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The United States has one of the highest fire death
and injury rates in the world. Fire -- in the form
of flames and smoke -- is the second leading cause
of accidental death in the home.
More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires.
Every year, there are more than 500,000 residential
fires serious enough to be reported to fire
departments. More than 90 percent of residential
fire deaths and injuries result from fires in one
and two family houses and apartments. Property
losses exceed 4 billion dollars annually, and the
long term emotional damage to victims and their
loved ones is incalculable.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
has targeted the principal consumer products
associated with fires, namely home heating devices,
upholstered furniture, bedding, cigarette lighters,
matches, and wearing apparel. The Commission is
participating in a special Congressionally
authorized study of cigarette-ignited fires, which
cause more deaths than any other kind of fire. The
Commission continues to push for extensive use of
smoke detectors. With the help of concerned
consumers, the number or residential fires has
declined about 30 percent since 1980.
The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make products
inherently more fire safe. We recognize that much
more can be done to cut down on the needlessly high
and tragic fire toll by an alert and informed
public. Many of the injuries associated with
flammable products result from hazards that are
overlooked. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer
fires is a greater awareness of how accidents can be
prevented. By spotting these hazards and taking some
simple precautions, many fires and fire-related
injuries can be prevented.
Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot
possible fire safety problems which may be present
in your home. It is a first step in reducing the
risk of fire. Check YES or NO to answer each
question. If you check NO to any question, the
potential hazard should be corrected to avoid the
risk of injury or death.
How safe is your home from fire?
Top of Page
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!
Sources of Fire
Supplemental Home Heating
The use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood
and coal burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space
heaters and electrical heaters, has decreased, along
with the number of residential fires.
Even though there has been a decrease in fires
associated with supplemental heaters, it is
important to remember that about 120,000 residential
fires still occur annually with the use of these
heaters, or about 22 percent of all residential
fires. These fires kill more than 600 people.
Annually there are thousands of contact burn
injuries and hundreds of carbon monoxide poisonings.Top
of Page
Wood Stoves
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
Yes No
1. The wood stove or fireplace has been installed
according to existing building codes and
manufacturer's instructions. ___ ___
2. The chimney and stovepipe are checked frequently
during the heating season for creosote buildup and
are cleaned when necessary. ___ ___
3. The stove sits on a non-combustible or on a
code-specified or listed floor protector. ___ ___
4. Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood,
etc., are at least three feet away from the stove.
___ ___
5. Only proper fuel is used in the stove. ___ ___
6. A metal container with a tight-fitting lid is
used for ash removal. ___ ___
Recommendations:
* Do not use wood burning stoves and fireplaces
unless they are properly installed and meet building
codes.
* Follow the label instructions on the stove which
recommends an inspection twice monthly. Have
chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional
chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of
wood burning stoves. Creosote builds up in chimney
flues and can cause a chimney fire. To cut down on
creosote buildup, avoid smoldering fires.
* Use a code-specified or listed floor protector. It
should extend 18 inches beyond the stove on all
sides. This will reduce the possibility of the floor
being ignited.
* Follow the instructions on the stove label for
proper location of the stove from combustible walls.
* Never burn trash in a stove because this could
over heat the stove. Gasoline and other flammable
liquids should never be used to start wood stove
fires. Gasoline will ignite and explode. Use coal
only if designated as appropriate by the
manufacturer.
Kerosene HeatersTop
of Page
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
Yes No
1. Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from a
dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K
kerosene. ___ ___
2. The heater is placed out of the path of traffic
areas such as doorways and hallways. ___ ___
3. Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the reach
of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue
plastic or metal container, labeled "kerosene." ___
___
4. No attempt is to be made to move the heater if
flare-up (flames outside the heater cabinet) occurs.
The fire department is called immediately. ___ ___
5. The heater is used in well ventilated rooms. ___
___
6. The heater is turned off while sleeping and is
never left operating unattended. ___ ___
7. The heater is placed at least three feet away
from anything that might catch fire such as
clothing, furniture, curtains, etc. ___ ___
Recommendations:Top
of Page
* Check with your local fire marshal regarding local
and state codes and regulations for using a kerosene
heater.
* NEVER USE GASOLINE. Even small amounts of gasoline
mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
* Use properly labeled containers. It reduces the
likelihood of mistaking gasoline for kerosene.
* Place heater so it will not be knocked over or
trap you in case of fire.
* Use l-K kerosene because.grades other than l-K
contain much more sulfur and will increase sulfur
dioxide emissions, posing a possible health problem.
If you buy kerosene from a gasoline station make
sure you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene
pump, not the gasoline pump.
* Never fill the heater while it is operating.
Always refuel the heater outdoors to prevent
spillage on floors and rugs which could later result
in fire ignition.
