Every day Americans experience the horrors of fire. Unfortunately, most people do not understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare ourselves and our families.
Each year an unbelievable 4,500 Americans die and more than 30,000 others are injured in fires. Many of these are casualties and injuries which could be prevented. The United States Fire Administration believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire.
FIRE iS FAST- In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a normal size house. In minutes a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in homes when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you will not have time to grab your valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape. To learn more please click on one of the links below!
FIRE IS HOT - (Heat is more threatening than the flames) A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperature in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this superheated hot air will at the least scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything within it can ignite at once, this is called flashover.
FIRE IS DARK - (Fire is NOT bright, it is pitch black) Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disorientated, and unable to find your way around your home, even if you have lived there for many years.
FIRE IS DEADLY- (Smoke & toxic gases kill more people than flames do) Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and these gases can make you drowsy, disorientated, and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before any flames even reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.
TIPS THAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!
- In the event of a fire, time is your biggest enemy, every second counts. Escape first, then call for help.
- If a fire starts in the house, develop an escape plan for you and your family as well as a meeting place away from the home.
- Practice feeling your way out of the house keeping low to the ground with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire.
- Never return into a burning building once you have escaped for any reason, it may cost you your life.
- Working smoke detectors dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
