Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Residential occupancies account for most fire fatalities, and most deaths occur at night during the sleeping hours. Most fire casualties are the victims of smoke and gas inhalation, rather than burns.
To provide reasonable fire safety for persons in family living units, the Shaker Heights Fire Department recommends a three-point program:
- Minimize fire hazards
- Provide a fire warning system (smoke detectors)
- Have – and practice – a home fire escape plan