The average homeowner will experience five housefires in the course of their life.

Fires can be devastating. In 2017, a Northern California fire destroyed over 245,000 acres of land, 8,900 buildings and homes, and killed 44 people. These fires changed the lives of thousands of individuals living in the Northern California area. The fires started from high winds whipping telephone lines during the dry season. Although these Northern California fires started as a wildfire, hundreds of thousands of yearly fires start inside of a house and spread to the neighborhood’s homes. House fires are deadly, and firemen respond to over one million house fires every year. The United States Fire Administration reports 1,318,500 fires, 3,655 fire-related deaths, 15,200 fire-related injuries, and a loss of $25.6 billion in fire damages.  

It’s simple to see that fires are dangerous and devastating, but how likely is it for a person to be involved in a house fire? Do you need to worry about having a house fire?  

According to data, a homeowner can expect to have five house fires in the course of their lifetime. Five fires is a lot, especially when the odds of someone in the home sustaining an injury from the fire is 1 in 10. While a majority of forest and grass fires happen in the heat of the summer or in the fall, almost one-third of house fires happen in the wintertime due to electrical sparks.  

Homeowners absolutely need to worry about house fires. They are deadly, dangerous, and unpredictable. Out of the five fires that a homeowner will experience in their lifetime, the person’s response to the fire will determine the level of damage. If a house fire is caught in the first few seconds, it is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, if a fire is left to smolder, the fire could cause significant damage and endanger the lives of all people living in the home.  

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association reports that house fires today move faster than house fires in the 1950s. The NFPA states that homeowners in the 1950s would have up to 30 minutes to escape a burning house before the fire and smoke became deadly. Today, homeowners have less than three minutes to escape a burning house. There are two main reasons for the drastic change in the fire’s speed. The first reason fires seem to move and burn faster is because of the materials that make up our homes. Our homes are filled with synthetic materials, from the paint on the walls to the blankets on the couch. Synthetic materials burn hotter, faster, and create more smoke than organic materials used in the 1900s. Because of this, fires eat up the material faster and burn through homes quicker. The second reason fires move faster is the layout of the home. In older homes, rooms are smaller, hallways are tighter, and airflow is more constricted. Although a tight home layout has its disadvantages (such as less airflow), it is able to better contain a fire and slow the fire down.  

Although fires today are burning faster, the approach to fire safety has stayed the same. Many people don’t think about house fires until their home catches on fire. Most homes use old fire detectors that can’t tell the difference between fire smoke and burnt toast. During some years, the fire department will respond to more false alarms than to real house fires. Having a fire plan with effective fire equipment is vital to real fire safety. Preparing your home and family for fire (before the fire starts) can limit property damage, increase family members’ safety, and save lives. As you keep reading, you will find great resources for fire safety tips, fire prevention, and must-have fire safety equipment. 

Fires can be caused by cooking accidents, heating equipment, electrical mishaps, and more. 

House fires are almost always accidental and entirely preventable. Knowing the most common causes of house fires can help homeowners prevent them from ever happening. In most cases, taking proper care of electrical sockets, candles, and cooking ware can prevent fires from happening in your home. Because house fires are so common, installing a working smart fire alarm system in the alarm is important. A smart smoke alarm can alert a professional alarm company and call the fire department before its too late. That being said, the most common causes of fires are:   

1. Cooking Accidents  

Cooking accidents account for 49 percent of house fires, 21 percent of home fire deaths, and 45 percent of home fire injuries. Cooking accidents are the most common reason for a house fire. A cooking accident can happen while the person is home or while they are away. Often, cooking accidents happen when the food catches on fire, either on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. These accidents are incredibly dangerous because the fire has a consistent source of heat and fuel (coming directly from the gas stovetop or the heat in the oven). Fires caused by cooking incidents will advance quickly, especially if there is additional fuel nearby such as a dish towel or carpet. If a cooking accident happens while the home is empty, the accident is likely to cause severe fire damage to the home. 

2. Heating Equipment  

As we mentioned earlier, nearly one-third of fires happen in the winter due to malfunctioning heating equipment. The NFPA reports that fire departments respond to over 52,050 a year, which accounts for 15 percent of house fires. Fires from heating equipment cause 490 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in fire damage each year. The most dangerous months for fires from heating equipment are December, January, and February. Before winter, homeowners should inspect their heating equipment to make sure that the equipment is working properly. Additionally, heating equipment, such as space heaters, should be turned off if no one is directly using the appliance. Fires in fireplaces need to be watched carefully, and cloth should be kept at least ten feet away from the fireplace.

3. Electrical Equipment  

The third most common reason for house fires is the malfunction of electrical equipment. In 2018, the NFPA reported over 34,000 house fires that were started due to malfunctioning heating equipment. Malfunctioning heating equipment accounts for over 10 percent of house fires, 18 percent of civilian deaths, 10 percent of civilian injuries, and 19 percent of fire damage costs. Wiring, cords, and electrical outlets are most likely to cause fires. The most common electrical equipment to cause house fires were extension cords. Extension cords, when used, should be monitored. If the person using an extension cord has to leave the room, the extension cord should be unplugged since it’s possible for the cord to overheat and spark. Electrical fires are also dangerous because not every fire extinguisher will put out the flames near the fire’s origin. 

