House Fires: Fact V. Viction

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

According to sf-fire.org, nearly 4,000 Americans die each year in house fires and over 2,000 are severely injured.  Not only that, but about 80% of civilian deaths each year are due to fire occurring within homes.  While most of these fires cannot be anticipated, there are a few things that homeowners and their families do, or don't do, that can increase the impact of this disaster.  Here are a few debunked myths about house fires that may help you protect yourself and your family in the future.

Fact VS. Fiction

1. Myth: Smoke alarms are enough to protect your house from a fire.
• Fact: Smoke alarms simply alert you when a fire has formed.  They are not any good for putting the fire itself out.
2. Myth: Newer houses are safer than older houses in terms of fires.
   
   
• Fact: Although older houses may have outdated electrical wiring, newer houses are built with more synthetic materials and lighter woods that are actually more flammable. In an older house, you may have longer to put the fire out, but a newer house only gives you seconds to react due to its flammable bones.
3. Myth: You have a few minutes to escape a fire.
   
   
• Fact: As stated above, you may only be given a few seconds to escape your home once the fire has started.  It's tempting to grab family heirlooms before they are destroyed, but are they worth your life and health?
4. Myth: The sprinkler system will activate in the entire house if only one room is affected. 
•  Fact: If only the kitchen has caught fire, the sprinklers in the kitchen will be the only ones that activate.  It all goes one room at a time.
5. Myth: In a fire, the flames are your biggest danger.
   
   
• Fact: If you find yourself caught in a fire, it will be the smoke that gets to you first, not the flames.  Smoke is made up of all kinds of dangerous chemicals such as carbon monoxide that are incredibly toxic to humans.  If inhaled, it can cause unconsciousness followed by death.
6. Myth: Children know what to do if they get caught in a fire.
   
   
• Fact: Unless a specific plan has been established, children may not understand what to do in a fiery situation.  A lot of the time, children will hide in their closet or under their bed to escape the flames, not knowing that this is actually more dangerous.  It's important to make sure young children understand what to do if they notice that a fire has started.

These few myths debunked may help you react safely if you find yourself in the midst of a home fire.  As always if your home has experienced any amount of smoke or fire damage, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is able and willing to help.  We are available 24/7 to help you recover your home or business from any disaster. You can reach us at 817-596-8714.