In addition to responding to fire, medical and rescue emergencies, Graham Fire & Rescue aims to educate community members about the measures they can take to reduce their risk of property damage, injury, or death. The sections below provide information and resources that you can use to improve your fire and life safety.
Take our Home Fire Safety survey, and then audit your home with this Home Safety Checklist.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) the following items are the top five causes of fires in the U.S.:
Candles
On average, candles cause 20 home fires each day, and more than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
Cooking
Cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
Electrical
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment ranked first in direct property damage, and third among the major fire causes in the number of home fires, fourth in home fire deaths, and tied for third in home fire injuries.
Outdoor Electrical Safety Fact Sheet
Heating
Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January & February.
Smoking
If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires started in the living room, family room, bedroom, or den when smoke materials are not properly disposed of.
Home Fire Escape Planning
Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Be sure your family can get out quickly and safely in case of a fire in your home. Plan and practice your home fire escape. Use the guidelines below to help prepare your family.