4. Negligence  

Negligence is the fourth most common reason for house fires. Negligence, though it often overlaps other categories, deserves its own section since negligence can directly cause house fires. Negligence means that someone was careless with fire in the home. Perhaps a parent left out matches, and the children were playing with fire in the house. Or maybe a bundle of blankets was placed too close to a space heater. Fires caused by negligence are the easiest to prevent since they are a direct result of fire ignorance. Fire protection and fire safety need to be reviewed by every member of the household. Every fire hazard in the home needs to be addressed, from power sockets to the oven.  

Negligence can also be the direct cause of fire-related deaths. When a household does not create a fire escape plan, members of the family are more likely to become injured while attempting to escape a house fire. Creating a fire safety plan can help members of the family become more aware of what to do when there is a fire emergency. 

5. Candles  

In 2018, the United States fire departments responded to over 7,610 home fires started by a misplaced candle. Candle fires caused 81 fire-related deaths, 677 fire-related injuries, and $278 million in fire damage to private property. The NFPA reports that nearly 21 candle fires are reported every day. Candles have a place in homes. They smell nice and bring an appealing atmosphere to homes. During blackouts, candles can provide a source of light to those who don’t have flashlights. However, an unmonitored candle is a dangerous fire hazard. Unmonitored candles can tip over and catch a paper on fire or can turn a window curtain into a pillar of flame. When it comes to candles, a good rule of thumb is that if you’re not watching the candle, put the flame out. 

6. Indoor Appliances  

Indoor appliances include griddles, hairdryers, TVs, clothes dryers, fans, and other appliances that are plugged in and turned on. On the surface, these devices don’t seem dangerous. However, appliances cause four percent of fires in homes and are a likely culprit for house fires. Typically, when a device catches on fire, there as a malfunction with the device’s ability to convert electricity into power. Because of this, you should never purchase an item from an unknown company. Always check to make sure that the item has been tested by an accredited laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If you are leaving the house, unplug appliances, especially if you’re leaving on vacation. 

7. Arson  

Arson ranks as the number seven most common reason for house fires in the United States. Out of all house fires each year, about 4.2 percent were set intentionally. Arson is a felony and is punishable with up to 20 years in prison. Setting a fire intentionally is incredibly dangerous and can destroy lives and livelihoods. Teach children at a young age to treat fire with respect and to know the consequences of purposefully setting a fire with the intent to injure another person, either emotionally, mentally, or physically. 

8. Cigarettes  

Cigarettes are used less and less every year. As new health data is revealed that directly links cigarettes with lung cancer, more people are trying to quit smoking. However, smoking is more than a health hazard; it is a fire hazard. When using a cigarette, the end slowly smolders. If a lit cigarette is dropped, it can cause a house fire. In 2017, materials used in smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) caused 17,200 house fires, 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries, and $426 million in fire damage. Smoking inside the house is incredibly dangerous. If you or a loved one smokes, always smoke outside and safely dispose of the cigarette. 

9. Natural Causes  

The ninth most common cause of house fires is natural causes, which is difficult to stop or prevent. “Natural causes” refers to lightning strikes and wildfires. The best way to prevent severe damage caused by natural causes, you will need to prepare for the fire in advance. To prepare for a natural fire, you will need to install a smart smoke detector, like Luna. Luna’s purpose is to get help to your home as quickly as possible. 

10. Air Vents  

Air vents are the tenth most common reason for house fires. Interestingly, air vents don’t seem to pose a threat and are mostly ignored. So, what’s dangerous about air vents? Air vents have the potential to collect dust and debris over time. The dust that builds up is a flammable material. As this dust builds up, it can pose a fire hazard in the home. If a small spark is exposed to the dust build-up, the dust layer will burst into flame since it has a steady supply of fresh air through the air vent. For better life safety and fire safety, homeowners should regularly clean out their air vents.

A fire escape route should be planned as a household and practiced twice a year.

Every home is a fire risk. Our homes are filled with flammable material with the potential for a grease fire or combustion fire. Fire safety is essential, no matter where you live. One of the easier ways a family can practice fire safety is to create a fire escape route. A small flame can turn into a wall of fire within the first few seconds, making time your most important, and limited, resource.

Creating a fire escape plan and route is easy. Here’s how: 

• Draw out your home’s floor plan. You can use this template. While drawing out the floor plan, you should label each room to make the escape route clear, even for young children. 
• Using arrows in different colors (for children) draw two escape routes from every room. This provides a way to escape the house for each person, no matter which room they’re in when the fire starts.  
• Discuss and agree on one specific meeting place that each escape route will lead to. During a fire, you will need a way to know every member of the household is safe.  

After your escape route is mapped for every room, you can practice it. Families, especially those with young children, should practice their fire escape route at least twice every year to keep the plan fresh in each person’s mind. To practice your escape route:  

• First, quickly refresh the plan in each person’s mind and then tell everyone to go to a different room.  
• Sound the alarm. You can either use your fire alarm or use a computer-generated siren (if you have close neighbors).  
• Remind everyone to crawl low under the smoke as they leave their area. Each person should also gently touch the doorknobs before opening a door to check for fire on the other side.  
• Once each person has met at the designated meeting place, talk about what worked and what didn’t. Then run the drill again from a different room.  

Practicing a fire alarm drill can ensure that all household members will be safe when there is a house fire.

Fires can be prevented by following basic fire safety rules. 

