A second child, age one, has died from an infection, a victim of a house fire that devastated his family last month. The baby's older brother, age three, died a day after the fire. A third brother, age 5, has undergone rehabilitation and may return home next week. The grandfather and pregnant mother of the boys were treated and released.

The city fire marshal blamed the fired on an overheated extension cord. "Second child dies from June house fire in Port Richmond," www.philly.com (July14, 2010).

Commentary

The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the world. Fire is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home with more than 4,000 people dying each year in home fires. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children four and under are at increased risk of fire-related injuries and deaths.

Electrical fires in the home claim 485 lives each year and injure 2,305 more victims. Some fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects. However, many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

Caregivers of children can work to diminish the high and tragic toll caused by house fires. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer fires is a greater awareness of how accidents are prevented. Spotting hazards and taking simple precautions can prevent many fires and fire-related injuries.

One thing caregivers can do is to educate children of all ages about fire and what to do in the event of a house fire. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) maintains a website to help educate children about fire safety with age appropriate games and information.

In addition to education, follow these safety precautions to prevent death and injury to children caused by electrical fires:

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
• When buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
• Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
• Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases the chances of surviving a fire.
• Practice a home escape plan frequently with children.

This informational piece is part of "News to Use" published on July 30, 2010.