Fire Safety Part Two: Bedroom Fire Safety

Each year, fire claims the lives of 3,500 Americans and injures approximately 18,300. Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin. Nearly 600 lives are lost to fires that start in bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from bedroom fires.

Children are one of the highest risk groups for deaths in residential fires. At home, children usually play with fire - lighters, matches and other ignitables - in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.

Did you know that children of all ages set over 35,000 fires annually. Every year over 400 children nine years and younger die in home fires. For some reason, kids are fascinated by fire and flame. Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children. Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches. Above all, teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy.

Bedrooms are the most common room in the home where electrical fires start. Electrical fires are a special concern during winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Do not trap electric cords against walls where heat can build up. Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters. Only use lab-approved (Underwriters Laboratory is a good example) electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed and make sure your smoke alarms are in working condition.

Finally, tuck yourself in for a good night of restful sleep by never smoking in bed, replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then are required by law to be safer & most of all having working smoke alarms dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Place at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and in halls outside bedrooms. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

Next Up: Cooking Fire Safety