Every home should be prepared for when a fire happens. Preparing for a fire isn’t enough. Instead, families should protect against fires. Having a fire protection system in place (a combination of devices and lessons) can help protect your home from having to use your fire escape route. Here’s how you can both protect against and prevent fires in your home:

1. Teach Fire Safety  

Since many fires can be prevented by simply knowing what causes a fire, teaching fire safety in your home should be a priority. There are a wide variety of resources that can help parents and family members learn everything they need to know about fire safety. The NFPA provides a wide variety of resources as well as other blog posts of Luna’s blog. Parents and homeowners should take full advantage of the wealth of information found online about fire safety.

2. Utilize Fire Protection Equipment  

Homes should include fire protection equipment to provide immediate relief from fires. Each home should have both passive fire protection and active fire protection. Examples of passive fire protection include smoke and fire dampers, fire-resistant walls, and fire-proof doors. Active fire protection includes portable fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, heat detectors, and fire sprinklers.

Some buildings have a built-in fire sprinkler system that will automatically trigger a fire sprinkler when the smoke sensor detects smoke. However, many homes don’t have the luxury of having sprinkler pipes installed. Having a sprinkler system is unattainable for many homes since the installation of the ceiling sprinklers is expensive and difficult. Some businesses in some states are required to have a sprinkler system; however, homes are not required to have fire sprinklers.  

The NFPA recommends that homes install Underwriter’s Laboratory approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows. Every home should also install smart smoke alarms to get the most fire protection possible. 

3. Use Fire Prevention Week 

Fire Prevention Week takes place the first week of October every year. This week was declared Fire Prevention Week in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. During this week, firefighters visit schools to teach children about vital lifesaving fire safety tips. Parents should also take advantage of Fire Prevention Week to speak to their children about fire safety. Fire Prevention Week opens the conversation of fire safety and encourages adults and children to be more responsible around fire.  

4. Have Yearly Inspections  

Many house fires start due to faulty wiring and heating. Many fires can be prevented if the homeowner inspected their home appliances more often. Air conditioning units and heaters should be inspected before every season. Air vents should be cleaned and restored, and the home’s wiring should be updated. 

5. Corporate With the Fire Department  

In some states, the fire department plays a vital role in creating fire-proof neighborhoods. Firefighters will routinely inspect fire-prone areas for any fire risk, even if the risk could only start a small fire. Those living in fire risk areas should comply with everything the fire department asks. If the fire department recommends keeping the grass tamed and cut on the side of the road, follow the advice and cut the grass. This type of interaction is more common in rural areas of town, where roadside grass and weeds grow tall and become the perfect kindling for a fire.

Yes, every state requires smoke detectors in the home.  

No matter where you live, your home is required to have a working smoke alarm installed in every sleeping room and on every floor of the house, including the basement. Smoke alarms can save lives, if the alarm is working properly. However, many homes use outdated smoke alarm technology. These outdated alarms often trigger a false alarm for every real fire emergency. Firefighters often find themselves responding to thousands of false alarms every year. Homes can upgrade their fire safety by using a Luna smoke alarm.  

Luna isn’t your traditional smoke alarm. First of all, Luna uses new technology that can tell the difference between the smoke from burnt toast and the smoke from a fire. Luna is a smart device, allowing the homeowner to monitor their fire alarms remotely. If the fire alarm triggers while no one is home, the Luna smoke alarm will send an emergency alarm to both the homeowner’s phone and to the fire department. Luna ensures that the fire department is quick to the scene.  

Luna has a wide variety of benefits that are designed to create a safe haven for families. The device is a dual sensor, meaning that it also detectors carbon monoxide in the air. However, Luna doesn’t stop there. The Luna smoke detector, in total, will detect smoke, carbon monoxide, humidity, temperature, and air pollutants to ensure that every inch of your home is protected from every possible threat.  

The Luna home fire alarm has revolutionized the way homeowners see fire safety is the best way to protect homes and families from the dangers of fire. 

The average homeowner will experience five housefires in the course of their life.

Fires can be devastating. In 2017, a Northern California fire destroyed over 245,000 acres of land, 8,900 buildings and homes, and killed 44 people. These fires changed the lives of thousands of individuals living in the Northern California area. The fires started from high winds whipping telephone lines during the dry season. Although these Northern California fires started as a wildfire, hundreds of thousands of yearly fires start inside of a house and spread to the neighborhood’s homes. House fires are deadly, and firemen respond to over one million house fires every year. The United States Fire Administration reports 1,318,500 fires, 3,655 fire-related deaths, 15,200 fire-related injuries, and a loss of $25.6 billion in fire damages.  

It’s simple to see that fires are dangerous and devastating, but how likely is it for a person to be involved in a house fire? Do you need to worry about having a house fire?  

According to data, a homeowner can expect to have five house fires in the course of their lifetime. Five fires is a lot, especially when the odds of someone in the home sustaining an injury from the fire is 1 in 10. While a majority of forest and grass fires happen in the heat of the summer or in the fall, almost one-third of house fires happen in the wintertime due to electrical sparks.  

Homeowners absolutely need to worry about house fires. They are deadly, dangerous, and unpredictable. Out of the five fires that a homeowner will experience in their lifetime, the person’s response to the fire will determine the level of damage. If a house fire is caught in the first few seconds, it is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, if a fire is left to smolder, the fire could cause significant damage and endanger the lives of all people living in the home.  

