Why You Need Better Fire Protection in Your Home

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a home fire occurs every 87 seconds.

What Causes a House Fire?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), FEMA, and Ready.gov, the top three causes of residential fires are cooking, heating equipment, and electrical malfunctions. Nearly 30% of all fires start in homes. The majority of house fires occur in the colder months when Americans are using their fireplaces, overloading heating equipment and electrical services, and cooking more. People are also more distracted, and this leads to costly mistakes with perilous consequences.

Each year in this country, there is an average of 358,000 house fires.

These fires result in 7 deaths every day.

Prevent You and Your Family From Becoming a Statistic

A daily activity – cooking – is the leading cause of house fires in the U.S. Following this is faulty heating equipment and electrical malfunctions. Be sure your electrical system and all appliances are up to code and safe to use.

In less than five minutes, the heat from a house fire can reach over 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Important Statistics Homeowners Need to Know

This data highlights the very real threat of house fires and their destructive capabilities:

• It can take just 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major blaze (Department of Homeland Security).
• In a five-year period, house fires caused 2,620 deaths and $6.9 billion in property damage (NFPA).
• The top three causes of fires in homes are cooking, heating equipment, and electrical malfunction (FEMA).
• An average of 358,500 homes experience a structural fire each year (NFPA).
• More than 3,000 Americans die in fires each year (FEMA).
• Every day, at least one child dies from a fire inside the home (Stanford Children’s Hospital). 

Fire Safety Tips

We believe that even one death due to a house fire is too many. Review these fire safety tips, and take all the precautions you can. Installing the proper fire prevention measures in your house saves lives, first and foremost. It will also save you from the loss of precious possessions, and higher insurance rates.

• If you use space heaters or any other portable heaters, be sure to keep these heaters at least 3 feet away from any flammable objects, such as blankets or curtains.
• Space heaters should also be kept away from combustible surfaces such as carpet or a rug.
• Consider purchasing a space heater that automatically shuts off in the event it’s tipped over. 
• Be sure to extinguish the embers in a fireplace or the flame of a candle when you leave the room.
• Install a fire alarm in every room and every floor of your home. Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home. Test all devices bi-annually and replace batteries. 

If the unthinkable happens and you find yourself in a house fire, remember: 

• “Stop, drop, and roll” if your clothing is on fire.
• Crawl low to the floor and keep your airways covered. 
• Touch door handles to test if they’re hot before opening the door.

To open and use a fire extinguisher, remember the following acronym: PASS

Pull The Pin
Aim Low at the Base of the Fire
Squeeze the Handle Slowly
Sweep the Nozzle Side to Side

The Best Fire Prevention – Installed Fire Detection & Sprinkler Equipment

The safest solution to this very real threat in your home is the installation of a fire alarm and sprinkler system. We tend to put our focus on luxury items for our home, like granite counters or elaborate bathroom fixtures. The real priority should be the safety of the occupants in your home. Sure a fire sprinkler system is an extra expense, but when you are investing in home building or home improvements, safety should be the top priority.

A fire is really every homeowner’s nightmare, isn’t it?

There are so many causes of house fires, many of which we can not be prepared for. Faulty wiring, a kitchen accident, acts of nature, and simple carelessness can happen at any time. While property damage and the loss of home and contents is devastating, the more sobering statistic is the loss of life that occurs with house fires.

Every year, more than 2,300 people perish due to fires in their homes.

If residential fire alarm and sprinkler systems are installed in our houses, property damage can be greatly reduced, and lives can be saved.

Placing smoke detectors throughout your home is not adequate fire protection! They often malfunction, and do not give enough warning for everyone to safely evacuate the home. You can really protect your home and family with a properly designed and installed fire protection system.

Have peace of mind knowing everyone in your home is safe.

Warm Waters provides fire alarm and sprinkler installation, service and inspection for our fire alarm systems. Contact Warm Waters today to learn more!