Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in
home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due
to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Home fires can
be prevented! To protect yourself, it is important to understand
the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there
is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two
minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a
residence can be engulfed in flames. Heat and smoke from fire
can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot
air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make
you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire,
you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading
cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.
Learn About Fires Every day Americans experience the horror of
fire but most people don't understand fire. Fire is FAST! There
is little time! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get
complete