from 28,600 in 1990 to 21,875 in 1999.
Only one-fifth of the home fire deaths were caused by fires in which a smoke alarm was present and operated.
Fire Hazards at Work
Heat generating appliances
Storage and handling of flammables/combustibles
Open flames
Vehicles and equipment
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Heat Generating Equipment
Coffee pot Toaster oven Microwave Mug warmer Heaters Cooling fans Torch/Heat gun Other electrical appliances Ensure 36 or more of clearance from other combustibles UL listed Grounding prongs Plug into outlet directly Heaters need tipover protection Shut it off!
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Emergency Action
How do we report emergencies & get assistance? Call 911 What does the alarm sound like? Tone or
beep
What are the primary & secondary exits? See
Evacuation Plan on walls Where do we meet? Flagpoles Who accounts for us? Roll-call at Flagpoles How do we report missing persons? At rollcall, ESC reports to Fire Dept. on arrival.
Causes of Home Fires
Smoking or smoking materials. Heating equipment. Cooking & cooking equipment. Children playing with matches/lighters. Arson/suspicious
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What Can YOU Do?
Educate your children,
make them part of your Fire Safety Plan.
Visit the local Firehouse, ask Firefighters to put on gear so your child knows they are not something to fear.
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Make Your Home Fire Safe
Install smoke detectors and keep batteries changed. Have a home evacuation plan and practice it at least yearly. Inform your babysitters of your plan. Use Fire Prevention Week to educate the family. Dont store combustible material too close to heater, water heater or other source of ignition. Clean out old paint, lumber and junk from basement and garage. Clean the lint trap in your dryer every time you use it. Use metal vent pipe instead of plastic.
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Survive a Fire
How to Survive a Fire
Dont get trapped Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth
(when possible)
Keep low to the floor
Dont hide Be determined to survive
If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll
Once out of the building NEVER RETURN!
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Fall Checklist
Have your furnace and chimney cleaned or inspected yearly Dont burn wet or green wood in your fireplace. Dont burn leaves near your home or any combustibles. When using seasonal decorative lighting, turn off when leaving home. Clean and adjust thermostats. Check any space heaters for problems, keep 3 away from combustibles.
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