Facts about Fire Injuries:

Kids ages 5 and under are more than twice as likely to die in a fire. More than 43 percent of residential fire-related deaths among children ages 9 and under occur when the child is attempting to escape. A home fire occurs every 76 seconds. Home cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires and fire-related injuries. Only 25 percent of households have developed and practiced a plan.

Fire Safety Questions:

Where in my home should I put the smoke alarm?

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area
and on every level of your home. Central
locations such as the living room, the top of
the stairwell and the outside bedroom doors
are good places.

How often should I test and replace my
smoke alarm?

Test smoke alarms once a month and replace
batteries at least once a year. The alarm itself
should be replaced every 10 years.

What can I do to protect my home?

It is important to eliminate all potential sources of fire. Keep matches, lighters and other heat sources out of children's reach. Avoid plugging several appliance cords into the same electrical socket. Replace old or frayed electrical wires and appliance cords.

What can I do to prepare?

Planning ahead is key in the event of a home fire. Buy and install smoke alarms and test them regularly. Plan and practice two escape routes out of the house and each room. Designate an outside meeting place for your family.

What can I do to educate my children in case of a fire?

Teaching your children what to do may save their lives. Tell your child not to hide from a firefighter. It is important to teach children the sound of a smoke alarm and how to call 911. Also, teach them how to "stop, drop and roll" and how to test if a doorknob is hot. Most importantly, develop a home safety fire escape plan that shows two routes out of each room and designates an outside meeting space.

Fire Statistics:

• Each year, approximately 480 children
  ages 14 and under die in residential fires.
• Each year, approximately 113,600
  children are treated for fire/burn injuries.
• Each year approximately 300 people
  are killed in fires started by children
  playing with fire.
• Studies indicate that by age 12, half
  of all children have played with fire.