(Photo: MGN)PIKESVILLE, Md.- State fire officials say fire deaths in Maryland for the first six months of 2012 are down from the same period last year.
State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard announced Monday that there have been 22 fire deaths in Maryland from January through June of this year, compared with 28 during the same period last year. This represents a 21 percent decrease in fire fatalities.
While Barnard said state fire officials are "cautiously optimistic" with this year's data, he warned residents to remain vigilant. He pointed out that combustibles too close to a heat sources resulted in more fire-related deaths than other known causes of fire during this period. He said at present, six people have died in fires caused by combustibles too close to heat sources. This is followed by vehicle crash fires with the deaths of three people.
Barnard offered the following tips on surviving a home fire:
- Working smoke alarms should be located on every level of the home and in each sleeping area.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Develop a home escape plan with a safe meeting place outside and practice the plan with all family members at least twice a year.
- According to the U. S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms combined with a residential fire sprinkler system increase surviving a fire by over 80 percent.
- If having a new home built, request fire sprinkler installation as a necessary protection for the protection of your entire family from the effects of fire.
