Programs for the Prevention of Fire Related Injuries

1
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

2
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.

3
CDCs Role in Fire Prevention

• Epidemiologic expertise
• Research
• Community-based programs
• Partnerships
• Convening collaborators

4
CDC Accomplishments in Fire Injury Prevention

• Research to develop long-lasting lithium battery
  powered smoke alarms
• Research on installation vs. vouchers/ give-aways

5
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/)

6
NCIPC Funded States 1998-2001
7
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.

8
Community Partners

• Local and County Health Departments
• Paid and Volunteer Fire Departments
• Military
• Churches
• Red Cross
• Local Businesses
• Law Enforcement
• SAFE Kids
• Schools and Universities
• Indian Health Service
• Native American Tribes and Organizations
• All varieties of media

9
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

10
Program Challenges

• Record keeping in the field.
• Overall staff turnover.
• Keeping organizations committed throughout length
  of project.
• Problems with chirping alarms.

11
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.

12
Currently Funded States
13
Anecdotes Potential Lives Saved

• Oklahoma
• Virginia
• Pennsylvania