NFPA reminds the public to properly store and dispose of seasonal decorations

December 20, 2012 - While the winter months are the leading time of year for home fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says the post-holiday season presents its own set of fire hazards. Dried out Christmas trees and holiday lighting are among the leading culprits.

"As time goes by, Christmas trees continue to dry out and become increasingly flammable," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Communications for NFPA. "For trees decorated with holiday lights, the risk increases because they're in direct contact with an electrical source."

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they have a higher chance of being deadly. On average, one of every 66 reported home structure Christmas tree fires resulted in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total home structure fires.

A video demonstration created by NFPA and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) underscores just how quickly a dried-out Christmas tree fire can grow and spread.

According to Carli, you can tell when the tree is drying out by the number of needles that drop each day. "Once you start to see more fall, the tree is no longer fresh, and it's time to get rid of it."

Dried trees should not be kept in the home, garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.

In 2006 to 2010, holiday lights and other decorative lighting were involved in an annual average of 160 home fires, 9 civilian deaths, 13 related injuries, and $9 million in direct property damage. To reduce the risk of holiday light fires and keep equipment in good condition for next year, follow these storage suggestions:

  • To unplug electric decorations, use the gripping area provided on the plugs. Never pull the cord to unplug a device from electrical outlets. Doing so can harm the cord's wire and insulation and even lead to an electrical shock or fire.
  • As you're putting away electrical light strings, take time to inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
  • Do not place a damaged set of lights back into the storage box for next year's use.
  • Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard.
  • Store electrical decorations in a dry place where they cannot be damaged by water or dampness. Also, keep them away from children and pets.

NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have teamed up again to remind everyone about ways to keep warm and safe throughout the winter months. Their joint safety campaign, "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires," includes a wealth of heating, cooking and holiday fire safety tips.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

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Three times as many fires occur on Thanksgiving

November 16, 2012 - While most people consider overeating the greatest peril of Thanksgiving, cooking the day's feast presents its own risks, too.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year. In 2010, there were 1,370 fires on Thanksgiving, a 219 percent increase over the daily average.

"Thanksgiving is a fun, festive holiday, but it's also very hectic," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "All the entertaining and distractions make it easy to forget about what's cooking on the stovetop."

Video - "Kitchen for Trouble" stars cartoon character Dan Doofus. Dan has to learn the hard way how to prevent cooking fires.

Sparky's Safety Spots - Kitchen Fires - World renowned chef (the late) Julia Child cooked up some memorable advice about how to prevent fires in your kitchen.

Home cooking fires peak on major U.S. holidays that traditionally include cooking, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Easter.

Overall, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 156,400 home fires involving cooking equipment in 2010. These fires caused 420 civilian deaths, 5,310 civilian injuries, and $993 million in direct property damage.

By recognizing the risks of the holidays and making simple adjustments, people can greatly reduce their chance of home cooking fires.

NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

1.       Always stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

2.       When simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

3.       Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.

4.       Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire...

1.       Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

2.       Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

3.       If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out of the home, and that someone has called the fire department.

4.       Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

5.       For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

NFPA and SAE International team up to advance discussions on EV safety

 

August 13, 2012 - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and SAE International are co-hosting the 3rd Annual Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit to be held October 18, 2012 at the COBO Center in Detroit. The program addresses electric vehicle safety issues related to codes and standards and is aimed at planning for improved safety as the number of these vehicles continues to increase on roadways. A reception will take place on the evening of October 17th which includes admission to the SAE Convergence 2012 Exhibition.

"Stakeholders have made significant progress in addressing safety issues and making improvements based on discussion points of the two previous summits, but there is still more work to be done," said Christian Dubay, P.E., NFPA vice president of codes and standards, and chief engineer. "The collaborative efforts expected at this year's forum and the follow up from it will once again move the needle in the direction of safer implementation of electrical vehicles."

Speakers and attendees with a shared interest in improving safety attend this event, including vehicle manufacturers, governmental agencies, standards developing organizations, and first and second responders. The program focuses on safety codes and standards and other key areas aimed at improving awareness and knowledge of electric vehicles and supporting their successful integration into society.

