NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 378,600 reported home structure fires per year during the four-year-period of 2003-2006. These fires caused an estimated average of 2,850 civilian deaths, 13,090 civilian injuries, and $6.1 billion in direct property damage per year. More than two-thirds (70%) of the reported home structure fires and 84% of the fatal home fire injuries occurred in one- or two-family dwellings, including manufactured homes. The remainder occurred in apartments or similar properties. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occurred in homes with no working smoke alarms. January 2009 Home Structure Fire Report NFPA
Similar statistics and a family of six were the inspiration for the Smoke Alarm Installation Program at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM).Children’s Hospital of Michigan currently installs long life lithium ion smoke alarms in homes in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck for residents who are in need. The program provides one smoke alarm per level of the home, to include the basement, and education on burn prevention, home fire escape plans and how to test and clean the smoke alarms. Some funds have also been made available to provide a few residents with carbon monoxide detectors and 2nd story escape ladders. Children’s Hospital of Michigan has installed smoke alarms in over 5,000 homes since its grassroots inception in 2000.
The goal of this program is to provide an early warning system for fire to families who otherwise would have no warning system at all. Saving lives is our goal and we will not stop until every family in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck is protected against the ravages of home fires.
