Fire Safety Practices Research Articles

A Study to Assess Knowledge Regarding Fire Safety and Their Practices among Third Year B.Sc. Nursing Students with a view to Develop on Hand Training Module

Background: Fire safety is the set of practices intended to prevent the destruction caused by Fire. Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce destruction caused by fire. Fire safety measures include those that are intended to prevent the ignition of an uncontrolled fire and those that are used to limit the spread and impact of a fire.[4] Fire related accidents have, on average, killed 35 people every day over the five years between 2016 and 2020, according to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Aims and Objectives: To Assess the knowledge regarding Fire Safety and their practices among the students of 3rd year B.Sc. Nursing, Ambaji Nursing College, Ganeshpura, and to find out Association between selected demographic variable and to develop on hand training module. Materials and Method: The study was conducted among 60 students of Ambaji Nursing College, Ganeshpura and using simple random sampling technique. Data were obtained using structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the knowledge regarding Fire safety and their practices. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were use to analyze the Demographic data and used structured questionnaire. Karl person formula is used to determine Correlation whereas the Association is determined by using Chi -Square formula. Results and Conclusion: The study revealed that majority of students level of knowledge are 36.70% poor knowledge, 61.70% students are average knowledge and 1.70% students are good knowledge regarding fire safety and their practices. There exist positive moderate correlation (r = 0.75) between knowledge and their practices. Study also revealed there is no significant Association between the knowledge and their demographic variables such as Age, Gender, Annual household income, Religion and attending any training of fire safety practices at p ≤ 0.05 level.

Fire Safety Awareness and Practices of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Students in a Philippine Public Secondary School

The Philippines is one of the countries that faced severe fire disasters. However, fire received little recognition in disaster readiness and risk reduction. Seeing that students are gathered in one place, a fire safety assessment is necessary to ascertain their acquisition of competencies in fundamental concepts of fire. Anchored on KAP theory, this study investigated the Grade 12 STEM students' safety awareness before, during, and after a fire in relation to practices in public schools in the central Philippines relative to sex and family monthly income. Using a descriptive, comparative, and correlational approach, a validated and reliability-tested questionnaire was administered to 94 randomly selected students. Mean, Standard Deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman Rank Correlation were utilized in data analysis. Overall, students possessed a prominent consciousness and could relatively demonstrate the necessary measures and responses to prevent and suppress the fire. Comparatively, no significant difference exists when grouped according to sex and family monthly income. Concurrently, a significant relationship was observed between their awareness and practices, implying that students who possess the consciousness of fire safety will likely demonstrate the measures against the dangers of fire, which validated the KAP theory. Continuous improvement of teachers' instructions is crucial to strengthen students' readiness and resilience in disasters like fire.

The Impact of Workplace Safety Practices on Employee Intention to Stay in the RMG Sector of Bangladesh: Moderating Role of Employee Safety Training

Workplace safety practices in the RMG sector are the demand of the current time. This sector is significantly contributing to the economy is still facing safety problems in Bangladesh. It examines the impact of safety practices on employee retention, with a focus on the moderating effect of safety training. Safety practices encompass fire safety, equipment, and machinery safety. A conceptual framework has been developed to measure workplace safety practices and then its impact on employee retention and has been drawn with the moderating effect of employee safety training. The target population comprised readymade garments (RMG) employees of Dhaka city specially employed in Savar, Gazipur, and Ashulia. Data from 230 Dhaka-based RMG employees were collected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique, employing 28 self-administered questionnaires. Based on the study findings, it was evident that there was a positive and significant connection between the fire safety practices and employee intention to stay scoring .464(r=.464**). In addition, the interaction adds a significant 11.9% to the explanatory power of Fire safety practices when safety training is added with it. The study further showed a correlation value between Safety Equipment and Employee Intention to stay which was .409 (r=.409**). Additionally, in the later phase, the interaction increases the capacity for explanation of the independent variables by a statistically significant 10.2% associated with R2 change (0.102). Another independent variable that was machinery safety was found to have a positively directed relationship with employee intention to stay with a correlation coefficient of .478 (r=478**). Later on, it was evident that the explanatory power of independent variables (main variables) changed significantly by 34.9% when machinery safety practices and safety training were included as a main variable. This research offers insights for HR professionals and managers in enhancing workplace safety and employee outcomes, potentially opening new research avenues.

