Homes Not as Safe as You Might Think

• By Ralph C. Jensen
• Oct 15, 2008

A new national survey reveals that only 37 percent of respondents have taken action at home to prevent fires and burns. According to the Home Safety Council, fires and burns are the third leading cause of injury-related death in the home.

Asked about fire safety practices, a mere 13 percent of respondents said they have planned and practiced a family fire drill. Surprise would best describe my reaction to this statistic. Practicing a family fire drill is an essential measure to help increase the ability for a family to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of a fire.

Nothing speaks louder of personal and family preparedness than involving family members in a fire and life safety and security planning event.

While the majority of fatal fires happen at night, HSC also found that only half (51 percent) of the respondents have installed smoke alarms in their bedrooms, and only 8 percent of respondents live in a home protected by fire sprinklers.

Research by HSC indicates that too many families fail to understand the danger of home fires. Meri-K Appy, president of Home Safety Council, has not taken even the most basic steps to prepare for a fire emergency.

”With less than three minutes to escape if a fire occurs, every home needs a well-rehearsed escape plan and working smoke alarms,” Appy said.

I agree. Homes without fire alarms and families that fail to practice and prepare for the worst are a serious accident waiting to happen. There’s nothing more important than family, and a family prepared can help curb heartache and sorrow.