Did You Know?

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Some may be under the impression that the actual flames of a fire kill people. However, it’s the smoke and toxic gases that kill more people. Another thing you need to know, is fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

According to https://sf-fire.org/home-fire-facts, 

• Nearly 4000 Americans die each year in house fires and over 2000 are severely injured.
• In only 3 1/2 minutes, the heat from a house fire can reach over 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• About 80% of all civilian deaths from fire occur in the home.
• In rooms that are not even on fire the temperature can reach over 300 degrees; this is hot enough to melt plastic and kill the people in those rooms.
• Adults 65 and older are more than twice as likely to die in fires as the overall population.
• The leading cause of fire deaths is careless smoking.
• Having a working smoke detector more than doubles one's chances of surviving a fire.
• In 2005, 106 firefighters died in the line of duty in the United States.

It is important to be aware of these facts and to read our previous fire prevention post to help prevent a fire in your home or business. 

If a fire strikes your home or business, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion for any restoration needs.