Facts About Home Heating Fires.
- Heating is the second leading cause of home fires after cooking.
- Home heating fires peaked in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m. This four-hour period accounted for 29 percent of all home heating fires.
- Home heating fires peaked in January (21 percent) and declined to the lowest point from June to August.
- Confined fires — fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners — accounted for 75 percent of home heating fires.
- Twenty-nine percent of the non-confined home heating fires — fires that spread past the object of origin — happened because the heat source (like a space heater or fire place) was too close to things that can burn.
Millions of people live with physical and mental disabilities.
It is important for them to know how to stay safe from fire!
Each year:
- There are approximately 700 home fires involving people with physical disabilities.
- There are approximately 1,700 home fires involving people with mental disabilities.
- Kitchens and cooking areas are the primary areas where these fires start.
Understand your fire risk
- Having physical or mental disabilities doesn’t mean you can’t keep you and your family safe from fire.
- Build your home safety plan around your abilities.
Install and maintain smoke alarms
- Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.
- Ask the manager of your building, or a friend or relative, to install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
- Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. If you can’t reach the test button on your smoke alarm, ask someone to test it for you.
Live near an exit
- You’ll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building.
- If you live in a multistory home, arrange to sleep on the first floor.
- Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make your escape easier.
Plan your escape
- Plan your escape around your capabilities.
- Know at least two exits from every room.
- If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.
- Make any necessary changes, such as installing exit ramps and widening doorways, to make an emergency escape easier.
Don’t isolate yourself
- Speak to your family members, building manager or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
- Contact our non emergency line and explain your needs. We can suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection if you ask. Lemont Fire, Non-Emergency 630-257-2376
- Ask emergency providers to keep your needs information on file.
- Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.
Download the Be a Hero App for fire safety alerts, safety content & videos and information on how you can help save the lives of you, your family and first responders. More info & download at http://firedept.link/beaheroapp