HOME FIRES

Fire Safety
Table of Contents

Abstract 2

All About FiresHouse Fires: A Problem

Fire Equipment 3

What to do if a Fire StartsFire Safety Unknowns: A Problem

34

Escape Plans 4

House Fire Instructions 5

Fire PreventionHouse Fire Solutions

45

Results of Fire Safety 5

Conclusion 56

References 77

Figures
Precious Breeland
Professor
Figure 1 Sindelar 3
English Technical Writing (ENGL 3140)
March 17, 2022
Figure 2 4

Figure 2 4
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Figure 3 5

Figure 4 5

Figure 5 6
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Abstract
Every year, an estimated 358,5000 home fires occur. With many causalities from cooking to

intentional fire setting, it has impacted many lives. A fire results when a chemical reaction that

converts a fuel and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water. (What is Fire) A Fire is an exothermic

reaction, which produces heat. According to a survey by Value Penguin, 29% of people don’t

keep a fire extinguisher in their home or aren’t sure whether they have one. Furthermore, they

found that 57% of people may be inadvertently increasing their risk of experiencing a fire,

leaving heat-producing appliances plugged in when not in use. (Hurst 2021) With statistics so

high, it is very important to spread knowledge on fire safety and how to prevent house fires. By

providing this information, millions of lives can be saved. In this article we will discuss the

problems of house fires and how many Americans don’t practice fire safety. In this article, we

will discuss house fire safety, and how to prevent house fires.

All About Home Fires: A Problem

It is very evident that most of these fires result from cooking, heating, electrical distribution and

lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials. According to the National

Fire Protection Association, during a five-year period (2015 – 2019), the US fire departments

responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. Furthermore, with

this same report, it has resulted in 2,620 deaths; 11,070 civilian fire injuries; and $7.3 billion in

direct property damage. (Ahrens & Maheshwari 2021) Figure 1, breaks down the top causes of

home fires, with cooking having the lead.

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Figure 1. Graph of home fire causes

According to Ready.gov, a fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes; and a residence

can be engulfed in flames in five minutes. So, if a house fire ever occurs, it is important to act

fast because damage can happen very quickly. Furthermore, it is important to understand that

the heat of a fire is more threatening than the flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100

degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. If a person inhales this air, it can

scorch the lungs and melt clothes into the skin. In addition, the toxic smoke and gases are

dangerous to inhale because of the carbon dioxide, known to kill people more than flames.

With all the statistics and facts provided, it is evident that house fires are an expanding problem

we need to address. These catastrophes have tremendous results that can impact lives,

communities, and Earth. How can we decrease these numbers? How can we save more lives?

Let's continue further, in which we will discuss these solutions. 

Fire Safety Unknowns: A Problem Equipment

Another problem that contributes to house fires is the understanding of fire safety. It is evident

that many citizens don’t know nor understand fire safety and how to use specific equipment. It
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is important to know fire equipment and their uses. According to The Zebra, 43% of Americans

own a fire extinguisher, and only 59% have a smoke detector. As shown in Figure 2, as home

fires being a top concern for homeowners, it is important to get this equipment in the home.

With these two types of fire equipment being so important and lifesaving, these numbers are

very concerning, and need to be increased. Imagine how many lives could be saved if every

home had a fire extinguisher and smoke detector. From the statistics provided above, think

about how many house fires all ended devastatingly because the homeowners had no

knowledge of fire safety and or how to use equipment. But how can we bring more knowledge

to Americans? Can being more knowledgeable in fire safety reflect positive outcomes in house

fires? Let's move further to discuss solutions. In addition to understanding fire safety, it is

important to know fire equipment and their uses. In accordance with fire prevention carbon

monoxide alarms and smoke detectors (figure 2) are important to keep in the home. Carbon

monoxide alarms help detect the toxic odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced anytime

that fuel is burned. Too much carbon monoxide inhaled can lead to very harmful effects. It is

suggested that carbon monoxide alarms be installed on every level of the home, and outside

each sleeping area and inside every bedroom. Another important equipment for fire safety in

the home is smoke detectors. Smoke detectors help detect fires, giving a warning when

detecting any sign of smoke or fire. It is suggested that smoke detectors be installed on every

level of your home, and inside and outside every bedroom. Furthermore, the fire extinguisher

(Figure 3) plays a very vital role in fire safety protection. If you are able to catch a small fire at

its early stage in the home, you should use the fire extinguisher to put it out. It is suggested to

keep fire extinguishers on every level of the home, as well as the kitchen and garage. Lastly, fire
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escape ladders (Figure 4), this piece of equipment helps everyone evacuate the home in the

case of a fire and the escape route is blocked. They are commonly used when escaping second

and third story buildings. Escape ladders are suggested to be inside each bedroom on the upper

levels of the home. (Fire safety equipment to keep in your home, 22)

Figure 2. Statistics of how many homeowners own smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
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Figure 2. Smoke Detector (left), Carbon Monoxide Alarm (right)

Figure 3. Fire extinguisher labeled

Figure 4. Escape Ladder

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What to do if a Fire Starts?

