Survey Shows Lack of Fire Safety Knowledge Among Americans

October 8, 2006 – A new national study conducted by the IAFF and Liberty Mutual reveals that, for most Americans, home fires rank highest on the list of top disaster concerns, along with terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

The 2006 Fire Safety Census reports that 75 percent of those polled are concerned about fire in the home. The survey further reveals that Americans are dangerously negligent when it comes to taking fire precautions and are largely uninformed about what to do if a fire occurs. Last year, 82 percent of the 3,675 fire-related deaths were caused by home fires.

“All too often, our members see the tragedy that results from home fires that could have been avoided by taking simple fire safety measures,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “This survey identifies some areas where we can help citizens in our communities improve their chances of preventing fires and surviving them, should they occur.”

The telephone survey of more than 1,000 adults 25 years and older shows that many of those surveyed simply do not know about the safety measures they should be practicing.

Nearly 85 percent of parents polled admitted that they do not frequently discuss fire safety with their children, and seven in 10 parents report that their children are less than fully prepared to escape and survive a fire. Additionally, more than 90 percent of the people surveyed acknowledged that having a smoke alarm, fire extinguisher and fire escape plan are all important, yet many do not practice these bottom-line safety measures.

Full survey results are available at www.befiresmart.com, a new interactive fire safety and prevention web site developed by Liberty Mutual that includes fire safety tips and information, interactive lesson plans and games for parents, children, educators and fire fighters.