Injury Prevention and EMS

Alaska Prevention of
Fire-related Injuries Program

Fire Prevention News:

SPRINKLERS SAVE LIVES

Why is the week of October 9 through 15 designated National Fire Prevention Week? The answer to this burning question goes back to the Great Chicago Fire, an epic tragedy that lit up that city on October 9, 1871. On that day, more than 300 people lost their lives and more than 100,000 people were made homeless. To observe the anniversary of the Great Fire in a meaningful way, an entire week was dedicated to the prevention of fires.

The NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) takes an active part in the observance of Fire Prevention Week. This year the NFPA has released an updated report with new evidence supporting the value of automatic fire sprinkler systems.

The study found strong evidence that when sprinklers are installed properly and inspected routinely, the chances of a fire causing death were reduced by at least half, compared to locations without sprinkler systems. The report also proved that sprinkler system malfunctions are most often the result of human, rather than mechanical error; the most common cause of sprinkler failure was simply that the system had been turned off.

Most healthcare facilities and high-rise buildings in the U.S. have sprinkler systems installed. The NFPA study shows that the majority of fires still occur in buildings without sprinkler systems. This is especially true in single- and multiple-family homes. Fewer than one percent of reported fires occur in homes equipped with sprinkler systems; fewer than eight percent occur in similarly equipped apartment complexes. The NFPA has considered recommending that the installation of sprinkler systems be made mandatory in new one- and two-family homes. Currently, sprinkler systems are mandatory in all nursing homes and some other properties.For additional information on Fire Prevention Week, as well as sprinkler system requirements please visit www.nfpa.org

Smoke Alarm

Project Goal: To reduce death and injuries due to residential fires in rural Alaska through increased smoke alarm use and fire safety and prevention education.

Problem Statement: Every year Alaska loses citizens to residential fire. Human loss and suffering due to residential fires are often preventable when homes have a working smoke alarm or when home occupants follow basice fire safety and prevention procedures. Functional smoke alarms and basic home fire safety and prevention procedures are even more important in rural Alaska where many of our communities have little or no fire fighting protection.

Strategies and Activities: With the assistance of partners around the state, rural communities at risk for residential fire, based on previous incidence rates and community demographics, will be canvassed door-to-door to check on functions of existing smoke alarms and to install new smoke alarms as needed.
The educational component that accompanies the home smoke alarm check and installation includes: home fire escape planning and practice; safe cooking methods; dealing with children and fire; safer smoking in the home; smoke alarm maintenance; and checking for safe use of electricity, appropriate use of home heating equipment, and combustibles. Similar prevention education will be conducted through community and school presentations.

Cost: The cost of each alarm is about $16.00. Additional program costs are variable due to transportation and personnel costs for each community.

Contact: Mary Krom, ISAP Unit, Anchorage, 269-3489