10 Facts About Home Fires
Every year, the holidays are filled with baked goods, warm fires, holiday lights, and festive decorations – all of which can lead to a home fire. Last year alone, U.S. fire departments respond to over 350,000 home fires , many of which could have been prevented. This season, our heating repair company wants you to know the facts and take the time to protect you and your family.
- Every year, home fires cause around 13,000 injuries, 2,500 deaths, and nearly $7 billion in damage.
- Nearly 60% of home fires occur because of a lack of smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don’t work.
- Texas, Pennsylvania, and California lead the nation in number of fire deaths.
- Eighty percent of home fire deaths are caused by space heaters and wood stoves.
- Of every five home fires, two begin in the kitchen.
- Every year, smoking materials such as cigarettes and lighters cause over $500 million in property damage.
- There are around 30 home fires reported every day that are caused by candles.
- Nearly half of home electrical fires are the result of bad electrical distribution or wrongly placed lighting equipment.
- On average, more male injuries and deaths occur from home fires than female injuries and deaths.
- Cooking equipment is the number-one cause of home fires.
How to Prevent Them
First of all, it’s important to have a fire escape plan that the entire family understands, in case of an emergency. Home fires can be very dangerous and there are several things you can do to prevent them:
Don’t ever leave heat sources like candles, stoves, and space heaters unattended. Also, don’t leave them on overnight or while you sleep.
If you’re going to smoke, try to smoke outside. If you’re indoors, don’t leave smoking materials where children can access them and fully extinguish your cigarette or cigar before throwing it away.
Make sure your smoke detectors work. Replace the batteries every year to keep them in top condition.
*Sources: www.nfpa.org; www.usfa.fema.gov