* Keep the room in which the heater operates
ventilated (e.g. door open or the window ajar). This
will prevent an indoor air pollution problem and
minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not
usually vented.
* Keep flammable liquids and fabrics away from an
open flame.
* Never try to move the heater or try to smother the
flames with a rug or a blanket if a flare-up occurs.
Activate the manual shut-off switch and call the
fire department. Moving the heater may increase the
height of the flames and cause leakage resulting in
personal injury.
Gas-Fired Space
HeatersTop
of Page
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
1. Only vented heaters are installed or used in
sleeping quarters. ___ ___
2. Vented heaters are properly vented to the
outside. ___ ___
3. The unvented gas-fired room heater has a warning
label and instructions that are followed. ___ ___
4. The unvented gas-fired room heater has a label
stating it has a "pilot safety system", which turns
off the gas if not enough fresh air is available.
___ ___
5. The vented heater has a label stating that it is
equipped with a vent safety shutoff system. ___ ___
6. If the heater uses liquefied petroleum (LP) gas,
the container is located outside the house. ___ ___
7. The manufacturer's instructions for lighting the
pilot are followed. ___ ___
8. Matches are lighted before turning on the gas if
pilot lighting is required. ___ ___
9. Flammable materials and liquids are kept away
from gas heating appliances. ___ ___
Recommendations:
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding
where and how to use gas space heaters. Unvented
heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas,
especially bedrooms because of the potential for
carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Do not use a propane heater (LP) which has a gas
cylinder stored in the body of the heater. Its use
is prohibited in most states and localities in the
United States.
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
lighting the pilot. Gas vapors may accumulate and
ignite explosively, burning your hand or face.
* Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot,
before turning on the gas to prevent gas buildup.
* Do not operate a vented style heater unvented. It
could allow combustion products, including carbon
monoxide, to reach dangerous levels which will
result in illness and death.
Portable
Electric HeatersTop
of Page
The Commission estimates that half the deaths and
one-third of the injuries resulting from electric
heater fires occurred at night when family members
were asleep and the heater unattended. The
Commission is also concerned about the use of power
or extension cords which can be too small to supply
the amount of current required by the typical
portable electric heater.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
1. The heater is operated at least three feet away
from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and
other combustible materials. ___ ___
2. The extension cord (if used) is marked #14 or #12
American Wire Gauge (AWG). ___ ___
3. The heater is used on the floor. ___ ___
4. The heater is turned off when family members
leave the house or are sleeping. ___ ___
Recommendations:Top
of Page
* Operate heater away from combustible materials. Do
not place heaters where towels or the like could
fall on the appliance and trigger a fire.
* Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely
necessary. If you must use an extension cord with
your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a
power rating at least as high as that of the heater
itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit
the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs.
Do not place anything on top of the cord.
* Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture
or the like. Never use heaters to dry wearing
apparel or shoes.
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is estimated to be associated with
more than 100,000 fires annually, and almost 400
deaths, and 5,000 injuries. Gas cooking equipment
accounts for about 30,000 fires, and electric
cooking equipment for about 55,000 fires.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
1. The storage area above the stove is free of
flammable and combustible items. ___ ___
2. Short or tight fitting sleeves, and tight fitting
shirts, robes, gowns, etc., are worn while cooking.
___ ___
3. Items that could attract children (e.g. cookies
and candy) are not kept above the range and are kept
out of the immediate area. ___ ___
4. The stove is not left unattended when cooking
especially when the burner is turned to a high
setting. ___ ___
Recommendations:Top
of Page
* Never place or store pot holders, plastic
utensils, towels and other non-cooking equipment on
or near the range because these items can be
ignited.
* Roll up or fasten long loose sleeves with pins or
elastic bands while cooking. Do not reach across a
range while cooking. Long loose sleeves are more
likely to catch on fire than are short sleeves. Long
loose sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot
handles, overturning pots and pans and cause scalds.
* Do not place candy or cookies over top of ranges.
This will reduce the attraction kids may have for
climbing on cooking equipment, thus reducing the
possiblity of their clothing catching fire.
* Keep constant vigilance on any cooking that is
require above the"keep warm" setting.
Cigarette Lighters and Matches
Each year more than 200 deaths are associated with
fires statreted by cigarette lighters. About two
thirds of these result from children playing with
lighters. Most of the victims are under five years
old.
You should be able to answer "yes" to the safety
statements below.
1. Cigarette lighters and matches are kept out of
the reach of children ___ ___
2. Cigarette lighters are never used to entertain a
child. ___ ___
Danger - Children and Lighters
Recommendations:Top
of Page
* Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of
the reach of children. Children as young as two
years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters
and matches.
