A home fire occurs every 93 seconds
On average, a fire department responded to:
A fire every 24 seconds
A structure fire every 67 seconds
An outside fire every 56 seconds
A vehicle fire at the rate of 1 every 167 seconds
Fire claims an average of seven lives every day
Unattended cooking is the leading factor contributing to home fires
Smoking has been the leading cause of home fire deaths for decades
Heating equipment was involved in one of every five home fire deaths
Carbon Monoxide Facts & Safety Tips
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, striking victims caught off guard or asleep. It is produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. When gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned.
The National Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector in your home. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. The CDC offers these and other best-practice tips:
- Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
- Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors
- Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent
- Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year
- Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly
