National Preparedness Month: Facts About Home Fires

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month and today we're looking at some facts regarding home fires. House fires are caused by a number of things but not matter the origin, fire travels fast through a home. 

• Fire is Fast! In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can grow into a major fire. In minutes, a house can be fully engulfed in flames.
• Fire is Hot! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperature in a fire can be 100 at floor level and can rise to as much as 600 degrees at eye level.
• Fire is Dark! It starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and creates a complete blanket of darkness throughout the home.

It is important to remember to install smoke alarms on every level of a home, especially inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Testing smoke alarms should be done every month and if they're not working, replace the batteries and test again. Rehearsal of a fire escape plan with your family is also incredibly important. As mentioned earlier, fire begins light but quickly becomes dark due to smoke and rehearsing an escape route regularly will make it easier to navigate out of the property. Also, have a specific meeting place once everyone has exited the building.

For more tips about home fire safety, please visit American Red Cross and Ready.gov.