In 2018, the frequency of house fires reached an all-time high, making it more important now than ever to know how to safely and effectively handle a house fire situation. With the rise in popularity of manufactured and modular homes, houses are burning faster than ever before. There are many risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of a house fire, from the amount and what a person cooks to improper electrical and heating equipment installation. The best way to prevent a house fire is to know what the most common causes are and how to prevent them. By knowing how to prevent a house fire, residents can avoid high-priced insurance claims; clean up and repair a partially or fully burned home; and the loss of valuables, furniture, and possibly a life. It is imperative to learn the causes of house fires, how to prevent them, and how to develop and execute a fire safety escape plan.
Kitchen fires are the most common house fire in every state in the U.S. Usually caused by unattended cooking, these fires go majorly unreported if they are caught quickly due to minor damage or simply an embarrassment. If not seen, kitchen fires can come to life rapidly, catching cabinets and kitchen towels around them almost immediately. To prevent a kitchen fire, there are a few simple steps that can be taken. It is very important to keep flammable objects, such as paper and fabric towels, potholders, and cookbooks off hot stovetops. Before using new cookware, check the material to make sure it is suitable for microwave, stove top, and oven use. Do not allow loose electrical cords to dangle over the counter’s edge or onto stovetops. In order to prevent catching clothes on fire, teach children not to play in the kitchen, secure loose sleeves before cooking, and be careful when removing coverings. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen in case a fire does start and is able to be extinguished by someone close by. If a kitchen fire does occur, turn the burners off immediately and try to slide a lid over the pan. If it is a grease fire, do not pour water over it – smother it with a covering ('Kitchen Fires,' 2014).
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Electrical fires are also very common, stemming from the improper installation and/or neglect of electrical wiring. Overloading outlets and extension cords, damage to new or used equipment, and excessive heat exposure to combustible items all contribute to the possibility of an electrical fire. To prevent electrical fires, always have heating, cooling, and any type of electrical work done by a professional. Never use an oversized breaker, and be cautious with the number of extension cords being used. When using extension cords, make sure the appropriate size for the task, and use briefly, not continuously ('Electrical Fires,' 2014).
Homes with full fireplaces can also be at risk for unexpected fires due to the burning of wood causing a buildup of “smut”. All chimneys, no matter the build or location in the home, require regular maintenance. The steps to preventing fireplace fires are simple; the most effective is a chimney cleaning a minimum of once a year. Keep the area around the opening clear of debris and home décor, and refrain from burning cardboard or trash in the fireplace. If it has never been used, ensure that the vent pipes extend at least three feet above the roof, and check that all vents are open. It is very important to never leave a fire unattended or children unattended by a fire ('Fireplace Safety,' 2014).
Decorating and celebrating a holiday is something people often look forward to all year long. Fireworks are a major fire safety hazard, even if they are used correctly. However, when they are not used correctly, it more than doubles the risk of a fire. Be sure to buy fireworks from a reliable seller, and use them soon after they have been bought. When storing fireworks, keep them in a cool, dry place. Reading and following the directions on the package can minimize the risk of fire, igniting outdoors, and keep away from water. Do not light fireworks while intoxicated or allow children to light fireworks unattended ('Fireworks Safety,' 2014). Decorative lights and blow-up items are very common during holidays, especially at Christmas. Preventing fires resulting from Christmas lights is very easy – simply use approved lighting and unplug all lights and blow-up items before going to bed. Mardi Gras is a large part of Louisiana culture, with parades and floats filling the streets in a majority of Louisiana cities. When decorating a float, be sure to use approved lighting and avoid overusing electrical outlets. Keep lights away from papers, paper-made decorations, and other flammable decorations, such as tissue pom poms, tulle, and streamers ('Christmas,' 2014).
If a fire does occur in the home, it is imperative to have a fire safety plan in place. After realizing there is a fire, the goal is to alert everyone in the house and evacuate the house as quickly as possible. Smoke alarms are a staple in promoting survival in a house fire. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal website reports that “homes with smoke alarms typically have a death rate that is 40-50% less than the rate for homes without alarms” ('Home Safety' 2019, para. 3). After installation, it is recommended that the batteries be changed once a year or be replaced with 10-year lithium batteries. A smoke alarm should be placed in every room that someone sleeps in, and it is possible to coordinate each smoke alarm to sound if the other sounds. This is especially important in a family that usually sleeps behind closed doors ('Fire Prevention,' 2018). This, in combination with fire safety ladders, can ensure everyone gets out of the house safe from any floor.
Developing a fire plan is easy to make and can be done in one family meeting. First, discuss with everyone living in the house why there is a need for a home exit drill. Then, develop a complete floorplan of the house and make sure everyone is familiar with all windows and doors that can be used as an exit point. On your floor plan, mark two escape routes for each room in the house and each floor. Having a “buddy” can be helpful, especially to children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Children will often be scared if the family panics, a fire alarm is going off, or there is smoke. It is crucial to explain to children not to hide when there is a fire and that they can rely on a parent or older sibling to help them escape from the house. If anyone comes in contact with a door that is suspected to have a fire behind it, check the door before opening it. Touch the knob with the back of your hand and if it feels warm or hot do not open it. If, after touching, it seems to be safe, stand behind the middle of the door while opening it. If there is smoke, crawl to the exit points, because the coolest and freshest air is near the floor. If any of these steps fail and a person catches on fire – immediately stop, drop, and roll! Be sure to emphasize getting out of the house before calling 911; it is recommended to have a predetermined place to go after a fire where the family can meet and call 911. After creating a fire plan, it is key to continue to review and practice the escape routes at least twice a year, but it is best to practice once a month ('Home Exit Drills,' 2014).
House fires are very common, but they are also very easily prevented. If families start early with fire prevention teaching and develop a detailed fire escape plan, the incidents and injuries associated with the house can be drastically decreased. Although very few households discuss and develop a plan for house fires, it is important that healthcare providers dedicated to serving the community educate those on what could save their home, prevent a hospital stay, and possibly save one or more lives.
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