One out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Each year, nearly 319,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
As temperatures rise and families head to pools, lakes, rivers, and splash pads, it’s important to remember that drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 5–14 in the United States.
Cooking brings families together, but it also remains the leading cause of home fires in the United States. According to NFPA during 2017-2021, cooking caused an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires per year (44 percent of all reported home fires in the US).
This month, we focus on how everyday kitchen surfaces can accumulate oils, grease, and heat—creating potential ignition risks—and what you can do to stop a fire before it starts.
“Hit Me with Your Best Beep!”
February Safety Tip: Smoke Alarms & Escape Plans
If this sounds familiar, it’s because the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) made smoke alarms their topic of the year—and for good reason! Repetition saves lives: Smoke alarms save lives. Escape plans save lives.
Did you know?
- Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%.
- 3 out of 5 home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that don’t work.
Smoke alarms are one of the most affordable ways to protect your loved ones and your home.
Chilly weather brings an added danger for a home heating equipment fire to happen. This month we will delve into preventing home heating fires. About half of all home heating fires occur in the months of December, January, and February. Having a good understanding of the fire triangle is essential in understanding fire. Each side of the triangle represents one of three components needed for a fire to happen: oxygen, fuel, and heat. A fire cannot exist or be sustained unless all three are present. Our air that surrounds us contains 21% oxygen. Fuel is any material capable of burning. A heat source is what is responsible for the initial ignition of fire and is what allows fire to spread.
December holidays usually consist of family gatherings, Christmas tree lightings, holiday decorations and many other festivities and traditions. Unfortunately, it is also a time of increased risk for fire. Holiday fires can be linked to kitchen fires, dry Christmas trees, candles, and even faulty wiring of decorations. There are simple safety precautions you can take to avoid a visit from your local fire department and ensure that your December holidays are memorable, safe, and filled with joy.