Escape Plan

When moving into any new home, it is important to have a fire escape

plan, accessible for all residents of the home. A fire escape plan is

documented diagram or written plan with directions of how to safely exit

the home during a fire. When creating this plan, every resident of the

home should be present; and everyone should walk through the home

and inspect all exits and escape routes. It is suggested to draw a floor

plan of the home, marking ways out of each room. (Figure 5) Once

instructions on exiting the home is made, an outside meet up location

needs to be established and placed on the escape plan. This location

should be a safe distance in the front of the home where all residents

meet. If the home has any infants, older adults with mobility limitations,

it is important to designate someone to assist them with escaping the

home. (NFPA)
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House Fire Solutions

Figure 5. Escape Plan Diagram Example

House Fire Instructions
So, a fire has started in your home, what do you do? First, analyze if this is a small fire,
able to be put out using a fire extinguisher. If not, get out of the home immediately to the
safe outside location and call 911. When exiting the home, drop down to the floor and
crawl, trying not to inhale any toxic gases. Yell “Fire!” and head toward the exit. When
approaching a doorknob, test to see if it is hot or smoke coming from around the door; if
you notice smoke or heat, leave the door closed and use the seconds escape route. If the
smoke and flames block all exit, stay in the room with doors closed, and place a wet
towel under the door. If your clothes catch on fire remember: “Stop what you’re doing.
Drop to the ground and cover your face. Roll over and over or back and forth until flames
go out.” (Home Fires)

Fire Prevention

Though we discussed fire safety and equipment, learning how to prevent a fire is the best

option.The best solution to decrease the number of house fires and fatalities is to learn and

practice how to prevent them. Learning to prevent fires could save millions of lives and

thousands of dollars in home damage. Firstly, be sure the home has smoke detectors and carbon

monoxide alarms in suggested locations. Also, be sure to test these alarms every month,

changing batteries when necessary. With home safety, be sure to follow safety precautions with

cooking, electrical appliances, fireplaces, and portable space heaters. When cooking, its best to

stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food, and turning off the stove and oven

when not in the kitchen. When barbecuing, be sure to have the grill at least 10 feet away from the

siding deck railing, and away from leaves and branches. With all electrical appliances, be sure all

old and worn appliances are replaced, and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. Many homes
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have fireplaces and woodstoves, for fire safety, it is important to inspect and clean pipes and

chimneys annually and check monthly for damage. In addition, make sure the fire is completely

put out before leaving unattended. Portable space heaters have been a common cause of house

fires, to ensure safety, keep all objects at least three feet away from the device. Furthermore,

check to make sure the heater has a thermostat control mechanism and switches off automatically

if the heater falls over. Together, if we follow fire safety prevention tips, we can decrease the

high number of house fire catastrophes. (Home Fires)

Results of Fire Safety

Though there isn’t any research or information on positive results of fire safety, overall, we can

save thousands of lives, save millions of dollars, and provide a safer earth. Because thousands

of people lose their lives to home fires every year, if we become more knowledgeable about

fire safety and learn how to prevent housefires; these catastrophes won’t happen as often. If

we begin following fire safety protocol such as having fire extinguishers in their correct

locations, smoke alarms on, escape plans, etc. we will see a positive change. Furthermore, with

a decline in house fires, and an increase in fire safety knowledge, the community can feel safer,

and homeowners can feel safe in their own homes. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand fire safety and how to prevent house fires. With an

estimate of 358,500 house fires occurring every year, it is important to understand how to handle

a house fire. With proper equipment such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and an escape

plan we are able to decrease the high numbers of house fires. As discussed earlier toTo prevent

fires we should, be sure the home has smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and be

sure to follow safety precautions with cooking, electrical appliances, fireplaces, and portable
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space heaters. By becoming more knowledgeable on house fires and opracticing fire safety,

we can bring a safer environment to our homes, communities, and Earth.

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References

Ahrens, M., & Maheshwari, R. (2021, October). Home structure fires. Home Structure Fires.

Retrieved March 14, 2022, from https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-

and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires#:~:text=During%20this%20five

%2Dyear%20period,home%20structure%20fires%20per%20year.

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Home fire safety. Home Fire Prevention & Safety Tips. Retrieved

March 14, 2022, from

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/

fire.html

Home fires. Home Fires | Ready.gov. (21AD, December 22). Retrieved March 14, 2022, from

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

Hurst, A. (2021, May 10). 1 in 4 Americans don't have a fire extinguisher. ValuePenguin.

Retrieved March 14, 2022, from https://www.valuepenguin.com/consumers-putting-

themselves-in-danger-of-electrical-fires

New Scientist. (n.d.). What is fire? What is Fire? Retrieved March 14, 2022, from

https://www.newscientist.com/question/what-is-fire/

The Zebra. (2021, July 6). House fire statistics and facts (data from 2022) | the zebra. The Zebra.

Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/house-fire-

statistics/
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NFPA. (n.d.). How to make a home fire escape plan. Retrieved March 14, 2022, from

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Escape-planning

Valdez. (2022, January 13). Fire safety equipment to keep in your home. Fire Safety Equipment

To Keep In Your Home. Retrieved March 14, 2022, from https://www.valdezlink.com/fire-

safety-equipment-to-keep-in-your-home

What to do if a fire starts. American Red Cross. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2022, from

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/

fire/if-a-fire-starts.html