Programs for the Prevention of Fire Related Injuries

Mark Jackson, R.E.H.S.Division of Unintentional Injury PreventionNational Center for Injury Prevention and

Control/CDC

Scope of the Problem

• Fires and burns are the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.

• In 2000, about 85% of all fire deaths occurred in homes.

• In 2000 approximately 380,000 residential fires killed nearly 3,500 people.

CDC’s Role in Fire Prevention

• Epidemiologic expertise

• Research

• Community-based programs

• Partnerships

• Convening collaborators

CDC Accomplishments in Fire Injury Prevention

• Research to develop long-lasting lithium battery powered smoke alarms

• Research on installation vs. vouchers/ give-aways

Remembering When: A Fire & Falls Prevention Program

for Older Adults

• Five states funded for implementation and evaluation (3 years)

• For information on curriculum:

www.nfpa.org/)

NCIPC Funded States – 1998-2001

Program Components

• Minimum of 2 high risk communities/yr.• Extensive community collaboration.• Install according to meet NFPA 72.• Provide fire safety education, including fire

escape planning.• Program evaluation.

Community Partners

Local and County Health DepartmentsPaid and Volunteer Fire DepartmentsMilitaryChurchesRed CrossLocal BusinessesLaw EnforcementSAFE KidsSchools and UniversitiesIndian Health ServiceNative American Tribes and OrganizationsAll varieties of media

What Works

• Door-to-door canvassing.• Working with fire departments, both paid and

volunteer.• Matching tasks with expertise.• Being flexible.• Advertise your program.• Local Coordinators• Incentives

Program Challenges

• Record keeping in the field.• Overall staff turnover.• Keeping organizations committed throughout length

of project.• Problems with chirping alarms.

Program Outcomes

• Over 163,000 homes were canvassed.• Over 75,000 homes received smoke alarms.• Over 116,000 smoke alarms installed• 346 lives potentially saved.• Over 7.5 million people exposed to fire-safety

messages.• Relationships between public health and fire

departments.• Ardmore, Oklahoma legislation.• 80% - 100% functionality upon follow-up.

Currently Funded States

NCIPC-Funded Residential Fire-RelatedInjury Prevention Projects

WA

MN

AK

KS KYVA

NY

NC

SC

GAALMS

OK

In ju ry Preve n tion

MT

AR

MA

Anecdotes – Potential Lives Saved

• Oklahoma

• Virginia

• Pennsylvania