Every day Americans experience the horror of fire. But most people don't
understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare
ourselves and our families. Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and
approximately 20,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA)
believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts
about fire. Below are some simple facts that explain the particular
characteristics of fire.
- Fire is
FAST!
There is little time!
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 house. In
minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home
when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to
grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick.
There is only time to escape.
- Fire is HOT!
Heat is more threatening than flames.
A fire's heat
alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor
level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will
scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes
a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called
flashover.
- Fire is
DARK!
Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.
Fire starts
bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake
up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way
around the home you've lived in for years.
- Fire is
DEADLY!
Smoke and 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 toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented
and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep
sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to
escape.
Fire Safety Tips
In the event of a fire, remember time is
the biggest enemy and every second counts!
Escape first, then call for help. Develop
a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure
everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice
feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always
crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return
to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm
dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to
practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
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