Each year in the United States, more than 4,000 people die in
fire-related incidents, according to the United States Fire
Administration (www.usfa.fema.gov). That’s more than all natural
disasters combined.
Each year in the United States, more than 4,000 people die in fire-related incidents, according to the United States Fire Administration (www.usfa.fema.gov). That’s more than all natural disasters combined. And economically, fires generate a $10.6 billion in losses annually. To minimize your family’s risk, here are a few things you can do:
• Change the batteries in your smoke detector when the time changes in fall and spring. If the battery is still good, reuse it in a household item that isn’t intended to save your life, like an alarm clock or remote.
• If you don’t have smoke detectors, install them now. They’re relatively inexpensive, and more than half of all fire deaths are in homes without smoke detectors.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the house near the kitchen and know how to use it. Extinguishers should be replaced every four to five years.
• Minimize the use of space heaters and extension cords, particularly near bedding or other flammable cloth.
• Always keep an eye on a burning candle. Never leave one unattended in another room.
• If you smoke, make sure all butts are extinguished, and dispose of ashtray contents in an outdoor receptacle rather than an indoor can to avoid night-time flare-ups.
