Public Safety & Education
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Fires and Burns
Fires and burns continue to be a major cause of unintentional injury death at home. Particularly at risk are the very young and the very old.
Facts
- 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home (U.S. Fire Administration)
- The leading cause of fire deaths is careless smoking (U.S. Fire Administration)
- Having a working smoke detector more than doubles one’s chances of surviving a fire (U.S. Fire Administration)
- 3,675 people died in fires in the United States in 2005 – one person every 143 minutes. While the number of fires increased in 2005 over 2004, the number of deaths decreased 5.8 percent. (National Fire Protection Association).
- In 2005, 106 firefighters died in the line of duty in the United States – down from 117 in 2004 (U.S. Fire Administration)
- Adults 65 and older are more than twice as likely to die in fires as the overall population. (U.S. Fire Administration study)
- People born in 2003 have a 1-in-1,100 lifetime odds of dying due to exposure to smoke, fire or flame. Odds in any given year are 1:86,000. (National Safety Council)
Safety Tips
Follow the safety tips listed below to protect yourself and your family.
Smoke Detectors
- One is definitely NOT enough! Every home should be equipped with smoke detectors on every level, particularly outside of sleeping areas.
- Ensure that your smoke detectors are tested monthly and batteries are replaced twice a year. Change batteries when you change your clocks.
- Encourage children to help test the smoke detectors. Familiarize them with the sounds of the alarm(s).
Fire Extinguishers
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your kitchen (one rated for grease fires and electrical fires).
- It's a good idea to keep fire extinguishers near the furnace, garage, and anywhere else a fire may start. These extinguishers are affordable, life-saving equipment for your home.
- Make sure every able-bodied member of the family is trained and familiar with the proper way to use the fire extinguishers.
If you must use an extinguisher, make sure you have a clear way out in the event you can't put out the fire.
Get Ready is a disaster preparedness program for Marin residents.