In 2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,557,500 fires all over the country. If you divide that by the number of states in the United States then by the number of months in a year, that comes out to approximately 2,595.83, or close to 2,596 fires in each state every month. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2007 alone these fires caused 3,430 civilian deaths and 17,675 injuries. These fires resulted in an estimated $14,639,000,000 in direct fire damage and property loss.



The NFPA reports that 78% of all structure fires occurred in residential properties, including homes, hotels, motels, rooming houses and dormitories. Of this number, 75% - 399,000 to be exact - occurred in homes.

U.S. Fire Administration statistics in 2006 indicate that cooking is the most common cause of fires in residential structures, at 26.4%. Heating comes second with 11.4%, and arson/suspicious cause comes third at 5.7%. Whether intentional or accidental, fires cause extensive damage to life and property. Fire damage may be recompensed by insurance, but nothing can bring back life or compensate for the loss of a loved one.

Gadgets to help deal with fire

Precautionary measures can increase your chances of a fire developing in your home; they also help you avoid fire damage.

A smoke alarm is one of the best tool to prevent fire damage and an inexpensive means of warning residents when a fire is starting. A smoke alarm, properly installed and maintained, stands guard 24 hours a day, sounds a shrill alarm when it senses smoke, and because it has detected the early signs, it gives you time to escape.

While smoke alarms can warn you, they cannot help you extinguish the fire. Residential sprinklers, however, can. Sprinklers connected to your water supply will release showers of water to douse the flames, helping you save your house and mitigate fire damage.

A fire extinguisher is not only handy; it is essential in every home, especially in the kitchen and the basement. A fire extinguisher will help you put out the fire and thus minimize fire damage to your property and possessions.

There are five different types of fire extinguishers:

* Class A - for fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and plastics

* Class B - for fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, and oil-based paints

* Class C - for fires on appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically powered

* Class D - for flammable metals

* Class K - for fires involving oils such as animal oils, vegetable oils, or fats

Most fire extinguishers have symbols on them to indicate the kind of fire for which they can be used. Fire extinguisher manufacturers have also come up with multi-purpose fire extinguishers that can be used on two or more types of fires.

The Escape Plan

One of the most important things that people - and families - often neglect is to have an escape plan. Preparedness and knowing what to do in case of a fire can save your life and that of your family members. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence because a small flame can get out of control in 30 seconds and spread throughout the house. Each family must have an escape plan. These tips might help:

1 - You and your family must practice your escape plan every month. You will never know when there will be a fire.

2 - Your plan must include different escape routes. Plan several ways out of every room.

3 - When a fire occurs, leave your home immediately.

4 - Designate a place where everyone will meet after getting out of the house, one that is away from your home.

5 - Once you get out of the house, do not go back in. Never return to a burning structure.

Fires can result in the loss of human lives and extensive fire damage to property. It is important that you take measures to make sure your home is fire-safe, and that you are prepared in the event of one. If you haven't checked your home for any fire hazard or risk, do it now.