Establishing pyrolysis kinetics for fire modelling and thermal analysis of polymeric cladding materials used in high-rise buildings

This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of kinetics data concerning with the core materials of Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs), with a specific focus on composite materials comprising mineral fillers and organic polymers. The study addresses the current scarcity of kinetics data for cladding panel core materials, particularly those with complex compositions involving mineral fillers and organic polymers, which poses a significant challenge for accurate fire modelling. The study aims to extract essential parameters, including activation energy, pre-exponential factors, and reaction orders, essential for precise fire modelling. This study involves Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) on three distinct cladding core materials, namely, ACP-1, ACP-2, and ACP-3, featuring varying proportions of organic polymer content (100%, 30%, and 7%) and exposure to different heating rates (5, 10, 15, and 20 K/min). By employing both model-free and model-based techniques in conjunction with TGA analysis, the study successfully derives kinetics data aligned with specific pyrolysis reaction stages. To validate the extracted kinetics data, the study conducted experimental tests utilising a Cone calorimeter. The results from these experiments showcased a strong correlation between fire performance parameters such as Total Heat Release (THR), Effective Heat of Combustion (EHC), and Mass Loss Rate (MLR) and the proportion of polymer in the cladding composites. Furthermore, the study examined the implications of the derived kinetics data within the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The insights gained from this research substantially contribute to our comprehension of core material kinetics in ACPs, while also offering valuable input for fire dynamics simulations, thereby enhancing fire safety modelling and practices knowledge in the field of construction materials and design.

A Study of Differences in the Perceived Risk of Attaining a Residential Fire Injury

Certain groups (e.g., those of higher age, lower educational attainment, lower income, living alone, immigrants, etc.) have a greater risk of residential fire mortality. Previous research has also shown that individuals belonging to high-risk groups have generally lower levels of fire protection, and it has been suggested that this is due to a lower risk perception in this group. As such, this study investigates how the perceived risk of being injured in a residential fire varies in the Swedish population. The results show that risk perception varies in the Swedish population depending upon sociodemographic factors. When the different sociodemographic factors are controlled against each other, women, individuals with a low educational level, individuals living in rural communities and individuals born outside of the Nordic countries consistently experience their risk to be higher. With the exception of women, the results show that high-risk individuals have a high risk perception. These results are important as they indicate that it is not a lack of risk awareness that is the reason why high-risk groups are less inclined to implement fire safety practices.

Assessment of the proportion of households with burn victims, associated risk factors and knowledge of burn injury prevention strategies in South Western Uganda. A population based cross sectional survey

BackgroundBurn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality within Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Most of these burn injuries occur at home with children most at risk. The majority of burn related deaths and disability in LMICs have been described as preventable. Burns prevention requires adequate knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of households with burn victims, the associated risk factors and knowledge of prevention strategies of burn injuries in Kakoba division, Mbarara city. MethodsWe did a population based cross sectional survey of households in Kakoba division. This is the most populous division in Mbarara city. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to establish prevalence and knowledge of preventive strategies for household burns. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to establish the factors influencing burn injuries at household level. ResultsOf the households in Kakoba Division, 41.2% had individuals who had previously sustained burn injuries within the household. Children were the most affected population with scald burns the most common type. The highest risk of burn injuries was associated with overcrowding in the households. Electricity as a light source was found to be protective. Candles and Kerosene lamps were the commonest alternative light sources. Majority 98% of the individuals in the households knew at least one burns prevention strategy with 93% practicing at least one. ConclusionBurns within the household are still high despite knowledge of risk factors with children being the most affected. Overcrowding still plays a significant role in household burn injuries. We therefore recommend closer supervision of children within the households. Cooking areas need to be properly designated and secured to limit access. Safer alternative light sources need to be explored such as solar lamps. Political leaders need to be involved in setting up and monitoring community-based fire safety practices to ensure compliance.

Beliefs of University Employees Leaving During a Fire Alarm: A Theory-based Belief Elicitation

BackgroundDespite workplaces having policies on fire evacuation, many employees still fail to evacuate when there is a fire alarm. The Reasoned Action Approach is designed to reveal the beliefs underlying people's behavioral decisions and thus suggests causal determinants to be addressed with interventions designed to facilitate behavior. This study is a uses a Reasoned Action Approach salient belief elicitation to identify university employees' perceived advantages/disadvantages, approvers/disapprovers, and facilitators/barriers toward them leaving the office building immediately the next time they hear a fire alarm at work. MethodsEmployees at a large public United States Midwestern university completed an online cross-sectional survey. A descriptive analysis of the demographic and background variables was completed, and a six-step inductive content analysis of the open-ended responses was conducted to identify beliefs about leaving during a fire alarm. ResultsRegarding consequence, participants perceived that immediately leaving during a fire alarm at work had more disadvantages than advantages, such as low risk perception. Regarding referents, supervisors and coworkers were significant approvers with intention to leave immediately. None of the perceived advantages were significant with intention. Participants listed access and risk perception as significant circumstances with the intention to evacuate immediately. ConclusionNorms and risk perceptions are key determinants that may influence employees to evacuate immediately during a fire alarm at work. Normative-based and attitude-based interventions may prove effective in increasing the fire safety practices of employees.