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association reports that house fires today move faster than house fires in the 1950s. The NFPA states that homeowners in the 1950s would have up to 30 minutes to escape a burning house before the fire and smoke became deadly. Today, homeowners have less than three minutes to escape a burning house. There are two main reasons for the drastic change in the fire’s speed. The first reason fires seem to move and burn faster is because of the materials that make up our homes. Our homes are filled with synthetic materials, from the paint on the walls to the blankets on the couch. Synthetic materials burn hotter, faster, and create more smoke than organic materials used in the 1900s. Because of this, fires eat up the material faster and burn through homes quicker. The second reason fires move faster is the layout of the home. In older homes, rooms are smaller, hallways are tighter, and airflow is more constricted. Although a tight home layout has its disadvantages (such as less airflow), it is able to better contain a fire and slow the fire down.  

Although fires today are burning faster, the approach to fire safety has stayed the same. Many people don’t think about house fires until their home catches on fire. Most homes use old fire detectors that can’t tell the difference between fire smoke and burnt toast. During some years, the fire department will respond to more false alarms than to real house fires. Having a fire plan with effective fire equipment is vital to real fire safety. Preparing your home and family for fire (before the fire starts) can limit property damage, increase family members’ safety, and save lives. As you keep reading, you will find great resources for fire safety tips, fire prevention, and must-have fire safety equipment. 

Fires can be caused by cooking accidents, heating equipment, electrical mishaps, and more. 

House fires are almost always accidental and entirely preventable. Knowing the most common causes of house fires can help homeowners prevent them from ever happening. In most cases, taking proper care of electrical sockets, candles, and cooking ware can prevent fires from happening in your home. Because house fires are so common, installing a working smart fire alarm system in the alarm is important. A smart smoke alarm can alert a professional alarm company and call the fire department before its too late. That being said, the most common causes of fires are:   

1. Cooking Accidents  

Cooking accidents account for 49 percent of house fires, 21 percent of home fire deaths, and 45 percent of home fire injuries. Cooking accidents are the most common reason for a house fire. A cooking accident can happen while the person is home or while they are away. Often, cooking accidents happen when the food catches on fire, either on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. These accidents are incredibly dangerous because the fire has a consistent source of heat and fuel (coming directly from the gas stovetop or the heat in the oven). Fires caused by cooking incidents will advance quickly, especially if there is additional fuel nearby such as a dish towel or carpet. If a cooking accident happens while the home is empty, the accident is likely to cause severe fire damage to the home. 

2. Heating Equipment  

As we mentioned earlier, nearly one-third of fires happen in the winter due to malfunctioning heating equipment. The NFPA reports that fire departments respond to over 52,050 a year, which accounts for 15 percent of house fires. Fires from heating equipment cause 490 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in fire damage each year. The most dangerous months for fires from heating equipment are December, January, and February. Before winter, homeowners should inspect their heating equipment to make sure that the equipment is working properly. Additionally, heating equipment, such as space heaters, should be turned off if no one is directly using the appliance. Fires in fireplaces need to be watched carefully, and cloth should be kept at least ten feet away from the fireplace.

3. Electrical Equipment  

The third most common reason for house fires is the malfunction of electrical equipment. In 2018, the NFPA reported over 34,000 house fires that were started due to malfunctioning heating equipment. Malfunctioning heating equipment accounts for over 10 percent of house fires, 18 percent of civilian deaths, 10 percent of civilian injuries, and 19 percent of fire damage costs. Wiring, cords, and electrical outlets are most likely to cause fires. The most common electrical equipment to cause house fires were extension cords. Extension cords, when used, should be monitored. If the person using an extension cord has to leave the room, the extension cord should be unplugged since it’s possible for the cord to overheat and spark. Electrical fires are also dangerous because not every fire extinguisher will put out the flames near the fire’s origin. 

4. Negligence  

Negligence is the fourth most common reason for house fires. Negligence, though it often overlaps other categories, deserves its own section since negligence can directly cause house fires. Negligence means that someone was careless with fire in the home. Perhaps a parent left out matches, and the children were playing with fire in the house. Or maybe a bundle of blankets was placed too close to a space heater. Fires caused by negligence are the easiest to prevent since they are a direct result of fire ignorance. Fire protection and fire safety need to be reviewed by every member of the household. Every fire hazard in the home needs to be addressed, from power sockets to the oven.  

Negligence can also be the direct cause of fire-related deaths. When a household does not create a fire escape plan, members of the family are more likely to become injured while attempting to escape a house fire. Creating a fire safety plan can help members of the family become more aware of what to do when there is a fire emergency. 

5. Candles  

In 2018, the United States fire departments responded to over 7,610 home fires started by a misplaced candle. Candle fires caused 81 fire-related deaths, 677 fire-related injuries, and $278 million in fire damage to private property. The NFPA reports that nearly 21 candle fires are reported every day. Candles have a place in homes. They smell nice and bring an appealing atmosphere to homes. During blackouts, candles can provide a source of light to those who don’t have flashlights. However, an unmonitored candle is a dangerous fire hazard. Unmonitored candles can tip over and catch a paper on fire or can turn a window curtain into a pillar of flame. When it comes to candles, a good rule of thumb is that if you’re not watching the candle, put the flame out. 

6. Indoor Appliances  

Indoor appliances include griddles, hairdryers, TVs, clothes dryers, fans, and other appliances that are plugged in and turned on. On the surface, these devices don’t seem dangerous. However, appliances cause four percent of fires in homes and are a likely culprit for house fires. Typically, when a device catches on fire, there as a malfunction with the device’s ability to convert electricity into power. Because of this, you should never purchase an item from an unknown company. Always check to make sure that the item has been tested by an accredited laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If you are leaving the house, unplug appliances, especially if you’re leaving on vacation. 

