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How Fires
Start
When fire, oxygen, and fuel meet – it’s a deadly trio.
Within 3 minutes, fire begins to spread from one room in your house and
into the next. The more oxygen
there is, the quicker the fire spreads.
Small fires can quickly become big problems.
Fires follow four stages of development:
1.
Beginning stage:
fire releases
invisible particles that can be detected by a smoke alarm.
2.
Smoke stage:
the fire begins to smolder.
3.
Flame stage: flames
spread and property damage begins to occur.
4.
High heat stage: flames
burn out of control.
Home
fires most frequently start:
1.
where chemicals are stored.
2.
in the kitchen near the stove or electrical appliances.
3.
near overcrowded electrical outlets.
4.
as a result of careless smoking.
Hidden
Home Hazards
Fires can be prevented, yet every 130 minutes another person
dies as a result of home fires. Many
items within your household may be potentially dangerous.
Here are some tips.
-
Store
flammable liquids in original containers away from heat sources.
-
Replace
or repair frayed electric cords, sparking outlets, or appliances.
-
Be
sure fireplaces have glass or metal screens.
-
Keep
matches, candles, and lighters out of children’s reach.
-
Use
extension cords sparingly, never under rugs or across walkways.
Fires
occur where you least expect them. You
may need 2 or more extinguishers in your home
such as in the kitchen and the garage.
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