Fire Safety

Learn facts about fire

Fires and burns are the third leading cause of preventable death in the home. Each year, more than 3,400 people die in home fires. Many thousands more are injured. Fire can kill quickly. Here are some basic facts about fire.

Fire is fast. A small flame can turn into a large fire in only seconds. It takes only a few minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. By then, a home can be swallowed up in flames.

Most deadly home fires start while people are sleeping. If you wake up to a fire, you won’t have time to save anything. Fire and smoke spread too quickly. You will only have time to get out.

Fire is hot. A fire’s heat alone can kill. A home fire can reach temperatures of 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit very quickly. Air that hot can burn your lungs. No one can survive in such high heat.

Fire is dark. Flames may be bright, but they quickly produce thick black smoke. The smoke will keep you from seeing a way to escape.

Fire is deadly. Fire uses up oxygen we need to breathe. It creates smoke and poisonous gases. Those kill more people in a fire than flames do. If you are sleeping, they may keep you from waking up. You may not be able to escape.

Take steps for fire safety

You can reduce the risk of fire and fire injury in your home. The Home Safety Council and the U.S. Fire Administration offer these tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Be sure a smoke alarm is near every sleeping area. Put new batteries in smoke alarms once a year. Replace the batteries sooner if the smoke alarm makes a noise that sounds like chirping. That means the battery power is running low.
• Put a fire extinguisher on each level and one in the garage. Adults should learn how to use the fire extinguisher.
• Keep unstable chemicals like turpentine or fertilizer in their original containers. Store them in an area separate from your home.
• Store gasoline outside the home in a garage or shed. Use a container approved for gas storage.
• Never bring or use gasoline indoors. Use it as a motor fuel only. Always keep it away from heat and sparks, including cigarettes.
• Place a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace. Keep things that can burn away from the area.
• Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave the kitchen while something is cooking.
• Keep burnable objects such as dish towels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the stove top.
• When cooking, wear close-fitting clothing. Loose clothing can more easily catch fire.
• Pour water on cigarette butts before putting them in the trash.
• Always watch a fire or lit barbecue grill.
• Keep outdoor grills at least three feet away from other objects, including the house and bushes or trees. Do not use a grill indoors.
• Never leave a candle burning when you’re asleep or not in the room.
• Don’t set a burning candle where it could fall or get knocked over. Be sure candle holders are made of material that won’t burn.
• Have heating systems, space heaters, and fireplaces checked by a service person once a year. Clean them when they need it.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or newspapers.
• Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Be careful not to overload electrical outlets, extension cords, and power strips. Put covers on all unused electrical outlets.
• Check all wires and cords often for damage.
• Do not run electrical cords under rugs.

Make an escape plan

Most people will never be caught in a fire. But everyone should be prepared for such an event. Should your home catch fire, you and your loved ones need to be able to leave your home quickly and safely.

Prevent injuries and save lives. Know what to do and where to go before a fire happens. Make a fire escape plan. First, sketch out a floor plan of your home. Include all rooms, hallways, and stairs. Mark all windows and doors. Select two ways to get out of each room and mark them clearly on the plan.

Make sure everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm. Push the “test” button on the alarm to hear the sound.

Next, pick a safe place outside your home where everyone can meet after an escape. Draw the place on the plan and label it. After meeting, one person should go to a neighbor’s house to call 911 or the local fire department.

Make copies of the plan and post one in each room of your home. Talk about the plan. Be sure each person in your home knows how to use it.

Finally, practice your escape plan. To make it realistic, someone should start the fire drill by pushing the “test” button on the smoke alarm. Hold fire drills often until each person learns what to do. After that, practice at least twice a year. If there are young children in your home, make sure they wake up to the noise of the smoke alarm. Everyone must be able to hear the alarm. Select a buddy to help each young child get out of the home and to your meeting place.

News for You®, Vol. 52, No. 42. October 20, 2004. New Readers Press, division of ProLiteracy Worldwide. Adapted by permission.