"In today's world of advanced technology, much quicker progress can be achieved by collaborative efforts. We look forward to this next Summit and continuing cooperative work with NFPA in the area of battery safety by engaging a wealth of SAE engineering expertise," said Jack Pokrzywa, director of ground vehicle standards for SAE International.

NFPA has a long history of commitment to electrical safety as developer and publisher of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) since 1911. The NEC sets the standard for the safe use of electricity and electrical installations. NFPA also coordinates the Electric Vehicle Safety Training project, a nationwide program to help firefighters and other first responders prepare for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road in the United States.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.sae.org/events/nevss/ or www.EVsafetytraining.org/summit. (NFPA page being updated.)

About SAE

SAE International is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International's core competencies are life-long learning and voluntary consensus standards development. SAE International's charitable arm is the SAE Foundation, which supports many programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series. Visit SAE International's website for additional information.

 

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

Fire-safe cigarette laws show early signs of success

 

April 2, 2012- According to a recent report released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 610 civilian deaths in the United States were attributed to smoking material fires in 2010, a number at or near the all-time-low and well down from the 1980 levels. During 2010 there were an estimated 90,800 smoking material fires resulting in $663 million in direct property damage.

 

Several factors, including a decline in smoking and stricter fire resistant standards on mattresses and upholstered furniture have been credited with the decrease in smoking material fire deaths over the last 30 years. The most recent drops in fatalities and injuries, though, owe much to the "fire-safe" cigarette legislation.

 

In 2003, U.S. states began requiring that all cigarettes sold must be "fire-safe," that is, have sharply reduced ignition strength (ability to start fires), as determined by ASTM Standards. By 2010, fire-safe cigarette legislation was in effect in 47 states. From 2003 to 2010, the number of civilian deaths in smoking-material fires fell by an average of 21 percent.

 

2012 is the first year all 50 state laws are effective, and all inventories of pre-standard cigarettes should have sold out. A projection linking the percentage decline in fire deaths to the percentage of smokers covered suggests that when smoking material fire death numbers are analyzed for the year 2012, the reduction in civilian deaths will reach roughly 30 percent.

 

According to Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Communications, "The adoption of fire-safe cigarette legislation is proving to be a giant step forward in reducing the leading cause of home fire deaths."

 

"NFPA is very encouraged by these numbers, which show the requirements are having the intended consequences," said Carli. "It is clear that our efforts have already made an impact on public safety and will continue to provide further progress in the years to come."

 

Other key findings in this report show:

  • Older adults are at the highest risk of death or injury from home smoking-material fires, even though they are less likely to smoke than younger adults.
  • One fatal victim in four (24 percent) of home smoking-material fires was not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.
  • Sleeping is the primary human factor contributing to ignition cited for one-third (32 percent) of home smoking-material fire deaths.

 

As with virtually all types of fires, there are many steps that people can take to prevent smoking-material fires. NFPA has developed the following safety tips focusing on safe storage and disposal of cigarettes:

 

  • Whenever you smoke, use deep, wide, sturdy ashtrays.
  • Ashtrays should be set on something sturdy and hard to ignite, like an end table.
  • Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Dowsing them in water or sand is the best way to do this.
  • Check under furniture cushions and other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.

 

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

Holiday tragedies prompt warnings on winter fires

NFPA reminds the public to take action to be safe this winter

December 28, 2011 - In the aftermath of a number of deadly holiday fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges the public to take simple steps to protect their family and property from fire. According to NFPA, December, January and February are the top months for home fire deaths.

"Recent fire deaths during this holiday season are tragic reminders that we are at the time of year when home fires peak," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "Taking simple steps to prevent fires and making sure you have working smoke alarms can save lives."

NFPA suggested ten things you can do this winter to stay safe from fire:

 

  • All heaters need space.  Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
  • Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container with a lid. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
  • Develop and practice a home escape plan that includes two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place.

 

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and NFPA are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Learn more information about the organizations' joint safety campaign, "http://www.nfpa.org/winter"

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

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NFPA reminds the public to properly store and dispose of seasonal decorations

December 21, 2011 - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more home structure fires in the cooler months than any other time of year. As pine needles begin to drop on living room carpets, NFPA is offering suggestions for safe storage and removal of holiday decorations.

