AURORA, Ill., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- There's safety in numbers, and when it comes to fire protection, numbers can make all the difference. In honor of Fire Prevention Month this October, First Alert, the most trusted brand in home safety*, and its Super Prepared Family are encouraging everyone to practice "safety in numbers" to ensure they are "super prepared" when it comes to whole home safety.
Fire safety is a family affair: plan your escape in case of emergency.
The #1 leading cause of accidental deaths is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
The #1 leading cause of house fires is unattended cooking.
3 of 5 fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms.
The First Alert 10-Year Smoke Alarm (PR710) features a sealed, 10-year battery.
NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms on each level of the home and in every bedroom.
"Fire safety is a whole-family affair," said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, a leader in residential fire and carbon monoxide (CO) detection devices. "Through a highly educational and fun campaign with our Super Prepared Family that touches on key home safety measures, we aim to help people understand the importance behind some startling home safety numbers and why it is so critical to involve the entire family when discussing the topic."
3 of 5: The number of fire deaths that occur in homes without smoke alarms
"It's a shocking number – three of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes without smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms**," said Wey. "Many of these tragedies could be prevented with proper placement, number and maintenance of working smoke alarms, as well as prior emergency and escape planning."
Ensuring properly functioning smoke alarms are installed throughout the home – one on each level and in every bedroom, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations – is the first line of defense for fire prevention. Additionally, alarms must be regularly tested, as they do not last forever, and must be replaced at least every 10 years regardless of their manufacturer.
1: The number-one leading cause of house fires is unattended cooking
Beyond alarms, having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important part of maintaining a safe home for you and your family, as unattended cooking is the number one cause of house fires**. Place extinguishers in each area of the home where a fire could potentially occur, including the kitchen, living room, bedrooms and garage.
1/2: The number of homeowners without an emergency escape plan
Another critical component of fire safety is having – and frequently practicing – an escape plan with your family. Unfortunately, less than 50 percent of homeowners have an escape plan – and even less practice it regularly***. As part of this plan, equip second-floor sleeping areas with escape ladders and discuss how to use them. In the event of an emergency, it is important to exit the home, stay outside and wait at the predesignated meeting place away from the home. Call 911 and wait until officials clear your home to re-enter it safely.
1: The number-one leading cause of accidental deaths is carbon monoxide (CO)
Known as the "silent killer," CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a sensing device. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, CO poisoning is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States and is responsible for an average of 450 deaths each year. Any fuel burning appliance, including water heaters, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood, or petroleum products, are all potential sources of CO. It's critical to have appliances inspected by certified licensed technicians, educate loved ones on the dangers of carbon monoxide, and to immediately evacuate the home to fresh air if the alarm sounds.
2018 is an important year for many families across the United States, as many states enacted carbon monoxide alarm requirements in 2011. This means that alarms installed at that time – many of which had a useful life of seven years – will sound their end-of-life chirp soon and will need to be replaced.
"If you can't think of the last time you installed a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, chances are, it's time to replace your old ones," Wey said. "These legislative anniversaries, along with Fire Prevention Month, are timely reminders of the importance of CO alarm maintenance and replacement."
The Super Prepared Family
To help educate families on the importance of whole home safety, First Alert has produced a series of educational videos starring the "Super Prepared Family." From the outside, they may look like a typical family, but each family member has a special "super safety power" and plays an important role in helping ensure their family and home are protected. This year, the Super Prepared Family is sharing vital safety tips and information, as well as highlighting these critical home safety statistics.
To see the Super Prepared Family in action and obtain information and other resources regarding smoke and CO alarms, alarm laws in your state, as well as tips for protecting your family from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide, visit www.firstalert.com/firepreventionmonth.
*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, February 2018
**National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org)
***Fire Safety Research, Insights in Marketing, Spring 2016
About BRK Brands, Inc. BRK Brands, Inc. (Aurora, IL), is a fully owned subsidiary of Newell Brands. For 60 years, BRK Brands, Inc. has been the manufacturer of First Alert®-branded home-safety products, the most trusted and recognized safety brand in America. BRK® Brands designs and develops innovative safety solutions including Tundra™ Fire Extinguishing Spray, Onelink by First Alert smart home products, a comprehensive line of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders to protect what matters most. Such products are also marketed under the BRK Electronics® brand, The Professional Standard for the builder and contractor audiences. BRK Brands, Inc. products are found in more than 30 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.firstalert.com, http://www.brkelectronics.com or http://www.newellbrands.com.
About Newell Brands Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer's®, Coleman®, Marmot®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, and Yankee Candle®. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play.
This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company's website, www.newellbrands.com.
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