|
FIRE STOPS WITH YOU
Bedroom Fire Safety Helps You Sleep Soundly at Night: A Factsheet on Bedroom Fire Prevention
Each year, fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and injures more than 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. |
