House fires can be mitigated with a safety plan, detectors and other equipment

House fires have been falling for decades thanks to safer heating, higher building standards and a multitude of safety devices.

But even so, home structure fires still killed 2,710 people in 2022 and caused $10.5 billion in direct property damage, according to statistics from the National Fire Prevention Association.

And many could have been prevented if homeowners considered the possibility of a house fire, which becomes more prevalent during cold-weather months when people are trying to stay warm and likely spending more time at home.

Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and plug-in heaters all come with additional risk, especially when they are improperly used orhaven’t been maintained. Because of the amount of electricity they draw, for example, plug-in heaters shouldn’t be used with power strips or extension cords because of the possibility of an electrical fire.

But even with the urge to stay warm during the winter, nearly half of all house fires start in kitchens, according to local firefighters and the American Red Cross, and many could have been prevented or at least mitigated by taking some precautions, such as having an up-to-date fire extinguisher and perhaps a stovetop firestop above the range.

These are just some of the tips that any local fire department, the American Red Cross and other organizations are willing to offer homeowners.

Free smoke detectors

Nearly everywhere, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are offered for free.

South Bend has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide with and install free smoke detectors in the homes of residents. The American Red Cross extends that service nearly everywhere, including to all residents in St. Joseph County.

The Mishawaka Fire Department also offers free alarms to homeowners in the city as well as the Clay Fire Territory, which is also willing to install them for homeowners who might need a hand.

“Smoke detectors are readily available through fire departments and other agencies,” said Shelby Gum a firefighter and public educator for Clay Fire. “There’s no reason not to have them.”

Where to place them

Local firefighters said that at least one smoke and CO2 detector should be installed on every level of a home, including the basement, and that additional protection might be required in other places — including bedrooms — depending on the layout and size of a house.

Test and replace

Smoke and C02 detectors also should be tested regularly, and the batteries changed at least once a year, according to Gum. Whether it’s the clock change or spring cleaning, pick a time of the year when the batteries are replaced, Gum said.

In addition, the devices should be replaced every eight to 10 years because they have an expiration date.

“The detectors come with a small label that you’re supposed to fill in, but I use a Sharpie so that it’s easily readable when you’re changing the batteries,” Gum said.

Safety plan

All fire departments provide outreach to school children and civic groups to remind them of the importance of having fire safety devices — minimally detectors and an ABC extinguisher — and safety plans in place.

“There should be at least two exits from every home,” Gum said. And in the event of a fire outside a bedroom, the door should be closed and blankets or clothing stuffed at the bottom to prevent smoke from drifting in.

In the event of a house fire, households should have an escape plan for each member of the family with a set meeting spot outside the home, Gum said.

“First, you get out of the house, and then you call 911,” she said. “You never want to go back into a house with a working fire. Don’t go back in for pets.”

Other devices

Because so many house fires start in the kitchen, Bill Dempler, a Mishawaka fire marshal, said the mounted stovetop firestop should be considered and an ABC fire extinguisher should be considered mandatory.

Similar to smoke detectors, most household fire extinguishers are meant to be discarded after 10 or 12 years, Dempler said, adding that the fire department periodically teaches fire extinguisher use among its many other outreach efforts.

Having safety equipment and an evacuation plan as well as carefully picking and properly using ancillary heat sources can help prevent structure fires and reduce deaths, but in the end, it’s up to individuals to act more deliberately.

“Anything to do with the human factor is the link,” Dempler said.

Email Tribune staff writer Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Smoke detectors, fire safety plans available to virtually everyone