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Programs for the Prevention of Fire Related Injuries. Mark Jackson, R.E.H.S. Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control/CDC. Scope of the Problem. Fires and burns are the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.
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Programs for the Prevention of Fire Related Injuries Mark Jackson, R.E.H.S.Division of Unintentional Injury PreventionNational Center for Injury Prevention and Control/CDC
Scope of the Problem • Fires and burns are the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. • In 2000, about 85% of all fire deaths occurred in homes. • In 2000 approximately 380,000 residential fires killed nearly 3,500 people.
CDC’s Role in Fire Prevention • Epidemiologic expertise • Research • Community-based programs • Partnerships • Convening collaborators
CDC Accomplishments in Fire Injury Prevention • Research to develop long-lasting lithium battery powered smoke alarms • Research on installation vs. vouchers/ give-aways
Remembering When: A Fire & Falls Prevention Program for Older Adults • Five states funded for implementation and evaluation (3 years) • For information on curriculum: www.nfpa.org/)
Program Components • Minimum of 2 high risk communities/yr. • Extensive community collaboration. • Install according to meet NFPA 72. • Provide fire safety education, including fire escape planning. • Program evaluation.
Community Partners • Local and County Health Departments • Paid and Volunteer Fire Departments • Military • Churches • Red Cross • Local Businesses • Law Enforcement • SAFE Kids • Schools and Universities • Indian Health Service • Native American Tribes and Organizations • All varieties of media
What Works • Door-to-door canvassing. • Working with fire departments, both paid and volunteer. • Matching tasks with expertise. • Being flexible. • Advertise your program. • Local Coordinators • Incentives
Program Challenges • Record keeping in the field. • Overall staff turnover. • Keeping organizations committed throughout length of project. • Problems with chirping alarms.
Program Outcomes • Over 163,000 homes were canvassed. • Over 75,000 homes received smoke alarms. • Over 116,000 smoke alarms installed • 346 lives potentially saved. • Over 7.5 million people exposed to fire-safety messages. • Relationships between public health and fire departments. • Ardmore, Oklahoma legislation. • 80% - 100% functionality upon follow-up.
Anecdotes – Potential Lives Saved • Oklahoma • Virginia • Pennsylvania