More than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the U.S. each year. Likewise, home fires result in an estimated $7.3 billion in direct property loss annually, according to the Ready campaign created by The Department of Homeland Security and The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A residence can be engulfed in flames in just a few minutes and become life threatening to everyone inside. Families can protect themselves by understanding the urgency of a fire and how to be prepared, should one occur in the home.
Escape Plans
Having a plan ahead of time helps people to quickly escape from the building. Every room should have two ways outside in case the primary way is ever blocked by fire or smoke. A secondary route could be a window with a collapsible ladder or access to the roof. Further, all windows, screens and security bars should open easily from the inside. Family members should be able to feel their way out of the house in the dark, and parents should teach children not to hide from firefighters.
Smoke Alarms
A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can alert people to a fire at all hours of the day. Both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms should be installed in every level of the home, and the batteries should be tested monthly.
When a Defective Product Causes a Fire
Federal regulations have been established to protect people from being burned by electronic items and flammable clothing, bedding and other household products. Despite these regulations, defective and dangerous products continue to be sold. If one of these items ignites unexpectedly in the home, a deadly fire can quickly spread. Tragically, these fires are 100 percent preventable, as are the devastating deaths and injuries that result.
Contact our firm for assistance if you or a loved one was injured in a household fire. Our highly skilled attorneys can investigate your situation and determine if a defective product may be to blame.