House fires in the United States continue to claim many lives each year. A significant number of these fires are caused by a burning candle, lighted because of a thunderstorm-induced power outage. Many of the homes in which the fires occurred contained "hard-wired" smoke detectors, but these were rendered inoperable because of the power interruption. With the spring and summer thunderstorm season rapidly approaching, the Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services is asking the NIH community to ensure their homes and loved ones are adequately protected by using battery operated smoke detectors in their residences.
Most fatal home fires begin in one room and then kill people elsewhere in the house. This occurs after the fire has reached extremely high temperatures in the room where it began and then smoke and toxic gases migrate to other areas. These fires are readily detected by all common types of smoke detectors in time for sleeping occupants to awaken and safely escape. Data indicate that a typical living room fire can become deadly in only two minutes or less after the smoke alarm activates and has the potential to kill household members in as little as a four and a half minutes after it begins.
Smoke detectors are not created equally. Hard-wired smoke detectors will not work during a power outage, unless they are equipped with a battery back-up and many are not so equipped. Homeowners are strongly urged to install battery operated detectors in order to provide maximum protection when power is interrupted, a common occurrence during the spring and summer thunderstorm season.
Smoke detectors must be properly located, installed and maintained in order to be effective. To afford adequate protection, smoke detectors must be: (1) located on every level of the home preferably in the vicinity of the sleeping areas; (2) located inside each room used for sleeping; (3) installed properly and in working condition; and (4) tested at least once a month by pushing the "test button." Batteries should be routinely replaced twice a year.
Remember, at the first sound of the alarm, all occupants should evacuate, call the fire department from a phone away from the house and remain out of the house until the responding firefighters allow reentry. If you experience a fire in your home, and your house contains properly installed and maintained smoke detectors, the chances of serious injury or death are significantly reduced.
If you have any questions regarding residential smoke detectors, including detailed advice on their proper placement in your home, please contact the Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services at (301) 496-0487.
