While seeing your house go up in flames may seem far-fetched and unlikely, you may be surprised to learn that house fires are actually far from uncommon. In fact, data shows that residential home fires in the United States each year number between 350,000 and 400,000. If that is surprising, you may want to look into some of the other interesting facts about fire accidents in the United States. Here is a look at ten things you may not know about fire accidents.
1 – Residential Building Fires Burn Money
Now that you know how many residential buildings are affected by fire each year on average, you may also be surprised to learn the dollars and cents behind these numbers. In 2011, the 364,500 residential building fires caused losses of over $6.65 billion dollars.
2 – There are Fewer Nonresidential Building Fires
The number of nonresidential fires (restaurants, schools, offices, subways, warehouses, etc.) has ranged from 84,000-103,000 over the last few years. While fewer than residential, they also lost more than $2.43 billion dollars in 2011.
3 – The Main Causes
Do you know what the main causes of fire accidents are? Answers include lack of attention when cooking, unmonitored candles, irresponsible use of gasoline and propane, short circuits, bad judgment while intoxicated, cigarettes, and children playing unattended.
4 – Appliances Can be Dangerous
Another surprising fact about fire accidents is that they can often be caused by appliances. Things like lamps, baby monitors, toasters, and coffee makers have the ability to short out and cause fire. Older appliances are especially at risk. It is advisable to leave appliances unplugged when they are not in use.
5 – Fire is a Major Cause of Injury in Children
The Burn Awareness Coalition reports that fire and burn injuries are the number one killer of children less than two years of age, the second leading cause of accidental death for those 1-4, and the third leading cause for those 1-18.
6 – The NFPA Exists to Inform
There is an organization called the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, that exists to inform people about fire prevention and safety.
7 – Heat in the Kitchen
You probably didn’t know that 40% of home fires actually start in the kitchen. And to be even more specific, 34% of reported home fires were the result of unattended cooking.
8 – Escape Plans are Important
The NFPA reports that only 1 in 3 Americans have developed and practiced a fire escape plan for their home. Nearly 75% of Americans have no escape plan. Developing an escape plan is essential to being prepared for a fire accident.
9 – Smoke Alarms are Life Savers
Did you know that a working smoke alarm can cut the risk in half of dying in fire accidents? Make sure your home and workplace have working fire detectors and smoke alarms.
10 – Restoration Companies are here to Help
Local restoration companies, know that a fire accident is never a timely thing. That’s why they believe in immediate response and quality work. Don’t hesitate to contract one!
