According to National Fire Protection Association Statistics, during the five-year period from 2016-2020, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 343,100 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,610 civilian deaths, 11,090 civilian fire injuries and $7.6 billion in direct property damage.
Most home fires and fire casualties resulted from one of five causes: cooking, heating equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting and smoking materials.
Over the five-year period of 2016–2020, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries while smoking materials caused the most home fire deaths.
How to make your home safe from fire:
Smoke Alarms
• One smoke alarm on every level of the home.
• Test smoke alarms and clean monthly.
• Change smoke alarm batteries as needed, recommended once per year.
• Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years old.
Cooking Safety
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Keep an eye on what you fry.
• Keep pot and pan handles away from stove edges. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store combustibles on top of the stove or inside ovens.
• Do not leave pots unattended on the stove.
• Equip your home with an ABC fire extinguisher.
Electrical and Appliance Safety
• Do not run electrical cords under rugs.
• Make sure electrical cords are in good condition, no cracks, frays or open conductors.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with multi-prong adapters.
• Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.
• Clean clothes dryer lint filter and venting system.
• Do not store anything that can burn near furnaces and water heaters.
Candle Safety
• Place candles in sturdy fireproof containers that will not be tipped over.
• Blow out all candles when adults leave the room or go to bed.
• Be sure that children and pets are never left alone with candles.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Locate carbon monoxide alarms on each level of the home.
• Replace carbon monoxide alarms older than 10 years old.
Smoking Safety
• Family members who smoke only buy fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.
• Keep matches and lighters in a locked place where children cannot see or touch them.
• Have ashtrays that are large, deep and kept away from items that can catch fire.
• Ashtrays are emptied into a container that will not burn.
Heating Safety
• Have the heating system cleaned and serviced by a professional every year.
• Ensure furniture and other items that can catch fire are at least 3 feet from fireplaces, wall heaters, baseboards, wood and pellet stoves and space heaters.
• Fireplace and barbecue ashes are placed outdoors in a covered metal container at least 3 feet from anything that can catch fire.Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
• Use only space heaters that are approved by a national testing laboratory and have tip-over shut-off function.
Home Escape Plan
• Have two ways out of each room.
• Know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to avoid poisonous smoke.
• Know that once you’re out, stay out.
• Know where to meet after the escape.
• Meeting place should be near the front of your home, so firefighters know you are out.
• Practice your fire escape plan.
Other Items
• Do not store flammables such as gasoline, propane or power equipment in basements.
• Make sure your house address number is visible for emergency responders.
The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office offers free inspection of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for one- and two-family homes in our town. There is no cost or obligation involved. We have a limited supply of replacement smoke alarms available to homeowners. Help us keep you and your family safe. Contact us today at 860-844-5321 or firemarshal@granby-ct.gov