Educating the Community on Fire Safety
What is Fire Safety?
"Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce the destruction caused by fire." Wikipedia.
In November, 2019; NATIONAL FIRE DATA CENTER; published "Fire in the United States 2008-2017; 20th Edition." The Fire Loss Statistics that were presented are shocking.
In the 10 years from 2008 to 2017, the United States had an annual average of:
- 1,344,100 fires.
- 3,190 civilian deaths.
- 16,225 civilian injuries.
- $14.7 billion in direct property loss.
There are far too many tragedies happening every year in the United State and a large number of them could have been avoided with good fire safe habits. CMC is dedicated to spreading fire awareness and teaching Fire Safe Habits to help change the statistics.
The U.S. Fire Administration has collected data from a variety of sources to create an analyses on the status and scope of the fire problem in the United States.
We have shared three graphs reflecting their information below.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) collects data from a variety of sources to provide this information.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) collects data from a variety of sources to provide this information.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) collects data from a variety of sources to provide this information.
The Fire Triangle; Oxygen, Heat
CMC's Fire Safe Habit #1; Prevention
To prevent something from happening, you need to know what it is that you are trying to prevent.
What is fire?
Fire is the chemical reaction between oxygen in our atmosphere and some type of fuel like wood or gas. In order for the reaction to begin, something needs to heat the fuel to a very high temperature. As long as these three components; Oxygen, Fuel and Heat (commonly referred to as the Fire Triangle) are all present at the right levels; the flame can continue to grow and spread until one of these elements have been removed.
Tips for Preventing a Home Fire
Fires need Heat, Oxygen and a Fuel source.
🧱Keep all flammable objects at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
🧱Turn portable heaters off when you are not in the room or when you are sleeping.
🧱If your power goes out use a flashlight for light, not candles.
🧱Make sure your home heating sources are clean and maintained.
🧱Make sure your electrical wiring is is not frayed or crossed, check for and fix, exposed wires or loose plugs. Do not overload power strips and make sure that your outlets all have covers.
🧱Keep your stove clean and clear of flammable materials such as oven mitts or towels.
🧱Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
🧱Do not leave your home while the oven or stove are on.
🧱Don't smoke in bed- Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States.
🧱Don't leave flames unattended.
🧱Teach children not to play with fire.
🧱Put matches and lighters out of the reach of children and teach them to find a responsible adult if they find matches or a lighter.
