Manufactured Home Safety
When a member of your community is killed in a home fire, it is important to let others know how they can prevent a similar tragedy. As you continue to report on the fire, the U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to remind your audience that many fire deaths and injuries are preventable.
More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if they had only had the information they needed to avoid a disaster. The following life-saving tips could make a big difference to your audience. By incorporating them in your story now, while the moment is still fresh, you could help save a life.
Did you know?
- Smoke alarms are less likely to be present or operating in manufactured homes.
- There is a higher fire death rate per one hundred manufactured homes as compared to other home fires.
- Cooking is the leading cause of fires in manufactured homes.
- Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire by nearly a half.
Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically. Please share them with your readers because knowledge is the best fire protection.
Manufactured Home Safety Life-Saving Tips
- Have a minimum of two smoke alarms installed in your home regardless of sleeping space arrangements.
- Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
- Maintain your home heating system by having it serviced at least once a year by a professional.
- Do not store combustibles or flammables near heat sources.
- Never overload outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or fuses blow, immediately call a licensed electrician to check your system.
- Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
- If there is a fire, get out immediately and stay out. Go to a neighbor's home and call the emergency phone number in your area. In most areas, the number is 911.
- Space heaters need their space. Keep heaters at least three feet away from drapes, clothing or other combustible materials.
- Install skirting material to keep leaves and other debris and combustible items from blowing under your manufactured home.