Best Practices to Prevent Fires

• • Especially in multifamily dwellings, have the fire department or another governmental agency conduct fire and carbon monoxide poisoning surveys on a periodic basis.
• • Utilize an educational home fire prevention program to teach students in the schools and the overall community the dangers of: leaving food unattended on a hot stove; wearing loose fitting clothing while cooking; placing flammable objects near cooking areas; smoking in bed; placing portable space heaters near flammable materials such as drapes; and storing matches and lighters within reach of children.
• • Install an appropriate number of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and test them frequently.
• • Install sprinkler systems where appropriate.
• • Prepare a family fire escape plan from the residence and test it periodically.
• • Avoid the use of alcohol when working with flammable substances or cooking.

Dog Bites

About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. About 20% of them need medical attention and about half of those are children. In 2012, over 27,000 people had to undergo reconstructive surgery because of dog bites. Children, especially those aged 5-9, are most frequently bitten, followed by adult males. (See endnote 12.)