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Every 16 seconds, a fire department in the United States is called to respond to a fire, according to the national Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Every 72 seconds, fire hits a residence, and every 105 minutes, fire kills someone. In addition, fire causes several billion dollars in property damage each year.
By taking precautions, you can lessen your chances of being a victim of fire.
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In the Car
Approximately 550 people died and 2,050 were injured in highway vehicle fires in 1996, according to the NFPA. Causes stem from short circuits, fuel leaks, cigarettes, or collisions. Gasoline vapors ignite quickly, so quick reaction is essential. What if your car catches fire?
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As soon as you notice smoke or flame, turn off the engine and coast to the side of the road
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Get everyone out of and as far away from the car as possible. Don't let anyone return to the car.
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Call for help ASAP. If you don't have a car phone, flag down a police officer.
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Generally, you shouldn't try to put out the fire yourself. Use a fire extinguisher only to contain a small localized fire, such as one caused by a cigarette igniting paper.
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Remember, your car engine gets very hot. It can ignite even a damp pile of leaves under your car.
At Home
Cooking accidents cause most residential fires, but careless smoking causes the most residential fire deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. How can you make your home safer?
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Install and maintain smoke detectors on each floor of your house near bedrooms and living areas.
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Check for fire hazards and eliminate them: frayed electrical wires, improperly stored flammable liquids, accumulations of trash and papers, etc.
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Teach children about fire safety! Always keep matches and lighters out of reach.
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Identify an escape route from your home and practice using it.
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Keep portable fire extinguishers handy in fire-prone areas: kitchen, near a woodburning stove or fireplace, basement, garage.
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Post the fire department number or "911" near every phone, or preprogram speed dial functions.
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Make sure even very young children can respond when asked where they live.
In the Wild
Wildfires can cause billions in damage each year, as the 2000 Los Alamos, New Mexico fire demonstrated. Wildfires spread quickly and can leap across even wide natural barriers. What if wild fires threaten?
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If you're driving, stay in your car for protection from smoke inhalation and burns if a wildfire approaches. Drive away if you can find a safe way out, or look for areas where the blaze has died away.
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If you're on foot, head for an area with little vegetation: rivers, roads, rocky terrain. Avoid areas with dry or dead vegetation.
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If possible, take a downhill escape route. Fire travels uphill faster than downhill.
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Get as low to the ground as possible if flames come close.
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Immerse yourself in water or cover yourself with a wet blanket or coat to protect your skin from the heat.
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When you are in the wild, make sure all smoking materials and camp fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
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