Fire Accidents

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Fire Accidents

Fire accidents can cause devastating loss to people and possessions, destroying homes and causing serious injury. Recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association report that more than 3,000 people die in fire accidents each year, and another 15,000 are injured. Proper steps must be taken to prevent fire accidents from occurring.

 

Roughly 85 percent of deaths from fire accidents happen in residences. The home is often a hotbed of fire hazards. Preventing fire accidents in the home is the responsibility of all homeowners. Precautions should be taken in many areas of the home. First, smoke detectors should be installed on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas. Smoke detectors must be functional; they should be checked monthly, and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year. Fire extinguishers in the home will help put a small fire out and could help prevent a major fire accident by controlling a small blaze before it gets out of control.

 

Portable heaters are often the cause of fire accidents in the home. These should be kept at least three feet from anything that may catch fire and should never be left on overnight or when the house is empty. Halogen lamps, which can also cause fire accidents, should be kept away from flammable drapes and low ceilings. All frayed wires or cracked electrical cords should be replaced and sockets should not be overloaded, as these can both lead to fire accidents. Fireplaces should be kept clear of newspapers, kindling, matches and throw rugs, and a fireplace screen should be used to keep sparks from flying.

 

Cigarettes are also often to blame for fire accidents in residences. Take care of cigarette disposal by rinsing cigarette butts in water before throwing them in the garbage and ensure fiery ashes do not smolder in carpeting or furniture cushions. Smoking in bed should always be avoided.

 

Careless cooking is the number one cause of fire accidents in the residence. In order to prevent fire accidents in the kitchen, cooking areas should be kept free of combustibles. Short sleeves or tight sleeves should be worn when cooking to avoid catching clothes on fire. Grease fires that may occur in the kitchen can be put out by carefully sliding a lid on the fire and turning off the burner; water should never be used to extinguish a grease fire.

 

No matter how many precautions are taken to prevent fires, accidents do happen and its best to be prepared. In case of a fire accident in a home, escape routes should be planned and family members aware of what to do in the event of an emergency.

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