Personal Injury Blog

Cooking Equipment Main Source of Home Fires

September 19th, 2011
fire in the home

Cooking equipment was the number one factor in home fires

According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment was the biggest contributing factor in most fires in the home between 2005 and 2009.  Cooking equipment was followed by heating equipment as a factor in home fires.

Overall, according to the report, there were 373,900 home fires reported between 2005 and 2009.  These contributed to 2,650 civilian fatalities.  In addition, an estimated 12,890 people, excluding firefighters, were injured in these fires.  The fires also contributed to an estimated $7.1 billion in property damage.

Cooking equipment was the number one factor in home fires.  It was responsible for 42% of fires during this period of time.  Cooking equipment was followed by heating equipment which contributed to 17% of all fires.  Intentional factors, lighting equipment, smoking materials, clothes dryer or washing machine, candles, and playing with heat sources were other factors.

Out of every two fires that were reported, two occurred in the kitchen.  Kitchen fires contributed to 15% of all deaths in home fires,.  They also contributed to 41% of all fires.  Only about 8% of the fires began in the bedroom, and 4% began in the family room, living room or den.  Not surprisingly, the number of home fires increased in during the cooler months. One out of every five fatal fires started from upholstered furniture.

Los Angeles premises liability lawyers and the National Fire Protection Association recommends the use of smoke alarms in order to prevent fires.  These smoke alarms must not only be properly installed, but also be probably maintained.  Make sure that your smoke alarm has no effect, by checking with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for recalls.  A smoke alarm can alert occupants to a fire, thereby preventing serious injuries or death.

Apart from smoke alarms, homeowners can also invest in sprinkler systems which can provide even greater protection against fires.  Sprinkler systems can respond immediately to the beginning of a fire, and work to reduce the heat of flames and smoke until firefighters arrive.

As with any disaster, preparation is key to survival.  Even if you have smoke alarms and sprinkler systems installed at home, make sure that you are prepared if any disaster should strike.  Experts advise packing an emergency supplies kit that will contain essential food supplies that should tide you by.  Make sure that your exit emergency evacuation procedures are in place, and ensure that the children are aware of these too.

If the fire is confined to a small area, use a portable fire extinguisher.  Ensure that you know how to operate your fire extinguisher.  Choose an extinguisher that has a seal of approval by an independent testing lab.  Fire extinguishers must be placed close to the exit.  However, if using a fire extinguisher will not help keep your loved ones safe, evacuation may be your only choice.

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