Fire Safety

Facts About Fire Safety in the U.S.

Fire in the United States

• The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates among industrialized nations.
• Between 1993 and 1997, fire caused an average of 4,500 deaths and 26,500 injuries each year.
• Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death at home, where at least 80% of all fire deaths occur.
• Annual property loss from fires is estimated at $8.5 billion.
• For specific information on fire losses in Fayette County, refer to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services' latest Annual Report.

Where Fires Occur

• 1,795,000 fires in the United States in 1997. Of these:
  • 40% were Outside Fires
  • 31% were Structure Fires
  • 22% were Vehicle Fires
  • 7% were fires of other types
• Fires in the home most often start in the:
  • Kitchen 29%
  • Bedroom 13%
  • Living Room 7%
  • Chimney 5%
  • Laundry Area 4%

Causes of Fires and Fire Death

• Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and injuries. Most are due to unattended cooking or human error, not faulty appliances.
• Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires. These fires are especially common in single-family homes, which often lack professional maintenance on their heating systems.
• Arson is the third leading cause of residential fires and the second for fire deaths. In commercial buildings, arson is the top cause of deaths, injuries, and property damage.
• Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke alarms and fire-resistant materials for bedding and furniture are key to preventing these tragedies.

Who is Most at Risk?

• Senior citizens and children under five are at the highest risk of fire death.
• The risk of fire death for seniors is more than double the average.
• The risk for children under five is nearly double the average.
• In 1995, children under ten accounted for 18% of all fire deaths.
• Over 30% of fires that kill young children are started by children playing with fire.
• Men are twice as likely as women to die or be injured in a fire.

Tips for Fire Safety

• Keep flammable materials away from anything that could ignite them.
• Store flammables in designated safety cabinets.
• Always check a chemical's properties for fire hazards.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are always accessible and not blocked.
• Only qualified electricians should handle electrical work.
• Avoid overloading outlets; use power strips with surge protectors.
• Keep your work area clean and free of clutter.
• Regularly check for damaged wires and replace them if necessary.

Evacuation Planning: Off-the-Job

• Practice escape routes from every room with your family.
• Your first priority is to escape the house. Once you are safe, call the fire department.
• Never open a door that is hot to the touch.
• Teach everyone to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
• Establish a designated meeting place outside, away from the house.
• Never re-enter a burning building for any reason.