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FAQs

1) How many fires annually in the U.S.?

In 2005, 1.6 million fires were attended by public fire departments. (NFPA September 2006)

2) How many deaths by fire in U.S.?

4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 20,000 are injured. (USFA 2006)

3) How many deaths by fire in people over 50?

Each year, over 1500 people over age 50 die in residential fires. The fire death rate for all Americans ages 65 and older is more than 3 times the national average, and the death rate rises with age after 65. (FEMA 2004) Back to top

4) How many deaths of children by fire?

Nearly 600 children age 14 and under die in-home fires each year. That is 11 children each week. (Safe Kids USA 2006) Back to top

5) How many deaths from CO poisoning?

More than 500 Americans die each year from unintentional CO poisoning. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, quoted from msnbc.com, Jan 8, 2007) Back to top

6) What are the other impacts besides death of CO poisoning?

Recently, studies have been performed to show that chronic carbon monoxide poisoning can result in long term, residual effects on our bodies. Long periods of exposure to carbon monoxide, at low levels, can result in long-term effects. This is referred to as chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, and can affect an individual for days, weeks, months, or even years. Results vary depending on the age and health of an individual.

  • Physical symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, numbness, tingling, vertigo
  • Cognitive / Memory Impairments: attention problems, multi-tasking problems, word-finding problems, short-term memory problems, verbal and/or visual
  • deficits.
  • Affective Disorders (emotional/personality effects): irritability, anxiety, lack of motivation, temper, loss of interest, sleep disturbance.
  • Sensory and Motor Disorders: blurry vision, double vision, buzzing in the ears, decreased co-ordination, speaking, eating and swallowing disorders.
  • Gross Neurological Disorders: seizures, inability to speak, balance problems, tremors.

Upon removal from exposure to carbon monoxide, the symptoms usually resolve themselves. (Carbon Monoxide Kills campaign) Back to top

7) What are the leading sources of house fires ?
  • Cooking equipment fire: 32%
  • Heating equipment fire: 16%
  • Intentional: 5%
  • Candle: 4%
  • Smoking materials: 4%
  • Electrical distribution or lighting equipment: 3%
  • Playing with heat source: 2% (NFPA 2005)
8) How many U.S. homes have smoke alarms?

While 96% of U.S. households have smoke detectors installed, an estimated 20% of these are not working. (reported in “Home Smoke Alarms and Other Fire Detection and Alarm Equipment”, a whitepaper by FireSafety.gov, April 2006) Back to top

9) How many U.S. homes have CO alarms?

Only 29% of homes have Carbon Monoxide detectors. (Home Safety Council, The State of Home Safety in America, 2004) Back to top

10) How many U.S. homes have fire extinguishers?

Only 42% of homes have fire extinguishers. (Packaged Facts U.S. Market for Household Safety and First Aid Care Products, 2005) Back to top

11) How fast does a fire double?

A fire doubles in size every minute that it burns. A small, contained fire one moment could easily engulf an entire room in a matter of minutes. (Fire Equipment Manufacturer’s Association) Back to top

12) What is the required reaction time to keep a fire under control?

An average-sized residential home can be consumed in flames in less than 5 minutes from the start of the fire, which means that you have less than 5 minutes to get you and your family to safety. (“Plan To Get Out Alive” family fire safety video – First Alert & WCBS New York) Back to top

13) What is the recommended number of Fire extinguishers? (per square foot / per floor)

For moderate or ordinary fire hazard areas, there should be one general fire extinguisher per 1500 sq. ft. and at least one extinguisher on each floor. Extinguishers should be easily visible. (NFPA 2007) Back to top