7. Arson  

Arson ranks as the number seven most common reason for house fires in the United States. Out of all house fires each year, about 4.2 percent were set intentionally. Arson is a felony and is punishable with up to 20 years in prison. Setting a fire intentionally is incredibly dangerous and can destroy lives and livelihoods. Teach children at a young age to treat fire with respect and to know the consequences of purposefully setting a fire with the intent to injure another person, either emotionally, mentally, or physically. 

8. Cigarettes  

Cigarettes are used less and less every year. As new health data is revealed that directly links cigarettes with lung cancer, more people are trying to quit smoking. However, smoking is more than a health hazard; it is a fire hazard. When using a cigarette, the end slowly smolders. If a lit cigarette is dropped, it can cause a house fire. In 2017, materials used in smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) caused 17,200 house fires, 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries, and $426 million in fire damage. Smoking inside the house is incredibly dangerous. If you or a loved one smokes, always smoke outside and safely dispose of the cigarette. 

9. Natural Causes  

The ninth most common cause of house fires is natural causes, which is difficult to stop or prevent. “Natural causes” refers to lightning strikes and wildfires. The best way to prevent severe damage caused by natural causes, you will need to prepare for the fire in advance. To prepare for a natural fire, you will need to install a smart smoke detector, like Luna. Luna’s purpose is to get help to your home as quickly as possible. 

10. Air Vents  

Air vents are the tenth most common reason for house fires. Interestingly, air vents don’t seem to pose a threat and are mostly ignored. So, what’s dangerous about air vents? Air vents have the potential to collect dust and debris over time. The dust that builds up is a flammable material. As this dust builds up, it can pose a fire hazard in the home. If a small spark is exposed to the dust build-up, the dust layer will burst into flame since it has a steady supply of fresh air through the air vent. For better life safety and fire safety, homeowners should regularly clean out their air vents.

A fire escape route should be planned as a household and practiced twice a year.

Every home is a fire risk. Our homes are filled with flammable material with the potential for a grease fire or combustion fire. Fire safety is essential, no matter where you live. One of the easier ways a family can practice fire safety is to create a fire escape route. A small flame can turn into a wall of fire within the first few seconds, making time your most important, and limited, resource.

Creating a fire escape plan and route is easy. Here’s how: 

• Draw out your home’s floor plan. You can use this template. While drawing out the floor plan, you should label each room to make the escape route clear, even for young children. 
• Using arrows in different colors (for children) draw two escape routes from every room. This provides a way to escape the house for each person, no matter which room they’re in when the fire starts.  
• Discuss and agree on one specific meeting place that each escape route will lead to. During a fire, you will need a way to know every member of the household is safe.  

After your escape route is mapped for every room, you can practice it. Families, especially those with young children, should practice their fire escape route at least twice every year to keep the plan fresh in each person’s mind. To practice your escape route:  

• First, quickly refresh the plan in each person’s mind and then tell everyone to go to a different room.  
• Sound the alarm. You can either use your fire alarm or use a computer-generated siren (if you have close neighbors).  
• Remind everyone to crawl low under the smoke as they leave their area. Each person should also gently touch the doorknobs before opening a door to check for fire on the other side.  
• Once each person has met at the designated meeting place, talk about what worked and what didn’t. Then run the drill again from a different room.  

Practicing a fire alarm drill can ensure that all household members will be safe when there is a house fire.

Fires can be prevented by following basic fire safety rules. 

Every home should be prepared for when a fire happens. Preparing for a fire isn’t enough. Instead, families should protect against fires. Having a fire protection system in place (a combination of devices and lessons) can help protect your home from having to use your fire escape route. Here’s how you can both protect against and prevent fires in your home:

1. Teach Fire Safety  

Since many fires can be prevented by simply knowing what causes a fire, teaching fire safety in your home should be a priority. There are a wide variety of resources that can help parents and family members learn everything they need to know about fire safety. The NFPA provides a wide variety of resources as well as other blog posts of Luna’s blog. Parents and homeowners should take full advantage of the wealth of information found online about fire safety.

2. Utilize Fire Protection Equipment  

Homes should include fire protection equipment to provide immediate relief from fires. Each home should have both passive fire protection and active fire protection. Examples of passive fire protection include smoke and fire dampers, fire-resistant walls, and fire-proof doors. Active fire protection includes portable fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, heat detectors, and fire sprinklers.

Some buildings have a built-in fire sprinkler system that will automatically trigger a fire sprinkler when the smoke sensor detects smoke. However, many homes don’t have the luxury of having sprinkler pipes installed. Having a sprinkler system is unattainable for many homes since the installation of the ceiling sprinklers is expensive and difficult. Some businesses in some states are required to have a sprinkler system; however, homes are not required to have fire sprinklers.  

The NFPA recommends that homes install Underwriter’s Laboratory approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows. Every home should also install smart smoke alarms to get the most fire protection possible. 

3. Use Fire Prevention Week 

Fire Prevention Week takes place the first week of October every year. This week was declared Fire Prevention Week in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. During this week, firefighters visit schools to teach children about vital lifesaving fire safety tips. Parents should also take advantage of Fire Prevention Week to speak to their children about fire safety. Fire Prevention Week opens the conversation of fire safety and encourages adults and children to be more responsible around fire.  

4. Have Yearly Inspections  

Many house fires start due to faulty wiring and heating. Many fires can be prevented if the homeowner inspected their home appliances more often. Air conditioning units and heaters should be inspected before every season. Air vents should be cleaned and restored, and the home’s wiring should be updated. 

