The lead story on the local news covered in today evening another in a recent series of apartment fires in San Antonio at Texas. As I listened to interviews with residents of apartments whose life has been affected in a terrible sudden, I was struck by the idea that apartment fires occur with increasing frequency. It seems that we see a major house fire on the news every two weeks. Nationally, however, the data show that home fires are less numerous than in the past.
The data collected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1980-2011 shows that the structure of the apartment fire in the United States reached a low of 84,500 in 00 against 143,500 in 1980. from 01 to 2010, the numbers vary between 88,000 and 98,500. There were 95,500 such fires in 2011. Fortunately, deaths have gradually declined as well. The number of deaths in 1980 was 1 025 compared to 415 in 2011.
The cooking is the cause of almost 50 per cent of fires in apartments, just as it is in homes with one or two families. Arson ranks far behind at about 10 percent. Other major causes include smoking, open flames (including candles) and defective equipment. Most fires (over 0 percent) are confined to the pan, fryer, or any other vessel and cause very little damage. The 5 or 6 percent of uncontained fires represent almost all of the loss of property. Statistics from the US Fire Administration show that about half of uncontained fires involve grease, oil or animal fat and about three quarters of all fires start on a range or stove. The most common causal factor in these fires, by far, is a cooking equipment unattended.
Whether you live in an apartment, a duplex or a single family residence, you must be aware of the risks to the kitchen, paying particular attention to items on the hob. Make sure the smoke detectors in your living unit are operational by periodically testing them and change the batteries at least twice a year. Fit a versatile fire extinguisher (rated for Type A C fires, and B) in a visible and accessible place that is not too close to the stove. Finally, protect yourself financially by doing insurance of the owner or tenant. Talk to your independent agent on the policy that is best for you. Taking these precautions can help protect lives, property and your family not only resources, but also your neighbors.
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