Modern houses burn faster
Research over three decades has shown that modern homes may be making house fires more deadly than ever before.
Newer homes and furnishings are made with more synthetics which make fires ignite and burn faster. They also release more toxic gases when burned. Most fire victims die from smoke or toxic gases and not from actual burns. Deadly conditions are reached much more quickly now than in the 1970s when more natural materials were used in home and furnishings.
Over thirty years ago, an important study conducted tests in actual homes with sizes and floor plans, furniture and items, and smoke alarms on the market. That report concluded smoke alarms generally provided the necessary escape time for different fire types and locations. This research led to the popular use of smoke alarms in residential settings.
A 2005 study found a troubling difference with the previous investigation. The amount of safe escape time was consistently shorter and the fire growth rates were faster. It is thought that synthetic materials currently found in homes contributed to this change. The study concluded that because fires could be more aggressive, the time needed to escape home fires has been reduced from approximately 17 minutes to as little as three minutes.
This gives less time for occupants to escape a fire and is shorter than the seven minute response time target for fire services. This disparity can mean the difference between life and death.
Safety tips for the home Kitchen
● Avoid loose long sleeves when cooking.
● Check kettles and toasters for damaged electrical cords and thermostats.
● Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off.
● Keep a timer handy to remind you when the oven and burners should be switched off.
● If you take medication that causes drowsiness, do not use cooking appliances.
● Use a temperature-controlled electric skillet or deep-fryer for frying.
● Never leave your cooking unattended.
● Use appropriate cooking appliances and keep them clean.
● Keep a pot cover nearby to “put a lid on it” in the event of a fire.
Living room
● Fireplace: always use a fire screen, ensuring it is the appropriate size for the fireplace opening.
● Power bars should not be used to overload electrical outlets. Do not use extension cords in place of additional outlets.
● Smokers should check furniture for fallen cigarettes or embers, which can smoulder undetected for hour before bursting into flames.
● Ensure careful use of smoking materials and extinguish in water before disposal.
● Never leave cigarettes in an ashtray unattended.
● Use ashtrays with a double rim and deep centre.
● Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of the reach of children. ● Never leave lit candles unattended.
Bedroom
● Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area. For improved safety, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
● Check electrical appliances regularly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions: electric blankets, heating pads, curling irons, radios, televisions, irons.
● Bedrooms should be nonsmoking areas.
Basement and attic
● Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the basement and attic.
● Do not store gasoline in basements or attics! Store gasoline in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors.
● Do not store propane indoors.
● Use only approved containers to store and transport gasoline.
● Have a thorough yearly maintenance check of the furnace carried out by a professional.
● When replacing an old furnace, consult a professional to determine the most safe, economical and efficient system for your home.
● Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.
Garage and workshop
● Flammable materials — thinners, gasoline, paints, industrial cleaners — should be stored neatly in approved containers and away from possible ignitable sources.
● Do not smoke, or leave matches or lighters in the garage or workshop.
● Install and know how to properly use the appropriate fire extinguisher for the garage/workshop.
● Keep the area clean. Remove garbage, paper products, oily rags and wool
SOURCE: Fire Prevention Canada