Home fire deaths can be prevented by following simple steps, WVU experts say

West Virginia a leader in home fire deaths

Approximately two-thirds of all fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors, according to West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension specialists.

However, experts say that simple measures, such as testing each detector’s batteries once a month and creating an escape plan, can potentially save lives.

“Home fire safety and prevention measures are simple,” John Hyman, WVU Extension assistant professor, said. “West Virginia has a high rate of fire deaths. That doesn’t have to be the case. Planning and preparation save lives.”

Hyman suggests the first course of action people should take is to install smoke detectors on every level of their home.

“Smoke detectors are to alert you to a fire if you’re sleeping or in another part of the home,” he said. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home.

Smoke rises; install smoke alarms high on a wall or ceiling.

Test alarms monthly. Replace the alarm batteries once a year. Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years.

“A common mistake people make is installing an alarm right beside of the kitchen stove,” Hyman said. “When you burn food and the alarm starts sounding, people tend to disconnect the alarm and forget to replace it, rendering the alarm useless in the event of a fire.”

He recommends installing an alarm with a “hush” feature in the kitchen. Hush features allow you to temporarily silence the alarm with the touch of a button.

Cooking fires are a leading cause of home fires, followed by open-source fires like candles and fireplaces.

Hyman suggests purchasing an extinguisher specifically designed for the kitchen.

Never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended. Also, be sure to clear all debris away from the cook zone so it doesn’t catch fire.

Should a small grease fire occur, use a lid to smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it’s completely cooled.

If the fire originates in the oven, turn off the oven and keep the door closed.

If the fire is contained within a small area, it may be appropriate to use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are designed to fight small.

“Before you decide if you should try to extinguish the fire, think about your situation,” Hyman said. “When operating a fire extinguisher you should stand about six to eight feet from the fire. If the flames are too hot for you to stand that close, this isn’t a fire you should try to fight. Leave it to the professionals.”

Then, Hyman suggested only using an extinguisher if everyone has exited the building and the fire department is on its way.

When using a fire extinguisher, remember the word, “PASS.”

• Pull the pin, holding the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
• Aim low, toward the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

“Fire extinguishers aren’t designed to put out every fire,” he warned. “The most important thing to do is to get out of a dangerous situation.”

Experts suggest planning and practicing an escape route from within your home to a designated outside meeting area. The plan should be practiced in daytime and at night.

For more information on home and fire safety, contact WVU Extension Service’s Safety and Health Extension at 1-800-626-4748.