Look for yourself or someone you love in the following statistics.
In 2025 in Michigan, 106 people lost their lives in house fires, with smoking the No. 1 cause, followed by electrical issues and heating devices.
There were no working fire alarms in 32% of those tragedies, and 29% of the fatalities were disabled persons.
With almost an even split between male and female casualties, 69% of those lost were over 50 years of age, and the deadliest day was Saturday in a cold month, followed by Monday and Friday.
It may seem presumptive to correctly guess that 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. was the most dangerous time for these people, since many fatalities occur via smoke inhalation with sleeping persons.
The Michigan Fire Inspector’s Society, MFIS, and the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, regularly publish data on this issue in the hopes of reducing injury, death and property loss.
It is their perspective that proper education is the key to minimizing, if not eliminating, home and building fires.
The country as a whole annually experiences approximately 2,500 fire-related deaths, nearly 11,000 injuries and property damage of nearly $1 billion.
It may also seem surprising to learn most fires begin in the main living area, followed by the kitchen and bedroom.
Triggering items might include smoking materials such as cigarettes, pipes and cigars, portable heating appliances, stovetop materials like grease, candles and fireplace accidents.
It is truly a frightening thought to consider the potential devastation of a family due to a preventable occurrence.
What can we do to minimize the chance of such a calamity?
The NFPA and MFIS offer the following considerations.
Do not use live flames in the home unless they are carefully and constantly monitored. This includes gas stoves, smoking materials, portable heating devices, candles and more. Never walk away from a hot stove or live flame.
Neglect is a primary catalyst.
Use the proper chargers for all battery-operated devices and don’t overload surge protectors.
When you purchase a multi-receptacle surge protector, look for approval from a known agency like Underwriters Laboratories, UL, and match the amperage rating of the device to the anticipated “load” or use.
As an example, our flat screen televisions are often plugged into such a protective device, but then we also put multiple other charging devices on it as well, potentially causing a hot overload situation.
Every commercial building and every home should have an emergency evacuation plan.
If we become aware of a house fire, take immediate action to safely vacate the premises and notify a fire department.
The plan should include closing bedroom doors. It is suggested children do this, then open a window and exit. If they are in a second-story room, they should throw toys out the window to help responders identify rooms that may contain a child.
If you can safely exit the building, identify a known spot in the front yard away from the home where everyone can gather. Many lives are lost because a parent reentered the building to rescue a child who had already exited.
Never re-enter to save a pet or other treasured items.
Test smoke detectors often by simply pushing the test button, and even if the devices appear to be functioning properly, replace them as needed or at least every eight to 10 years.
It is an error in judgment to try to escape under or through the smoke. That sad reality is proven by the lost lives located just a few feet from an exit door.
If you maintain portable fire extinguishers at high-risk locations like the kitchen, laundry, garage, or basement workshop, understand exactly what type of fire they can be used for and know how to quickly and safely use them.
The Guys love and appreciate our listeners. Take a moment to develop, review and practice your plan, from preventing fires to successfully exiting an enflamed structure.
And keep in mind that anytime you require great housing advice and professionals you can trust, we are here for you at insideoutsideguys.com.
Listen to the Inside Outside Guys every Saturday and Sunday on AM 760-WJR from 10 a.m.-noon or contact us at insideoutsideguys.com.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: The Inside Outside Guys: Fire prevention
Reporting by Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein, Special to The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