Interventions for Preventing Residential Fires in Vulnerable Neighbourhoods and Indigenous Communities: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Globally, residential fires constitute a substantial public health problem, causing major fire-related injury morbidity and mortality. This review examined the literature on residential fire prevention interventions relevant to Indigenous communities and assessed their effectiveness on mitigating fire incidents and their associated human and economic burden. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science Core Collection were reviewed for studies on fire prevention interventions published after 1990 and based on the 4E’s of injury prevention approaches (Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Engagement). The grey literature and sources including indigenous organizational websites were also searched for eligible studies. Two authors independently screened, selected, and extracted data, in consultation with experts in the field. Outcomes measured included enhanced safety knowledge and practices, decreased residential fires incidents, reduced fire-related injuries and deaths, and lowered costs for healthcare needs. After removing duplicates, screening titles and abstracts, and assessing full texts, 81 articles were included in this review. Of the included studies, 29.1% implemented educational interventions within a variety of settings, including schools, community centres and homes, and included healthcare professionals and firefighters to raise awareness and the acquisition of fire safety skills. Engineering and environmental modifications were adopted in 20.2% of the studies with increased smoke alarm installations being the leading effective intervention followed by sprinkler inspections. Moreover, engagement of household members in hands-on safety training proved to be effective in enhancing household knowledge, fire safety decisions and practices. More importantly, effective outcomes were obtained when multi-faceted fire safety interventions were adopted, e.g., environmental modification and educational interventions, which together markedly reduced fire incidents and associated injuries. This review reveals the dearth of fire prevention evidence gathered directly within Indigenous communities. Nonetheless, relevant fire prevention recommendations can be made, calling for the adoption of combined and context-sensitive fire prevention interventions tailored to targeted Indigenous and vulnerable communities through multiple approaches and measures. Follow-ups and longitudinal studies are critical for accurate evaluation of the long-term outcomes and impacts on preventing residential fires.

Development of fire safety best practices for rooftops grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems installation using systematic review methodology

• Installation of PV system as green energy initiative is showing a rising trend. • Poor installation practices of PV system by installers have resulted in PV fires. • Collation of best fire safety practices for rooftop PV system installation. • A systematic review to scrutinize aspects of fire safety in PV system installation. • Fire safety checklist is suggested to be part of PV system installation guidelines. Numerous photovoltaic (PV) fire incidents are caused by overheating of PV system components, direct current (DC) arc-fault or hot spot phenomenon. These causes happen mainly due to poor installation practices by the installers. Many PV system installation guides do not emphasise much on the fire hazard during installation. As the PV system is becoming increasingly popular nowadays, it is crucial to establish a specific and comprehensive guideline pertaining to fire safe installation of the system. Therefore, this paper aims to assess and incorporate such fire safety practices from all PV installation guidelines that are publicly accessible. A total of 40 PV installation publications have been systematically reviewed and classified into two categories – design consideration and installation stage. The analysis pointed out a compilation of fire safety practices during PV system installation focusing on residential rooftop applications from the reviewed publications. Although DC isolators have been reported as the top component of PV fire causes, many guidelines do not emphasise the fire hazards involved as well as the things that should and should not be done during installation. The inclusion of a fire safety checklist is suggested as part of the installation guideline.

Assessment of Fire Prevention Knowledge and Safety Practices of Car Dealership Employees in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Numerous fires are often started by unsafe actions, including negligence, ignorance, or failure to consider fairly obvious hazards. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of employees in car dealership centers regarding fire prevention. The sample of this study included 118 participants selected by simple random sampling. The data were processed using SPSS IBM version 28 and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Most of the participants were males (58.47%) and maintenance technicians (40.68%), with 1-5 years of work experience (61.02%). The majority of the participants had appropriate knowledge about fire prevention as the most of them answered the knowledge questions correctly. Their educational level, age, and work experience were all important significance of their potential fire prevention expertise. A high level of knowledge was reflected in the safety practices of the participants regarding the fire prevention; thus, knowledge is still considered to play an important role for every employee in fire accidents. There is an important need to provide fire safety training for all workers to increase safety practices in timely intervals. In addition, fire prevention systems must be ready, efficient, and safe to prevent losses and to ensure the safety of the employees' and companies' lives and properties.

