Fires In Residences Eliminated F.I.R.E.

Bureau of Injury PreventionNew York State

Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Presentation Objectives

• Discuss the leading causes and toll of residential fires in the US and NYS

• Review evidence-based and promising strategies to reduce the number of fire-related deaths and injuries

• Discuss the role of public health in promoting fire safety

• Empower New Yorkers to ensure that their homes and families are fire-safe

Presentation Outline: Ten Take Home Messages

1. Public Health Issue

2. Vulnerable Populations

3. Children

4. Prevention

5. Smoke Alarms

Presentation Outline: Ten Take Home Messages

6. Escape Plan

7. Fire Sprinklers

8. Media

9. Internet resources

10. Collaboration

Residential Fires are a Public Health Issue

Toll of Residential Fires in the United States (US) (2008)

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

United States

Civilian Deaths

Number of Fires

Civilian Injuries

Property Loss

403,000 2,755 13,560 $8.5 Billion

Leading Causes of Residential Fires in the US (2003-2006 Annual Average)

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

Cause of Fire

Cooking Equipment

Smoking Materials

Heating Equipment

Electrical/Lighting

Intentionally Set Fires

Candles

Playing with Heat Source

Clothes Washers/Dryers

Exposure to Other Fires

Source: NFPA

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

Deaths Injuries

Cooking EquipmentSmoking MaterialsHeating EquipmentElectrical/LightingIntentionally Set FiresCandlesPlaying with Heat SourceClothes Washers/DryersExposure to Other Fires

Leading Causes of Civilian Residential Fire-Related Deaths and Injuries in the US (2003-2006 Annual Average)

Source: NFPA

Residential Fires Disproportionately Impact

Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations

Children Must be Taught to Respect Fire Danger and Practice

Fire Safety Behaviors

Sample Resources for Teaching Children About Fire Safety

Sparky the Fire DogGo to this siteClick on: Activities Click on: Coloring PagesFire Safety.gov for KidsGo to this site Click on: Home Fire SafetyClick on: Hazard House

Residential Fires and Associated Deaths and Injuries are

Preventable

Fire Prevention Through the Promulgation of Regulations and Standards

Flammability standards for: – Fabrics– Children’s sleepwear

Ignition resistant standards for:– Mattresses– Household materials

Low ignition cigarettes

Child-resistant lighters Electrical appliances

(UL) Uniform building codes

– Electrical standards– Smoke alarms– Residential sprinklers

Fire Prevention: Increasing Individual Awareness and Responsibility

Errors

Inattention

Ignorance

Alcohol impairment

Inaccurate perception of fire risk

Lack of appreciation for societal cost of fires

Functioning Smoke Alarms are Highly Effective in Preventing

Fire-related Deaths

Smoke Alarm Effectiveness

– 70% of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

– A $33 smoke alarm produces $940 in benefits to society.

Know Your Smoke Alarm ABC’s

Alarm

Battery

Cleaning and Maintenance

Alarm Features

Sensors (photoelectric, ionization, combination)

Interconnected (wireless or electric with battery back-up)

Test button and remote tester

United Laboratories (UL) symbol

Smoke Alarm Sensor Technology

Ionization technology– Generally more effective at sensing small smoke particles,

which tend to be produced in greater amounts by hot, flaming fires

– May consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly

Photoelectric technology– Generally more effective at sensing large smoke particles,

which tend to be produced in greater amounts by smoldering fires

– May smolder for hours before bursting into flame

Specialty Smoke Alarms

Battery-related Terminology

10-year (Long-Life Lithium) battery

Tamper-resistant

Tamper-proof

Battery replacement

Low battery indicator

Cleaning and Maintenance

Remove dust and debris regularly from outside of alarm

– Gently clean using vacuum cleaner attachment– Do not use water, cleaner or solvent

Perform other maintenance recommended by manufacturer

Replace alarm at least every 10 years

Where Should Smoke Alarms be Located in Your Home?

Residential Smoke Alarm Placement

Smoke Alarm Report Card

96% of all homes in the US have at least one smoke alarm.

However…

– Only 75% of all US homes have at least one WORKING smoke alarm.

– Smoke alarms sounded in only 50% of the home fires reported in the US from 2000-2004.

The Best Alarm Combination Early Warning Home Protection System

The combination of photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms, in conjunction with carbon monoxide detectors, located in the proper locations, provide optimal protection to your family.  

Residential Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement

Fire Escape Planning and Practice Prepare Residents to Quickly and Safely

Exit During Home Fires

Home Fire Escape Planning and Practice

Important Considerations for Developing and Practicing a Home Fire Escape Plan

Is it Safe to Fight a Residential Fire?

37% of US residential fire injuries occur among individuals who fight the fire.

A small flame can become a major fire in less than 30 seconds.

The FIRST priority in a fire is to safely escape.

Don’t Fight a Residential Fire…

Until all building occupants have safely exited

Until you have notified the fire department

If you don’t know what is burning

If you might inhale toxic smoke

If the fire is already spreading quickly

If you cannot position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back

If you don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment

If your instincts tell you not to fight it

Home Fire Sprinklers Quickly Detect, Contain,

and Extinguish Fires

  

Video on Residential Fire Sprinklers

Residential Fire Sprinklers

The Media is a Valuable Communication Tool to Increase Public Awareness of Fire

Safety and Prevention Measures

Tool for Guiding Media InteractionsRelated to Residential Fires

Fire Spokesperson’s Pocket Media Guide

The Internet Provides Free, Up-to-Date, and Extensive Fire Safety

Resources from Reputable Sources

Sample Internet Sites with Reliable

Fire Safety Information

Office of Fire Prevention and Control

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

FireSafety.gov

National Fire Protection Association

United States Fire Administration

Public Health Professionals can Most Effectively Promote Fire Safety by

Collaborating with Local Fire Safety Officials

Smoke Alarms Installation Programs

NFPA’s Planning and Implementing a Successful Smoke Alarm Installation Program

What Should I Do Next?

Make sure your own residence and family are fire-safe

Obtain additional training and education

Questions?