Statistics On Fires And The Damage It Causes - Masterguard

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MasterGuard - Statistics on Fires and the damage it causes                            

Fire is one of the most devastating elements that can destroy homes, buildings and structures. It can also destroy lives.  In America, the number of household fires is increasing. While state and local building codes require the placement of smoke detectors in homes, it is clear that citizens do not know enough about fire safety procedures. MasterGuard is working to bring fire safety to every home.

 

Residential fires historically have caused over $7 million annually in damages. The cost for rebuilding these homes, if it is possible, is untold. Fire safety specialists MasterGuard state that many people who have suffered from fire loss do not carry fire insurance. In 2008, the accumulated cost of fire damage was estimated at $362 billion with an economic loss of $20.1 billion. 

Nonresidential fires, while declining slightly, are still accountable for over $3 million in damages annually. Stricter building codes are a major factor in the decrease of these fires.  MasterGuard works with businesses to have a fire safety “plan of action” in place in case of an emergency, and can equip these businesses with the tools to help save lives.

Fire not only destroys structures, unfortunately it destroys lives. In 2011 so far, 59 professional firefighters have lost their lives battling flames. The amount of civilian casualty is also devastating. Burn injury is the number one cause of accidental deaths in children under 2 years of age. It is the second cause in children 2-4 years of age and third in children under 18.

One of the most prevalent causes for human loss in a fire is when occupants do not know what to do. People panic in these situations and not having a practiced escape route could potentially result in negative outcome. MasterGuard also recommends having functional smoke detectors and extinguishers within the household.

Structural fire damage can be just as devastating. A small household fire can cost a homeowner not only time and money to rebuild, but it can also jeopardize the structural integrity of the home.

Fires can double in size in 30 seconds. Depending where the fire originates, this could prove deadly for your family. Kitchen fires often spread far faster than other household fires due to the amount of fire accelerants that are stored in the area. Oils, pressurized cans of cooking product as well as alcohol based household cleaners will ignite at lower burn temperatures than other items in the home. Homes that have excessive clutter can also be considered dangerous due to the amount of paper and fabric accelerant available to feed a potential fire. MasterGuard professionals state that clearing some of this clutter from pathways or near exits is the best strategy to survive a house fire. Many house fires are caused by human negligence. Smokers who fall asleep with a lit cigarette account for a majority of these fires and usually result in personal injury or even death. Other causes of house fires are overloading electrical circuits and neglecting items left on the stove.

While fire damage is costly and devastating, it can be prevented with the correct equipment and proper fire safety training. MasterGuard is committed to protecting families and business from impending tragedy.