FEMA reports that each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Most home fires can be prevented. Here are some ways to prevent fires.
- Install smoke alarms outside of every bedroom and on every level of your home. It should be properly installed and maintained. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
- Never overload circuits or extension cords, electrical fires could result. Inspect outlets and power cords on a regular basis.
- Chimneys should be inspected annually.
- When using space heaters, allow enough room between the device and items such as clothing or flammable liquids.
- Do not leave pans on an open flame unsupervised, most residential fires begin in kitchens.
- If you must smoke, do it outdoors. Cigars and cigarettes common culprits of fires.
- Instead of standard candles, consider flameless, they provide the same functions, but are a lot safer.
Visit www.fema.gov for more information.
