Today is the second day of National Fire Prevention Week, and we at Paul Davis Restoration of the Inland Empire supports the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) efforts to raise awareness. The theme this year is: Protect your family from fire.
And we agree—carelessness is what starts many fires, and your family’s health, safety and lives can depend on the smallest of mistakes. According to the NFPA, fire departments in the U.S. have responded to almost 400,000 reported home structure fires per year, between the years of 2005 and 2009. Per year! That means over 1.5 million fires in a short span of time. These fires cause thousands of civilian deaths and injuries each year, plus over $7 billion in property damage.
What’s the leading cause of home-fire deaths? Smoking materials lead the way, while cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and injuries. The best tips for safety are to ban smoking in the home and increase the use of caution in the kitchen while cooking. Other recommended safety measures for the reduction of injury and death due to fire include:
- Smoke alarms should be installed; never remove or disable smoke alarms.
- Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
- Don’t leave cooking items or clothing irons unattended.
- Don’t let children play with fire.
- Handle gasoline or propane-powered equipment cautiously.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors.
- Have a family plan in place and conduct a home “Fire Drill” at least twice a year.
- Have a portable ladder in each second floor room.
- Check fire extinguishers for expiration and replace as needed.
- Have an updated, emergency first aid kit. (Click here for our kit instructions.)
If you feel you need help understanding fire safety and how you can make your home or office safer for your family and employees, call Paul Davis Restoration of the Inland Empire right away: (877) 732-8471 or click here to use our online form.