5. Corporate With the Fire Department  

In some states, the fire department plays a vital role in creating fire-proof neighborhoods. Firefighters will routinely inspect fire-prone areas for any fire risk, even if the risk could only start a small fire. Those living in fire risk areas should comply with everything the fire department asks. If the fire department recommends keeping the grass tamed and cut on the side of the road, follow the advice and cut the grass. This type of interaction is more common in rural areas of town, where roadside grass and weeds grow tall and become the perfect kindling for a fire.

Yes, every state requires smoke detectors in the home.  

No matter where you live, your home is required to have a working smoke alarm installed in every sleeping room and on every floor of the house, including the basement. Smoke alarms can save lives, if the alarm is working properly. However, many homes use outdated smoke alarm technology. These outdated alarms often trigger a false alarm for every real fire emergency. Firefighters often find themselves responding to thousands of false alarms every year. Homes can upgrade their fire safety by using a Luna smoke alarm.  

Luna isn’t your traditional smoke alarm. First of all, Luna uses new technology that can tell the difference between the smoke from burnt toast and the smoke from a fire. Luna is a smart device, allowing the homeowner to monitor their fire alarms remotely. If the fire alarm triggers while no one is home, the Luna smoke alarm will send an emergency alarm to both the homeowner’s phone and to the fire department. Luna ensures that the fire department is quick to the scene.  

Luna has a wide variety of benefits that are designed to create a safe haven for families. The device is a dual sensor, meaning that it also detectors carbon monoxide in the air. However, Luna doesn’t stop there. The Luna smoke detector, in total, will detect smoke, carbon monoxide, humidity, temperature, and air pollutants to ensure that every inch of your home is protected from every possible threat.  

The Luna home fire alarm has revolutionized the way homeowners see fire safety is the best way to protect homes and families from the dangers of fire. 

The average homeowner will experience five housefires in the course of their life.

Fires can be devastating. In 2017, a Northern California fire destroyed over 245,000 acres of land, 8,900 buildings and homes, and killed 44 people. These fires changed the lives of thousands of individuals living in the Northern California area. The fires started from high winds whipping telephone lines during the dry season. Although these Northern California fires started as a wildfire, hundreds of thousands of yearly fires start inside of a house and spread to the neighborhood’s homes. House fires are deadly, and firemen respond to over one million house fires every year. The United States Fire Administration reports 1,318,500 fires, 3,655 fire-related deaths, 15,200 fire-related injuries, and a loss of $25.6 billion in fire damages.  

It’s simple to see that fires are dangerous and devastating, but how likely is it for a person to be involved in a house fire? Do you need to worry about having a house fire?  

According to data, a homeowner can expect to have five house fires in the course of their lifetime. Five fires is a lot, especially when the odds of someone in the home sustaining an injury from the fire is 1 in 10. While a majority of forest and grass fires happen in the heat of the summer or in the fall, almost one-third of house fires happen in the wintertime due to electrical sparks.  

Homeowners absolutely need to worry about house fires. They are deadly, dangerous, and unpredictable. Out of the five fires that a homeowner will experience in their lifetime, the person’s response to the fire will determine the level of damage. If a house fire is caught in the first few seconds, it is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, if a fire is left to smolder, the fire could cause significant damage and endanger the lives of all people living in the home.  

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association reports that house fires today move faster than house fires in the 1950s. The NFPA states that homeowners in the 1950s would have up to 30 minutes to escape a burning house before the fire and smoke became deadly. Today, homeowners have less than three minutes to escape a burning house. There are two main reasons for the drastic change in the fire’s speed. The first reason fires seem to move and burn faster is because of the materials that make up our homes. Our homes are filled with synthetic materials, from the paint on the walls to the blankets on the couch. Synthetic materials burn hotter, faster, and create more smoke than organic materials used in the 1900s. Because of this, fires eat up the material faster and burn through homes quicker. The second reason fires move faster is the layout of the home. In older homes, rooms are smaller, hallways are tighter, and airflow is more constricted. Although a tight home layout has its disadvantages (such as less airflow), it is able to better contain a fire and slow the fire down.  

Although fires today are burning faster, the approach to fire safety has stayed the same. Many people don’t think about house fires until their home catches on fire. Most homes use old fire detectors that can’t tell the difference between fire smoke and burnt toast. During some years, the fire department will respond to more false alarms than to real house fires. Having a fire plan with effective fire equipment is vital to real fire safety. Preparing your home and family for fire (before the fire starts) can limit property damage, increase family members’ safety, and save lives. As you keep reading, you will find great resources for fire safety tips, fire prevention, and must-have fire safety equipment. 

Fires can be caused by cooking accidents, heating equipment, electrical mishaps, and more. 

House fires are almost always accidental and entirely preventable. Knowing the most common causes of house fires can help homeowners prevent them from ever happening. In most cases, taking proper care of electrical sockets, candles, and cooking ware can prevent fires from happening in your home. Because house fires are so common, installing a working smart fire alarm system in the alarm is important. A smart smoke alarm can alert a professional alarm company and call the fire department before its too late. That being said, the most common causes of fires are:   

1. Cooking Accidents  

Cooking accidents account for 49 percent of house fires, 21 percent of home fire deaths, and 45 percent of home fire injuries. Cooking accidents are the most common reason for a house fire. A cooking accident can happen while the person is home or while they are away. Often, cooking accidents happen when the food catches on fire, either on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. These accidents are incredibly dangerous because the fire has a consistent source of heat and fuel (coming directly from the gas stovetop or the heat in the oven). Fires caused by cooking incidents will advance quickly, especially if there is additional fuel nearby such as a dish towel or carpet. If a cooking accident happens while the home is empty, the accident is likely to cause severe fire damage to the home. 

