32 User’s Guide
Minimizing Fire Hazards
The three most common causes of fires:
• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.
It's also the leading cause of fire injuries. Cooking fires
often result from unattended cooking and human error,
rather than mechanical failure of stoves or ovens.
• Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
Smoke detectors and smolder-resistant bedding and
upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents.
• Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires.
However, heating fires are a larger problem in single
family homes than in apartments since the heating
systems in single family homes are often not
professionally maintained.
Fire Safety Tips
• In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy
and every second counts! Escape first, then call for help.
Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a
meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family
knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice
feeling your way out with your eyes closed. Never stand
up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to
keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning
building for any reason; it may cost you your life.
• Finally, having at least one working smoke alarm
dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently
with your family.
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