 

"It's not uncommon to see residents keeping lights and Christmas trees up past December," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "The reality is, continued use of seasonal lighting and dried-out Christmas trees can pose significant fire hazards in and outside the home."

 

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they have a higher chance of being deadly. NFPA recommends getting rid of the tree when it's dry. Dried trees should not be kept in the home, garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.

 

In 2005-2009, holiday lights and other decorative lighting were involved in an annual average of 150 home fires, 8 civilian deaths, 14 related injuries, and $8.5 million in direct property damage. To reduce the risk of holiday light fires and keep equipment in good condition for next year, follow these storage suggestions:

 

  • To unplug electric decorations, use the gripping area provided on the plugs. Never pull the cord to unplug a device from electrical outlets. Doing so can harm the cord's wire and insulation and even lead to an electrical shock or fire.
  • As you're putting away electrical light strings, take time to inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
  • Do not place a damaged set of lights back into the storage box for next year's use.
  • Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard.
  • Store electrical decorations in a dry place where they cannot be damaged by water or dampness. Also, keep them away from children and pets.

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February, according to NFPA's Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment (PDF, 723 KB) report.

 

NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Learn more information about the organizations' joint safety campaign, "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires."

 

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

NFPA's simple tips to stay safe and warm this winter

 November 30, 2011 - 'Tis the season for rosy cheeks, button-down coats, and cranking up the heat. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it's also the time of year when home fires peak, many of which are caused by heating equipment.

"Half of all home heating fires occur during December, January, and February, when we are fully utilizing our heating systems" said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "The public can reduce their risk of getting left out in the cold by following NFPA's safe heating behaviors."

Dan Doofus highlights the importance of home heating safety.

In NFPA's report "Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment," in 2009, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 58,900 reported home structure fires, 480 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. Stationary and portable space heaters accounted for one-third (32 percent) of reported home heating fires, but nearly 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths, two-thirds (66 percent) of associated civilian injuries, and half (52 percent) of associated direct property damage.

Overall, fires, injuries and damages from fires involving heating equipment were all lower than in 2008 and fit into a largely level trend over the past few years.  The number of deaths from heating equipment was virtually unchanged.

As temperatures begin to drop, here are some safe heating behaviors to follow:

?     All heaters need space.  Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

?     Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.

?     Never use your oven to heat your home.

?     Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.

?     Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

?     Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

?     Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

?     Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

?     Test smoke alarms monthly.

In an effort to reduce winter fires, NFPA is partnering with the U.S. Fire Administration on a special campaign - Put a Freeze on Winter Fires. For more information, visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org/winter.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

Subscribe to NFPA RSS News feeds

 

Please click here if you wish to unsubscribe:  nfpaheadlines@nfpa.org.

 

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New report focuses on smoke alarm effectiveness

October 25, 2011 - In 2005-2009, roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms, according to the report "Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires," released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The report examines the number of reported fires in U.S. households with and without working smoke alarms, as well as the effectiveness of smoke alarms in preventing fire-related deaths.

"Working smoke alarms are essential in saving lives from fire," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "We know you can have as little as three minutes to get out if you have a fire before it becomes deadly. The early warning provided by smoke alarms gives you extra time to escape."

Key findings from the report include :

•        The death rate per 100 reported fires was twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it was in home fires with smoke alarm protection.

•        Out of all home fire deaths, 38 percent resulted from fires in which no smoke alarms were present.

•        Hardwired smoke alarms are more reliable than those powered solely by batteries.

•        Many homes do not have the protection recommended in recent editions of NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which requires interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

NFPA recommendations:

•          Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

•          For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound.

•          Use both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms, also known as dual sensor alarms. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires.

•          Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

•          Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by using the test button.

For more information on smoke alarms and safety tips, visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org/smokealarms.

Estimates in the report are based on data collected from fire departments and civilians that responded to the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), and NFPA's National Fire Experience Survey.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.