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Prevent home fires

  • Published
  • By 325th Civil Engineer Squadron
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The National Fire Protection Association has chosen home fire prevention as the focus for their national campaign during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11.

Fire departments responded to nearly 400,000 home fires in 2006. A home should be a safe haven; however, if fire-hazard checks are neglected there may be multiple potential fire dangers around your home. According to Tyndall Fire & Emergency Services, extra caution can prevent the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials.

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment were involved in approximately 20,900 home fires in 2005; resulting in 500 deaths, 1,100 injuries and an estimated $862 million in direct property damage.

Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. Mattresses and upholstered furniture are the materials most commonly ignited.

Heating fires are the second-leading cause of home fires. In 2005, heating equipment was involved in 62,200 home fires with associated losses of 670 deaths and $909 million in damages.

Cooking equipment was involved in 146,400 reported home fires in 2005, most involving kitchen stovetops. Unattended cooking ignited most fires. Pay attention to cooking and if leaving the kitchen, turn off the stove. If young children are present, use the back burners only. Cooks should wear clothing with tight fitting sleeves.

Be wary of candles; their open flame can easily ignite nearby combustibles. Remember to extinguish candles when leaving the room and never leave a child unattended with an open flame. Candles are not a good emergency light source, use flashlights instead.

Use electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Extension cords are never a good idea when used as permanent wiring. Routinely check electrical cords and equipment for damage.

Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from flammables and should be turned off when exiting the room. Ensure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet. The heater should bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory and should be equipped with automatic tip protection, so it will turn off if knocked over.

Despite precautions taken to ensure a fire safe home, accidents and bad luck can happen. Be prepared for unexpected fires by having an operable fire extinguisher in the house. Teach family members how to use extinguishers and when not to use them. Fire extinguishers are meant to be used on small fires only. Never endanger life or limb while trying to use an extinguisher, always call 911 for help. For more information, call Tyndall Fire & Emergency Services at 283-2884.