Fire safety is important every day, but it’s especially top of mind as the weather grows cooler and people start to heat their homes. October is National Fire Prevention Month, so we’re sharing information to help you and your loved stay safe.
Fire is fast. It can become life-threatening in just two minutes, with an entire residence engulfed in flames within five minutes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that a fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in the United States, with one home structure fire approximately every 95 seconds on average. In 2023, a reported 1,389,000 fires resulted in 3,670 civilian deaths and 13,350 injuries, as well as 89 firefighter fatalities.
Hot, Dark, and Deadly
Ready.gov shares that heat is more threatening during a fire than the actual flames. Room temperature can be 100 degrees Fahrenheit at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level during a home structure fire. Inhaling the incredibly hot air will scorch lungs. The heat melts clothes to skin.
While fire starts out bright, it produces black smoke and makes it very difficult to see. Smoke and toxic gases from fires cause more fatalities than flames. Fire creates poisonous gases that make you drowsy and disoriented.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms can significantly increase your chances of surviving a home fire. Check your smoke alarms regularly and replace the batteries twice a year, unless you’re using 10-year lithium batteries. You should have smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
Replace entire smoke alarm units every 10 years or according to manufacturer instructions. If you or someone you love has visually or hearing impairments, look for audible alarms and alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light.
Practice Your Fire Escape Plan
Every second counts. Build your fire escape plan, discuss it with your family, and practice it twice a year. Make sure you know of two ways to get out of each room in case the main exit is blocked by fire or smoke. Check windows to ensure they aren’t stuck, screens can be removed fast, and any security bars can be opened properly.
Fire Safety Tips
- Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
- Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
- Keep grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately.
- Never run electrical cords under rugs or furniture.
- Don’t overload extension cords and outlets.
- If you have a fireplace or woodstove, inspect and clean pipes and chimneys once a year. Check for damage or obstructions every month.
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, ideally in a locked cabinet.
- Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
