Fires In Residences Eliminated F.I.R.E. Bureau of Injury Prevention New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Presentation Objectives Discuss the leading causes and toll of residential fires in the US and NYS Review evidence-based and promising strategies to reduce the number of fire-related deaths and injuries Discuss the role of public health in promoting fire safety Empower New Yorkers to ensure that their homes and families are fire-safe

Presentation Outline: Ten Take Home Messages 1. Public Health Issue 2. Vulnerable Populations 3. Children 4. Prevention 5. Smoke Alarms

Presentation Outline: Ten Take Home Messages 6. Escape Plan 7. Fire Sprinklers 8. Media 9. Internet resources 10. Collaboration

Residential Fires are a Public Health Issue

Toll of Residential Fires in the United States (US) (2008) Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) United States Civilian Deaths Number of Fires Civilian Injuries Property Loss 403,0002,75513,560$8.5 Billion

Leading Causes of Residential Fires in the US ( Annual Average) Source: NFPA

Leading Causes of Civilian Residential Fire-Related Deaths and Injuries in the US ( Annual Average) Source: NFPA

Residential Fires Disproportionately Impact Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations

Children Must be Taught to Respect Fire Danger and Practice Fire Safety Behaviors

Sample Resources for Teaching Children About Fire Safety Sparky the Fire Dog Go to this site Click on: Activities Click on: Coloring Pages Fire Safety.gov for Kids Go to this site Click on: Home Fire Safety Click on: Hazard House

Residential Fires and Associated Deaths and Injuries are Preventable

Fire Prevention Through the Promulgation of Regulations and Standards Flammability standards for: – Fabrics – Children’s sleepwear Ignition resistant standards for: – Mattresses – Household materials Low ignition cigarettes Child-resistant lighters Electrical appliances (UL) Uniform building codes – Electrical standards – Smoke alarms – Residential sprinklers

Fire Prevention: Increasing Individual Awareness and Responsibility Errors Inattention Ignorance Alcohol impairment Inaccurate perception of fire risk Lack of appreciation for societal cost of fires

Functioning Smoke Alarms are Highly Effective in Preventing Fire-related Deaths

Smoke Alarm Effectiveness – 70% of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. – A $33 smoke alarm produces $940 in benefits to society.

Know Your Smoke Alarm ABC’s Alarm Battery Cleaning and Maintenance

Alarm Features Sensors (photoelectric, ionization, combination) Interconnected (wireless or electric with battery back-up) Test button and remote tester United Laboratories (UL) symbol

Smoke Alarm Sensor Technology Ionization technology – Generally more effective at sensing small smoke particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by hot, flaming fires – May consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly Photoelectric technology – Generally more effective at sensing large smoke particles, which tend to be produced in greater amounts by smoldering fires – May smolder for hours before bursting into flame

Specialty Smoke Alarms

Battery-related Terminology 10-year (Long-Life Lithium) battery Tamper-resistant Tamper-proof Battery replacement Low battery indicator

Cleaning and Maintenance Remove dust and debris regularly from outside of alarm – Gently clean using vacuum cleaner attachment – Do not use water, cleaner or solvent Perform other maintenance recommended by manufacturer Replace alarm at least every 10 years

Where Should Smoke Alarms be Located in Your Home?

Residential Smoke Alarm Placement

Smoke Alarm Report Card 96% of all homes in the US have at least one smoke alarm. However… – Only 75% of all US homes have at least one WORKING smoke alarm. – Smoke alarms sounded in only 50% of the home fires reported in the US from

The Best Alarm Combination Early Warning Home Protection System The combination of photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms, in conjunction with carbon monoxide detectors, located in the proper locations, provide optimal protection to your family.

Residential Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement

Fire Escape Planning and Practice Prepare Residents to Quickly and Safely Exit During Home Fires

Home Fire Escape Planning and Practice

Important Considerations for Developing and Practicing a Home Fire Escape Plan

Is it Safe to Fight a Residential Fire? 37% of US residential fire injuries occur among individuals who fight the fire. A small flame can become a major fire in less than 30 seconds. The FIRST priority in a fire is to safely escape.

Don’t Fight a Residential Fire… Until all building occupants have safely exited Until you have notified the fire department If you don’t know what is burning If you might inhale toxic smoke If the fire is already spreading quickly If you cannot position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back If you don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment If your instincts tell you not to fight it

Home Fire Sprinklers Quickly Detect, Contain, and Extinguish Fires

Video on Residential Fire Sprinklers Residential Fire Sprinklers

The Media is a Valuable Communication Tool to Increase Public Awareness of Fire Safety and Prevention Measures

Tool for Guiding Media Interactions Related to Residential Fires Fire Spokesperson’s Pocket Media Guide

The Internet Provides Free, Up-to- Date, and Extensive Fire Safety Resources from Reputable Sources

Sample Internet Sites with Reliable Fire Safety Information Office of Fire Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FireSafety.gov National Fire Protection Association United States Fire Administration

Public Health Professionals can Most Effectively Promote Fire Safety by Collaborating with Local Fire Safety Officials

Smoke Alarms Installation Programs NFPA’s Planning and Implementing a Successful Smoke Alarm Installation Program

What Should I Do Next? Make sure your own residence and family are fire-safe Obtain additional training and education

Questions?