You Can Prevent a Fire in Your Home With These Safety Tips

Fire Prevention Week just passed and fire departments throughout the area offered educational programs on the subject.  In case you were not able to attend a local presentation, we are pleased to offer you some fire safety tips.  Burn injuries are among the worst.

Timing of the Deadliest Fires

Can you guess the hours of the deadliest fires?  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), most fatalities associated with fire occur when people have retired for the evening.  This puts the timing of fire related deaths at between 11:00 am and 7 am.  Ironically, only one in five fires actually happen during those hours.  The reason for the increased chance of fatality is quite simple.  People are off guard and need a warning to put them on alert.  Thus, the reason for smoke detectors.

Smoke Detectors

We cannot say enough about the importance of operational smoke detectors.  We realize that there is a temptation to yank out the batteries when an alarm screeches in the middle of the day.  Perhaps temperatures rose while you were cooking a special dish.  There are a couple of important considerations concerning smoke detectors.  They must not only be operational, but also placed in accordance with the law and safety concerns.  Consider the following:

• Make sure each bedroom is equipped with a smoke alarm. Even the lightest sleepers can miss the intensity of a deadly fire
• Ensure that there is smoke alarm outside each sleeping area
• You need a smoke detector on every level of your dwelling. Do not exclude the basement

Fire Prevention

Although it may seem obvious, there are some basic things you do to avoid the chance of fire starting in your home.  For example:

• Cigarettes act as quick incinerators when they come in contact with beds or other furniture. Some furniture companies are actually installing warning labels concerning the dangers of smoking on couches or chairs.  It only takes a small ember to erupt a house in flames
• Watch the items on the stove. Remember to turn off the burners when you are done making a meal.  Exhibit the same diligence in shutting off the oven.
• Make sure your electric is up to standards. If you notice lights flickering in the home, be forewarned.  This may be indicative of a fire hazard.
• Regularly check your heating unit. Oil burners and portable electric heaters are common sources of fires.
• Keep candles under control. Although they may appear romantic, they can easily tumble and ignite.
• Monitor children and matches. In short, they are an attractive nuisance.  Youngsters may be fascinated with quick sparks that can become deadly.

Contact Us

There are all reasons for fire and we hope we have given you some preventive fire tips.  If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died in a fire, we want to offer you our assistance.  Contact us at the Law Office of Anthony Carbone to discuss the feasibility of legal action.

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