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