2. Heating Equipment  

As we mentioned earlier, nearly one-third of fires happen in the winter due to malfunctioning heating equipment. The NFPA reports that fire departments respond to over 52,050 a year, which accounts for 15 percent of house fires. Fires from heating equipment cause 490 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in fire damage each year. The most dangerous months for fires from heating equipment are December, January, and February. Before winter, homeowners should inspect their heating equipment to make sure that the equipment is working properly. Additionally, heating equipment, such as space heaters, should be turned off if no one is directly using the appliance. Fires in fireplaces need to be watched carefully, and cloth should be kept at least ten feet away from the fireplace.

3. Electrical Equipment  

The third most common reason for house fires is the malfunction of electrical equipment. In 2018, the NFPA reported over 34,000 house fires that were started due to malfunctioning heating equipment. Malfunctioning heating equipment accounts for over 10 percent of house fires, 18 percent of civilian deaths, 10 percent of civilian injuries, and 19 percent of fire damage costs. Wiring, cords, and electrical outlets are most likely to cause fires. The most common electrical equipment to cause house fires were extension cords. Extension cords, when used, should be monitored. If the person using an extension cord has to leave the room, the extension cord should be unplugged since it’s possible for the cord to overheat and spark. Electrical fires are also dangerous because not every fire extinguisher will put out the flames near the fire’s origin. 

4. Negligence  

Negligence is the fourth most common reason for house fires. Negligence, though it often overlaps other categories, deserves its own section since negligence can directly cause house fires. Negligence means that someone was careless with fire in the home. Perhaps a parent left out matches, and the children were playing with fire in the house. Or maybe a bundle of blankets was placed too close to a space heater. Fires caused by negligence are the easiest to prevent since they are a direct result of fire ignorance. Fire protection and fire safety need to be reviewed by every member of the household. Every fire hazard in the home needs to be addressed, from power sockets to the oven.  

Negligence can also be the direct cause of fire-related deaths. When a household does not create a fire escape plan, members of the family are more likely to become injured while attempting to escape a house fire. Creating a fire safety plan can help members of the family become more aware of what to do when there is a fire emergency. 

5. Candles  

In 2018, the United States fire departments responded to over 7,610 home fires started by a misplaced candle. Candle fires caused 81 fire-related deaths, 677 fire-related injuries, and $278 million in fire damage to private property. The NFPA reports that nearly 21 candle fires are reported every day. Candles have a place in homes. They smell nice and bring an appealing atmosphere to homes. During blackouts, candles can provide a source of light to those who don’t have flashlights. However, an unmonitored candle is a dangerous fire hazard. Unmonitored candles can tip over and catch a paper on fire or can turn a window curtain into a pillar of flame. When it comes to candles, a good rule of thumb is that if you’re not watching the candle, put the flame out. 

6. Indoor Appliances  

Indoor appliances include griddles, hairdryers, TVs, clothes dryers, fans, and other appliances that are plugged in and turned on. On the surface, these devices don’t seem dangerous. However, appliances cause four percent of fires in homes and are a likely culprit for house fires. Typically, when a device catches on fire, there as a malfunction with the device’s ability to convert electricity into power. Because of this, you should never purchase an item from an unknown company. Always check to make sure that the item has been tested by an accredited laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If you are leaving the house, unplug appliances, especially if you’re leaving on vacation. 

7. Arson  

Arson ranks as the number seven most common reason for house fires in the United States. Out of all house fires each year, about 4.2 percent were set intentionally. Arson is a felony and is punishable with up to 20 years in prison. Setting a fire intentionally is incredibly dangerous and can destroy lives and livelihoods. Teach children at a young age to treat fire with respect and to know the consequences of purposefully setting a fire with the intent to injure another person, either emotionally, mentally, or physically. 

8. Cigarettes  

Cigarettes are used less and less every year. As new health data is revealed that directly links cigarettes with lung cancer, more people are trying to quit smoking. However, smoking is more than a health hazard; it is a fire hazard. When using a cigarette, the end slowly smolders. If a lit cigarette is dropped, it can cause a house fire. In 2017, materials used in smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) caused 17,200 house fires, 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries, and $426 million in fire damage. Smoking inside the house is incredibly dangerous. If you or a loved one smokes, always smoke outside and safely dispose of the cigarette. 

9. Natural Causes  

The ninth most common cause of house fires is natural causes, which is difficult to stop or prevent. “Natural causes” refers to lightning strikes and wildfires. The best way to prevent severe damage caused by natural causes, you will need to prepare for the fire in advance. To prepare for a natural fire, you will need to install a smart smoke detector, like Luna. Luna’s purpose is to get help to your home as quickly as possible. 

10. Air Vents  

Air vents are the tenth most common reason for house fires. Interestingly, air vents don’t seem to pose a threat and are mostly ignored. So, what’s dangerous about air vents? Air vents have the potential to collect dust and debris over time. The dust that builds up is a flammable material. As this dust builds up, it can pose a fire hazard in the home. If a small spark is exposed to the dust build-up, the dust layer will burst into flame since it has a steady supply of fresh air through the air vent. For better life safety and fire safety, homeowners should regularly clean out their air vents.

