FIRE STOPS WITH YOU
Live Safely in Your Manufactured Home: A Factsheet on
Manufactured Home Safety
Fires in manufactured homes
claim the lives of 500 Americans each year and injure 1,000
more. Many of these fires are caused by heating and electrical
system malfunctions and improper storage of combustibles.
The United States Fire
Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there
are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and
property in home fires.
THE PROBLEM
During a typical year,
manufactured homes account for 22,000 fires, hundreds of deaths
and $200 million in property losses. An estimated 11 million
Americans live in manufactured homes, where fire deaths occur at
twice the rate of fire deaths in other types of homes.
THE FACTS
Young children account for
more than one-fifth of all fire deaths in manufactured homes. A
recent study of rural fires showed that smoke alarms were less
likely to be present or operating in manufactured homes.
THE CAUSE
Electrical system malfunctions
and heating fires are the leading causes of fire in manufactured
homes. Together, they account for one-third of manufactured
housing fires. Electrical distribution fires occur nearly twice
as often in manufactured homes as in one- and two-family
dwellings.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Have a minimum of two smoke
alarms installed in your home regardless of sleeping space
arrangements.
Install smoke alarms in
accordance with smoke alarm manufacturer guidelines. Test
your smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries at
least once a year.
Maintain your home heating
system by having it serviced at least once a year by a
professional.
Do not store combustibles
or flammables near heat sources.
Never overload outlets,
extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit
breaker trips or fuses blow, immediately call a licensed
electrician to check your system.
Have an escape plan and
practice escape routes with your family.
Space heaters need their
space. Do not place portable space heaters close to drapes,
clothing or other combustible materials.
Install skirting material
to keep leaves and other debris and combustible items from
blowing under your manufactured home.
When considering a new
home, ask if residential sprinklers are available as an
option.
If there is a fire - get
out immediately, go to a neighbor's and notify the fire
department using the 911 system or the proper local
emergency number in your area.
For More Information
Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
