Each
year, fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and injures
approximately 25,000. Bedrooms are a common area of fire
origin. Nearly 1,000 lives are lost to fires that start
in bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused by misuse
or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading
extension cords or using portable space heaters too close
to combustibles. Many other bedroom fires are caused
by children who play with matches and lighters, careless
smoking among adults, and arson.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the
Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) would like you to
know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent
the loss of life and property resulting from bedroom
fires.
Kids and Fire: A Bad Match
Children
are one of the highest risk groups for deaths in residential
fires. At home, children usually play
with fire - lighters, matches and other ignitables -
in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places
where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.
- Children
of all ages set over 100,000 fires annually. Over
30% of fires that kill children are set by
children playing with fire.
- Every year over 800 children nine years and younger
die in home fires.
- Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from
children. Check under beds and in closets for burnt
matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches.
- Teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Appliances Need Special Attention
Bedrooms are the most common room in the home where
electrical fires start. Electrical fires are a special
concern during winter months which call for more indoor
activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance
use.
- Do not trap electric cords against walls where heat
can build up.
- Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep
bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items
at least three feet away from space heaters.
- Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers.
Check to make sure the cords are not frayed.
Tuck Yourself In For A Safe Sleep
- Never smoke in bed.
- Replace mattresses made before the 1973 Federal Mattress
Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then are
required by law to be safer.
Finally, having working smoke alarms dramatically increases
your chances of surviving a fire. Place at least one
smoke alarm on each level of your home and in halls outside
bedrooms. And remember to practice a home escape plan
frequently with your family.
*Information provided by: US
Fire
Administration
