Creating Safer Homes:
By James McMullen
California State Fire Marshal, Ret.
Introduction
For years, U.S. residential fire safety has taken a back seat to more high profile health and safety concerns ranging from seatbelts to airport security. The last widespread campaign for residential fire safety took place in the 1970’s and 1980’s with the advent of smoke alarms. While 95% of homes in our country are now equipped with at least one of these devices, there is no longer a strong, general momentum in fire safety awareness, except for those efforts of the fire service and allied industries.
However, recent residential fire statistics show that there is an overwhelming need to readdress the need for improved fire safety in the U.S. In 2004, there were approximately 400,000 reported home fires, resulting in 3,190 civilian deaths, 13,700 civilian injuries and $5.8 billion in direct property damage (National Fire Protection Association). This is further impacted by the fact that communities are becoming more crowded and the last thirty years have brought a continual increase in demand for two and three story residences (U.S. Census Bureau). It is important to note the groups of people in our society which are most threatened by residential fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, pre-school age children and adults age 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a fire than the general population. The risk is three times greater with adults 75 and older and four times greater for those 85 and older.
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