* Never encourage or allow a child to play with a
lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use it as
a source of amusement for a child. Once their
curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a
lighter and try to light it.
* Always check to see that cigarettes are
extinguished before emptying ashtrays. Stubs that
are still burning can ignite trash.
Materials That Burn
Your home is filled with materials and products that
will burn if ignited. Upholstered furniture,
clothing, drapery fabrics, and liquids such as
gasoline and volatile solvents are involved in many
injury-causing fires each year. Most of these fires
could be prevented.
Upholstered
FurnitureTop
of Page
In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires
associated with upholstered furniture; about 900
people lost their lives. About one half of these
fires were caused by smoking materials. Property
losses amounted to over $ 100 million from fires
started by cigarette ignition of upholstered
furniture.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the safety
statements below.
1. Upholstered furniture fabrics made from vinyl,
wool or thermoplastic fibers are generally selected
for safety reasons. ___ ___
2. I check thoroughly after parties for ashes or
unextinguished cigarettes that may have fallen
behind and between cushions and under furniture. ___
___
Recommendations:
* Look for furniture designed to reduce the
likelihood of furniture fire from cigarettes. Much
of the furniture manufactured today has
significantly greater resistance to ignition by
cigarettes than upholstered furniture manufactured
10 to 15 years ago. This is particularly true of
furniture manufactured to comply with the
requirements of the Upholstered Furniture Action
Council's (UFAC) Voluntary Action Program. Such
upholstered furniture may be identified by the gold
colored tag on the furniture item. The legend on the
front of the tag in red letters states "Important
Consumer Safety Information from UFAC."
* Always check the furniture where smokers have been
sitting for improperly discarded smoking materials.
Ashes and lighted cigarettes can fall unnoticed
behind or between cushions or under furniture.
* Do not place or leave ashtrays on the arms of
chairs where they can be knocked off.
* Look for fabrics made predominantly from
thermo-plastic fibers (nylon, polyester, acrylic,
olefin) because they resist ignition by burning
cigarettes better than cellulosic fabrics (rayon or
cotton). In general, the higher the thermoplastic
content, the greater the resistance to cigarette
ignition.
Mattresses and
BeddingTop
of Page
Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materials
caused by cigarettes are a major cause of deaths in
residential fires. In 1989 over 35,000
mattress/bedding fires caused about 700 deaths.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
1. "No smoking in bed" is a rule that is practiced
in my home. ___ ___
2. Heaters, ash trays, smoking materials and other
fire sources are located away from bedding. ___ ___
Recommendations:
* DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a
major cause of accidental fire deaths in homes.
* Locate heaters or other fire sources three feet
from the bed to prevent the bed catching on fire.
* Consider replacing your old mattress with a new
one if you are a smoker. Mattresses manufactured
since 1973 are required to resist cigarette
ignition.
Wearing ApparelTop
of Page
Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more
quickly than others. A significant number of
clothing fires occur in the over 65 age group
principally from nightwear (robes, pajamas,
nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire deaths
were reported; about three fourths occurred in the
65 and older age group. The severity of apparel
burns is high. Hospital stays average over one
month.
Small open flames, including matches, cigarette
lighters, and candles are the major sources of
clothing ignition. These are followed by ranges,
open fires and space heaters. The most commonly worn
garments that are associated with clothing ignition
injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes,
shirts/blouses, pants/slacks and dresses.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.
1. When purchasing wearing apparel I consider fiber
content and fabric construction for safety purposes.
___ ___
2. I purchase garments for my children that are
intended for sleepwear since they are made to be
flame resistant. ___ ___
Recommendations:Top
of Page
* Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100%
polyester, nylon, wool and silk that are difficult
to ignite and tend to self extinguish.
* Consider the flammability of certain fabrics
containing cotton, cotton/polyester blends, rayon,
and acrylic. These are relatively easy to ignite and
burn rapidly.
* Look at fabric construction. It also affects
ignitability. Tight weaves or knits and fabrics
without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to
ignite and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves,
or fabrics with brushed or piled surfaces.
* Consider purchasing garments that can be removed
without having to pull them over the head. Clothes
that are easily removed can help prevent serious
burns. If a garment can be quickly stripped off when
it catches fire, injury will be far less severe or
avoided altogether.
* Follow manufacturer's care and cleaning
instructions on products labeled "flame resistant"
to ensure that their flame resistant properties are
maintained.
Flammable Liquids
One of the major causes of household fires is
flammable liquids. These include gasoline, acetone
benzene, lacquer thinner, alcohol, turpentine,
contact cements, paint thinner, kerosene, and
charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of all is
gasoline.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.Top
of Page
1. Flammable liquids are stored in properly labeled,
tightly closed non-glass containers. ___ ___
2. These products are stored away from heaters,
furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas
appliances. ___ ___
3. Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of
children. ___ ___
Recommendation:
* Take extra precautions in storing and using
flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinners,
etc. They produce invisible explosive vapors that
can ignite by a small spark at considerable
distances from the flammable substance. Store
outside the house.
