Thousands of people die from fire every year in the United States. Most residential fire deaths occur because of inhalation of toxic gases rather than contact with flames. The tragedy is that many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by taking a few precautions.

Let us take a look at a few examples:

A toddler suffered second-degree burns to his face and hands when a fire swept through the bedroom where he was sleeping in a one-story ranch home.

An elderly couple both lost their lives when an electrical fire completely destroyed their lovely home. They were found in their bedroom trying to escape.

Three students were killed and 58 others were seriously injured when fire and smoke swept through their University dormitory.

Two teenagers were killed during an electrical outage ice storm. The candles, they were using for light, ignited a bookcase and completely engulfed the room in flames.

In each of the above incidents, the occupants did not have any of the following: operational smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, sprinkler systems, or a preplanned fire exit.

Now that we are in the middle of cold weather in many parts of the United States, it is extremely important that we each understand what it means to have a home, which is safe from fire. Fires are very traumatizing and frightening. It is essential for each of us to fully recognize the hazards of fire and to take preventive action. This action will help you prevent the fire from happening, and if it should happen, it will help you to have a plan so that you and all members of your family can escape from your home safely.

Fire prevention tips

• Do not plug too many appliances into an electrical outlet.

• Do not use small electrical appliances, such as curling irons, radios, and hair dryers too close to water. Be sure you have a ground fault circuit interrupter in your outlet or be sure that the appliance has one built into it.

• Make sure that papers, books, clothing, furniture, or curtains are not too close to heat sources or anything with an open flame, such as fireplaces, heaters, candles, cigarettes, stoves, ovens or furnaces.

• Do not smoke in bed, or leave a lit cigarette in an ashtray.

• Do not use damaged appliances or extension cords.

• Place matches, lighters, hot liquids, and other flammable objects out of the reach of children.

• Always test smoke detectors to be sure they are operating. Change the batteries at least once a year.

• Buy a fire extinguisher, which you can easily use in case of a small fire in the kitchen, garage or near the fireplace.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home, so that you have an early warning if carbon monoxide is present.

• Be sure all of your doors are not blocked, in case you should have to make an emergency exit.

Space heaters

Space heaters are being used by many consumers today to heat a room that might not have sufficient heat. They are great to warm up an unusually cold room, but they can be very dangerous. Thousands of fires, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, are caused each year by space heaters.

Why are space heaters so dangerous?

Fires are caused when objects such as curtains, clothing or papers come into close contact with the heater. Fires and explosions can result from flammable fuels or defective wiring. People can be burned if they get too close to the heater. Finally, improper venting or incomplete combustion can lead to dangerous indoor air pollution, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

When using space heaters, be sure they are new, and that they are certified by a reputable laboratory. Place heaters in an area where they cannot be tipped over. Heaters should have proper venting, and the venting system should be checked frequently. Never use a non-vented gas burning heater in a closed room. Call your fire department if you have additional questions.

To safeguard against fires, have a home inspection each year to be sure all of your appliances, wiring and chimneys are working properly. Be sure you have working smoke detectors throughout your home, especially outside each bedroom. Have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Discuss with each member of your family and rehearse your fire escape emergency plan. Be sure you plan two exits from each location in case one exit is blocked. Also, have a central meeting place outside of the home so that all members of your family are accounted for in case of a fire.

I hope that each of you take just a few moments to check your home so that you will have a safe home, which does not get destroyed by that very unfortunate fire.

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