Over the years, house fires have greatly decreased, but they still pose a risk to every family today. According to the NFPA, there is still an average of 358,500 home fires each year. In 2019, home fire losses totaled almost $8 billion dollars (iii.org). It is important to take fire safety in the home seriously to prevent injuries and losses.

Interesting Facts About House Fires

• House fires peak around the dinner hours between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.
• Cooking equipment is responsible for a majority of fire-related injuries.
• Only 20% of reported house fires occurred between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. However, these fires caused half (51%) of all home fire deaths.
• 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.

Ways to Prevent a Fire in the Home

• Keep combustible items at least three feet away from objects that create heat, such as heaters.
• Never smoke in bed or while lying down on a couch.
• Do not leave portable heaters on overnight.
• Keep lighters and matches out of reach where kids cannot get to them.
• Do not leave the kitchen unattended when cooking. Unattended cooking was a factor in one-third of reported home cooking fires.

Other Safety Measures

• Install smoke alarms on every floor of the house and in every bedroom. Test the alarms at least once a month and change the batteries as needed.
• Have an approved and functional fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Have a plan of evacuation and teach kids what to do if there is a fire. Have backup plans in case the fire blocks the primary route or exit.
• Practice fire drills periodically with the whole family.

Summary

The best way to avoid a fire in the home is to take action towards preventing one. Follow the prevention measures mentioned above. The next best thing to do is to be prepared if there is a fire in the home. Having a plan and practicing that plan can keep your family safe during a fire situation. These safety measures may save your life or one of your family members in the future.

Visit www.NFPA.org for more information on fires and fire safety.