When was the last time you heard or saw a firetruck on your street – not just in a parade, but responding to an emergency? Maybe the answer is “never” or “I can’t remember” – or, far worse, “I’d rather not think about it.”

Well, not to raise an uncomfortable topic, but here are some rather grim statistics that are better worth knowing than ignoring:

• More than one-quarter (27%) of reported fires occurred in homes. Even worse, four of every five (79%) fire deaths and three-quarters (73%) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires.
• During a five-year period, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 354,400 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths; 11,220 civilian fire injuries; and $6.9 billion in direct property damage.

• Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.
• Over the five-year period of 2013–2017, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.

This information was compiled and reported by the National Fire Protection Association.

What does it mean to you? It means taking every reasonable precaution to ensure the protection and safety of home and family. Here are a few proven effective techniques:

• Inspect heating sources. At least once a year, have your furnace or boiler inspected for both efficiency and safe operation. Don’t leave space heaters on without an adult present and keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects. Don’t allow children or pets near them, either.

• Cook with caution. 73% of home fires start in the kitchen, so never leave your stove or oven on without a responsible adult in the room. Keep your cooking surfaces clean, and always remove residual grease before cooking again. Plus, keep a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and always remember they can’t be refilled.

• Regularly check the condition of electrical cords and watch out for frayed wires. Repair or replace damaged cords immediately. Electrical cords can produce heat, so don’t trap them under a rug or between furniture and the wall. When you’re not using them, unplug any appliances that feel warm to the touch when connected to power, including phone chargers.

For fire protection even when you’re away from home, contact Now Security Systems about adding smoke and heat alarms to your existing home security system – or, installing a system that includes the alarms. A home security system can provide an early warning system for smoke in the home as well as warn of sources of the heat.

Heat detectors can be added to a home security system, too. These detectors can determine if a fire is building in the area of the home and provide advanced notice of even the smallest of changes in heat. And that can prevent further damage from fire.

Family safety is our top priority; call us and learn more about how we can help.