House fires often result in large amounts of property damage, and unfortunately they are common in winter months.
From 2008-2010, an average of 50,1100 heating fires occurred in the U.S. each year, resulting in a yearly average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries, and $326 million in property loss.
Cooking and heating were the top two causes of all residential fires. Confined fires—those confined to chimneys, flues, or fuel burners—accounted for 87 percent of residential heating fires. Thirty percent of nonconfined residential heating fires started because the heat source was too close to flammable objects.
There is also a higher risk for carbon monoxide poisoning in winter months due to faulty or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, and stoves. It’s important to keep smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order to ensure that you and your family will be warned if there is a problem in your home. According to the American Red Cross, 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
If a fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out, and call 911. No object is worth risking your life, and because fire conditions can change rapidly, you may find yourself trapped or in great danger if you return to a burning building.
Home Fire Prevention Tips:
- Be sure to keep items that may catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as a space heater or candle.
- Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
- If you simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it often and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
- Keep flammable objects away from cooking surfaces.
If you have suffered from a fire or burn accident, call the lawyers at Schuerman Law to learn how to get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-274-0045 to schedule your free consultation today.
