Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
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Fire Statistics
The following statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are for fires in
the United States in 2009 (Karter 2010):
• There were 3,010 civilian deaths from fire, 2,565 of which occurred in the home.
• There were 260 civilian deaths from motor vehicle fires.
• Only 105 civilian fire deaths occurred in nonresidential structures.
• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,348,500 fires resulting in an estim-
ated $12,531,000,000 in property losses and 17,050 civilian injuries.
In general, fires cause more loss of life and property in America than all natural disasters
combined! Statistically speaking, the easiest and most cost-effective way to reduce the chances
that you, your home, or your family might suffer great loss in a future fire event, is to improve
the fire safety of your home, and the fire awareness of your loved ones. This chapter covers fire
safety in the home, what to do when a fire strikes, and how to improve the fire resistance of
your home and property.
Fire Safety Within the Home
Smoke Detectors
Probably the single most important fire-safe thing you can do for your home and family is to
make sure that it is properly equipped with smoke detectors, and that they are in good working
order. Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, the kitchen, hallways, and at least
one on every floor of your home. Where possible, smoke detectors should be hardwired into
your home's electrical system, and should also have their own battery power to provide protec-
tion when the AC power in your home goes out. It is a good idea to install combination CO
(carbon monoxide) and smoke detection units.
