Philly Injury Lawyers Report on Study that Shows Smoke Alarms Reduce Personal Injury And Save Lives

A recent study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that over 60% of all home fire-related deaths occurred in houses without working smoke detectors.  Researchers focused their study on data collected from home fires reported in the United States over a five year period from 2007-2011, and the results were clear:  smoke detectors save lives.

According to the NFPA, close to 400,000 home fires were reported each year of the study, causing an average of 2,570 deaths, over 13,000 injuries, and more than seven billion dollars in property damage.  Researchers found that while cooking-related incidents are the leading cause of home fires, smoking remains the leading cause of home fire-related deaths, with half of them reported between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when most family members are in bed.  Over half of all home fire-related deaths occurred in homes that did not have smoke detectors installed or had non-working smoke detectors.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that every home install inter-connected smoke alarms inside every bedroom of the home, outside of all sleeping areas, in basements and garages, and on every floor of multi-level homes.  NFPA suggests that homeowners invest in dual sensor alarms that have photoelectric and ionization sensors which are highly sensitive to flames and smoke.

Smoke alarms should be replaced as soon as they fail to operate properly during monthly tests.  Even if the smoke detectors are operating, they should be replaced every ten years.  The recent NFPA study revealed that many home fire-related deaths that occurred in homes with smoke detectors that were not working due to missing or dead batteries.  Smoke detector batteries should be changed every six months, or as soon as a low battery sound is heard.

The Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Represent Injured Clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Fire safety equipment is a vital component to keeping families safe in the event of a home fire.  Studies consistently show that smoke detectors save lives.  If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a home fire, the personal injury attorneys at Galfand Berger LLP can help you.  For over 65 years, our team of knowledgeable and highly skilled attorneys has been helping injured Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents claim the compensation they are entitled to under the law.

With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Reading, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Galfand Berger LLP serves clients throughout the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Call our Philadelphia and Allentown injury lawyers today toll free at 1-800-222-8792 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.