DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 21, 2004 DHSS-150-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Donna Sharp Phone: (302) 744-4886 Pager: (302) 247-0840 |
NOTE: This page is for informational purposes only and dated material (e.g. temporary websites) may not be available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GIVE THE GIFT OF FIRE SAFETY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Safety is one of the greatest gifts you can give this holiday season, so consider giving a smoke alarm to everyone on your gift list.
Giving the gift of a smoke alarm increases your family's chances of surviving a fire in your home by 40 to 50 percent, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Seventy percent of all residential fire fatalities occur in homes where there are no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms, NFPA reports.
Compact fire extinguishers also make excellent stocking stuffers. They are easy to install and use in case a fire breaks out, especially in the kitchen.
December, January and February are generally the deadliest months for fires, according to NFPA. Most home fires occur between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6. While cooking and heating are the leading causes of home fires during these months, candle fires have nearly tripled in the past decade.
Delaware's fire deaths increased 63 percent over last year and tripled since 2002, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office. More than two-thirds of those deaths (69 percent) could have been prevented if working smoke alarms were present in those homes.
Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, particularly outside all sleeping areas. Alarms should be tested monthly and vacuumed regularly to remove dust. Ionization type smoke alarms (the most common type) have a life expectancy of 10 years. Replace batteries in battery-operated alarms at least once a year.
Special smoke alarms for those with hearing and visual impairments are available through the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office, along with hard-wired detector systems for those who qualify.
Other fire prevention and response tips from NFPA include:
- Have all household members know where to meet outside the home in the event of a fire. Escape quickly -- usually within two minutes -- before smoke begins to overpower you.
- Be especially careful when installing or operating holiday lights and other electrical decorations, indoors and outdoors. Avoid overloading outlets with extension cords, and make sure you turn off all holiday lights when leaving the house.
- If you have a fire or other emergency, call 9-1-1.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
