What Can Families Do for Fire Safety?
Discussion
Home fire safety is important. Prevention safeguards life and property.
In 2014, the U.S. Fire Administration reported there were 3,428 deaths caused by fires. The most common pediatric age group is 0-4 years, with decreasing risk with advancing age. In the adult age group, the rates hold steady until the 40-50’s when there starts to be an increasing risk in the older population again. Other groups at risk are those with disabilities, and people living in rural areas. Intentional fires or arson are highest obviously in urban environments.
The leading cause of fire deaths in the US is because of smoking. Other risk factors include lack of a working smoke alarm, use of a space heater and renting (versus owning) the home. Having a working smoke alarms in the home dramatically decreases fire injuries and property loss. In the US there is a 2-3x lower risk of fire death with a working smoke alarm. Having a smoker as noted also dramatically increases the risk, but this can be mitigated by consistent safety practices including only smoking outside the home.
Home fires can occur year round, but are more common in the winter months of December, January and February because of associated heating needs. Use of fireplaces and space heaters increases the risk of home fires. Home fires associated with religious and cultural celebrations also peak at these times with home candle fires peaking on Christmas, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Seasonal fire-related injuries a...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: pediatriceducationmin Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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