The fire service has a saying, “We fight more fires through prevention than with trucks and hoses”. That is because the key to fire safety is education. Helping folks prevent fires, developing an escape plan and learning the major causes of fires can greatly decrease the likelihood of disaster in the home. Colington Volunteer Fire Department has several state certified Fire and Life Safety Educators, and we feel very strongly about fire and injury prevention.
Did You Know?
- Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Only one in five home fires were reported during these hours.
- One quarter of home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Another quarter resulted from fires in the living room, family room or den.
- Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 367,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,745 deaths, 11,825 civilian injuries, and $6.8 billion in direct damage.
- On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day.
- Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.
- Smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths.
- Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2014, 15 home fires killed five or more people resulting in a total of 88 deaths.
- During 2009-2013, roughly one of every 335 households had a reported home fire per year.
facts courtesy of the National Fire Protection Agency
Please visit our informational pages under the Fire and Life Safety Education menus!
Want to know more?
Stop by the fire station and our firefighters will be happy to discuss fire and injury prevention with you. Station tours are welcome and encouraged! We also do group presentations throughout the community, as well as courtesy home safety inspections. Call us to arrange an informative, interactive discussion with one of our educators at (252) 441-6234.