A fire escape route should be planned as a household and practiced twice a year.

Every home is a fire risk. Our homes are filled with flammable material with the potential for a grease fire or combustion fire. Fire safety is essential, no matter where you live. One of the easier ways a family can practice fire safety is to create a fire escape route. A small flame can turn into a wall of fire within the first few seconds, making time your most important, and limited, resource.

Creating a fire escape plan and route is easy. Here’s how: 

• Draw out your home’s floor plan. You can use this template. While drawing out the floor plan, you should label each room to make the escape route clear, even for young children. 
• Using arrows in different colors (for children) draw two escape routes from every room. This provides a way to escape the house for each person, no matter which room they’re in when the fire starts.  
• Discuss and agree on one specific meeting place that each escape route will lead to. During a fire, you will need a way to know every member of the household is safe.  

After your escape route is mapped for every room, you can practice it. Families, especially those with young children, should practice their fire escape route at least twice every year to keep the plan fresh in each person’s mind. To practice your escape route:  

• First, quickly refresh the plan in each person’s mind and then tell everyone to go to a different room.  
• Sound the alarm. You can either use your fire alarm or use a computer-generated siren (if you have close neighbors).  
• Remind everyone to crawl low under the smoke as they leave their area. Each person should also gently touch the doorknobs before opening a door to check for fire on the other side.  
• Once each person has met at the designated meeting place, talk about what worked and what didn’t. Then run the drill again from a different room.  

Practicing a fire alarm drill can ensure that all household members will be safe when there is a house fire.

Fires can be prevented by following basic fire safety rules. 

Every home should be prepared for when a fire happens. Preparing for a fire isn’t enough. Instead, families should protect against fires. Having a fire protection system in place (a combination of devices and lessons) can help protect your home from having to use your fire escape route. Here’s how you can both protect against and prevent fires in your home:

1. Teach Fire Safety  

Since many fires can be prevented by simply knowing what causes a fire, teaching fire safety in your home should be a priority. There are a wide variety of resources that can help parents and family members learn everything they need to know about fire safety. The NFPA provides a wide variety of resources as well as other blog posts of Luna’s blog. Parents and homeowners should take full advantage of the wealth of information found online about fire safety.

2. Utilize Fire Protection Equipment  

Homes should include fire protection equipment to provide immediate relief from fires. Each home should have both passive fire protection and active fire protection. Examples of passive fire protection include smoke and fire dampers, fire-resistant walls, and fire-proof doors. Active fire protection includes portable fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, heat detectors, and fire sprinklers.

Some buildings have a built-in fire sprinkler system that will automatically trigger a fire sprinkler when the smoke sensor detects smoke. However, many homes don’t have the luxury of having sprinkler pipes installed. Having a sprinkler system is unattainable for many homes since the installation of the ceiling sprinklers is expensive and difficult. Some businesses in some states are required to have a sprinkler system; however, homes are not required to have fire sprinklers.  

The NFPA recommends that homes install Underwriter’s Laboratory approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows. Every home should also install smart smoke alarms to get the most fire protection possible. 

3. Use Fire Prevention Week 

Fire Prevention Week takes place the first week of October every year. This week was declared Fire Prevention Week in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. During this week, firefighters visit schools to teach children about vital lifesaving fire safety tips. Parents should also take advantage of Fire Prevention Week to speak to their children about fire safety. Fire Prevention Week opens the conversation of fire safety and encourages adults and children to be more responsible around fire.  

4. Have Yearly Inspections  

Many house fires start due to faulty wiring and heating. Many fires can be prevented if the homeowner inspected their home appliances more often. Air conditioning units and heaters should be inspected before every season. Air vents should be cleaned and restored, and the home’s wiring should be updated. 

5. Corporate With the Fire Department  

In some states, the fire department plays a vital role in creating fire-proof neighborhoods. Firefighters will routinely inspect fire-prone areas for any fire risk, even if the risk could only start a small fire. Those living in fire risk areas should comply with everything the fire department asks. If the fire department recommends keeping the grass tamed and cut on the side of the road, follow the advice and cut the grass. This type of interaction is more common in rural areas of town, where roadside grass and weeds grow tall and become the perfect kindling for a fire.

Yes, every state requires smoke detectors in the home.  

No matter where you live, your home is required to have a working smoke alarm installed in every sleeping room and on every floor of the house, including the basement. Smoke alarms can save lives, if the alarm is working properly. However, many homes use outdated smoke alarm technology. These outdated alarms often trigger a false alarm for every real fire emergency. Firefighters often find themselves responding to thousands of false alarms every year. Homes can upgrade their fire safety by using a Luna smoke alarm.  

Luna isn’t your traditional smoke alarm. First of all, Luna uses new technology that can tell the difference between the smoke from burnt toast and the smoke from a fire. Luna is a smart device, allowing the homeowner to monitor their fire alarms remotely. If the fire alarm triggers while no one is home, the Luna smoke alarm will send an emergency alarm to both the homeowner’s phone and to the fire department. Luna ensures that the fire department is quick to the scene.  

Luna has a wide variety of benefits that are designed to create a safe haven for families. The device is a dual sensor, meaning that it also detectors carbon monoxide in the air. However, Luna doesn’t stop there. The Luna smoke detector, in total, will detect smoke, carbon monoxide, humidity, temperature, and air pollutants to ensure that every inch of your home is protected from every possible threat.  

The Luna home fire alarm has revolutionized the way homeowners see fire safety is the best way to protect homes and families from the dangers of fire.