Early Warning
and Escape
Even when you have complied with every item in this
Home Fire Safety Checklist, you still need to have a
plan for early warning and escape in case a fire
does occur.
Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually
caused by smoke and gases. Victims inhale smoke and
poisonous gases that rise ahead of the flames.
Survival depends on being warned as early as
possible and having an escape plan.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.
Smoke DetectorsTop
of Page
1. At least one smoke detector is located on every
floor of my home. ___ ___
2. Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either
on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on
the wall. ___ ___
3. Smoke detectors are tested according to
manufacturer's instructions on a regular basis (at
least once a month) and are kept in working
condition at all times. ___ ___
4. Batteries are replaced according to
manufacturer's instructions, at least annually. ___
___
5. Batteries are never disconnected. ___ ___
6. The detector has a distinct warning signal that
can be heard whether asleep or awake. ___ ___
Make sure detectors are placed either on the ceiling
or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. Locate
smoke detectors away from air vents or registers;
high air flow or "dead" spots are to be avoided.
Recommendations:
* Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one.
Smoke detectors are inexpensive and are required by
law in many localities. Check local codes and
regulations before you buy your smoke detector
because some codes require specific types of
detectors. They provide an early warning which is
critical because the longer the delay, the deadlier
the consequences.
* Read the instructions that come with the detector
for advice on the best place to install it. As a
minimum detectors should be located near bedrooms
and one on every floor.
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper
maintenance. Smoke detectors can save lives, but
only if properly installed and maintained.
* Never disconnect a detector. Consider relocating
the detector rather than disconnecting it if it is
subject to nuisance alarms, e.g. from cooking.
* Replace the battery annually, or when a "chirping"
sound is heard.Top
of Page
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions about
cleaning your detector. Excessive dust, grease or
other material in the detector may cause it to
operate abnormally. Vacuum the grill work of your
detector.
Escape Plan
Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting
clearly are keys to surviving a fire. How prepare
are you?
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.
1. The family has an escape plan and an alternate
escape plan. ___ ___
2. Escape routes and plans are rehearsed
periodically. ___ ___
3. The escape plan includes choosing a place safely
outside the house where the family can meet to be
sure everyone got out safely. ___ ___
4. At least two exits from each part of the house
are established. ___ ___
5. The fire department number is posted on every
telephone. ___ ___
Recommendations:Top
of Page
Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is
an important partner with smoke detectors and it
will prepare you for a fire emergency.
Include small children as a part of the discussion
and rehearsal. It is especially important to make
sure they understand that they must escape; they
can't hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.
Your life and that of your family can be saved by
foresight, planning, discussing and rehearsal.
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S
NO ACCIDENT!
U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20207
Web site: www.cpsc.gov
Toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
is a federa1 agency that helps
keep families and children safe in and around their
homes.
For more information, call the CPSC’s toll-free
hotline 1-800-638-2772
or visit its website at http://www.cpsc.gov.Top
of Page
To report a product hazard or a product related
injury, write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207. In the United
States, call the toll free hotline: 800-638-CPSC
(2772). A teletypewriter for the deaf is available
on the following numbers: National (including Alaska
and Hawaii) 800-638-8270. CPSC news releases, Public
Calendar and other information can be obtained via
the Internet from the agency’s Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov
Agency staff may be contacted by e-mail: E-mail
Address: info@cpsc.gov.
This document is in the public domain. It may be
reproduced in part or in whole by an individual or
organization without permission. If it is
reproduced, however, the Commission would appreciate
knowing how it is used. Write the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and
Public Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20207.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
is an independent regulatory agency charged with
reducing unreasonable risks of injury associated
with consumer products. CPSC is headed by three
Commissioners appointed by the President with the
advice and consent of the Senate.
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT’S NO ACCIDENT.Top
of Page
Regional Centers
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Eastern Region
Eastern Regional Center
201 Varick Street, Room 903
New York, NY 10014-4811
(212) 620-4120
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Central Region
Central Regional Center
230 South Dearborn Street, Room 2944
Chicago, IL 60604-1601
(312) 353-8260
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Western Region
Western Regional Center
1301 Clay Street, Suite 610-N
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 637-4050
To report a dangerous product or a product-related
injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or
CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit
CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a
CPSC email subscription list, please go to
www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this
release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
Top of Page
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Topics covered in this article
include;
fire,fire safety, fire safety at home, wood stoves,
kerosene heaters, smoke detectors, fire alarms, gas heaters, space heaters,
fireplaces, fireplace safety
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