Fuzzy-based escape route fire-vulnerability assessment model for indoor built environment

Fire safety evaluation is rarely involved in the iterative building design process except for legislative approval phases compared to other building objectives. However, regardless of architectural design priorities, all buildings should have adequate fire protection. This research develops a fire vulnerability assessment model based on the impact of architects on fire protection and effects of building design characteristics on fire safety. Inherent to the uncertain nature of fire safety evaluation practice, this study proposes a fuzzy vulnerability decision-making methodology to detect and visualize escape route vulnerabilities, which have the highest impact on the interoperability of fire safety and architectural design practices. The model was validated in an opera house building since the assembly occupancies have specific importance due to the significant number of fire causalities. The escape routes of the case study building were evaluated for materials’ fire reaction, route flow, route equipment, means of egress, dimensions and layout input variables. The output vulnerability levels were discussed to enhance the understanding of critical building design factors that contribute to fire vulnerability. The results confirm that the model is fairly effective in the detection and visualization of vulnerability sources by reducing communication time delays and preventing human-induced mistakes.

Design of an IoT-Based Fuzzy Approximation Prediction Model for Early Fire Detection to Aid Public Safety and Control in the Local Urban Markets

Fire monitoring in local urban markets within East Africa (EA) has been seriously neglected for a long time. This has culminated in a severe destruction of life and property worth millions. These rampant fires are attributed to electrical short circuits, fuel spillages, etc. Previous research proposes single smoke detectors. However, they are prone to false alarm rates and are inefficient. Also, satellite systems are expensive for developing countries. This paper presents a fuzzy model for early fire detection and control as symmetry’s core contribution to fuzzy systems design and application in computer and engineering sciences. We utilize a fuzzy logic technique to simulate the performance of the model using MATLAB, using six parameters: temperature, humidity, flame, CO, CO2 and O2 vis-à-vis the Estimated Fire Intensity Prediction (EFIP). Results show that, using fuzzy logic, a significant improvement in fire detection is observed with an overall accuracy rate of 95.83%. The paper further proposes an IoT-based fuzzy prediction model for early fire detection with a goal of minimizing extensive damage and promote intermediate fire suppression and control through true fire incidences. This solution provides for future public safety monitoring, and control of fire-related situations among the market community. Hence, fire safety monitoring is significant in providing future fire safety planning, control and management by putting in place appropriate fire safety laws, policies, bills and related fire safety practices or guidelines to be applied in public buildings, market centers and other public places.

A Study on Factors Affecting Fire Prevention

This study aims to empirically verify the factors affecting fire prevention, which is a dependent variable, by establishing a safety culture related to fire prevention, fire prevention education, fire prevention equipment, fire safety knowledge, and fire safety practices as independent variables. The results obtained from the multiple regression analysis were derived as follows in relation to fire prevention. The fire prevention education was found to have the most statistically significant effect on fire prevention, and the fire prevention facility was found to have a statistically significant effect on fire prevention. In addition, fire safety practice was found to have a statistically significant effect on fire prevention.

The determinant of fire disaster mitigation (fire practices study in gas station operator Surakarta, Indonesia)

Gas station is the working areas which have a high risk of a fire disaster, which can be caused by unsafe behaviour or unsafe condition. In dry season, Surakarta is one of the cities in Indonesia that has a hot temperature as a result of global climate change. This condition can allow the fuel to evaporate easily and trigger of the fire triangle. The purpose of this study was to examine the most influencing factors related to the fire safety practices in the gas stations operator, including safety regulations, fire training, and fire prevention and mitigation facilities. This study was analytic observational research using a cross-sectional approach. The sample was 94 gas stations operators in Surakarta. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire which is tested in validity and reliability. The data were analysed using chi-square and logistic regression. The result showed that the variables of fire prevention and mitigation facilities show a dominant correlation to the fire safety practices (p-value=0.0001, exp B=20.159).

Household Fire Protection Practices in Relation to Socio-demographic Characteristics: Evidence from a Swedish National Survey

The sociodemographic inequalities in the ownership of residential fire safety equipment, fire prevention practices and fire protection knowledge was studied using an inductive and data-driven approach based on the responses to a national Swedish survey containing individual-level data on several dimensions of home fire safety practices (n = 7507). Cluster analysis was used to summarise home fire safety data and sociodemographic characteristics of the sample were then regressed on the data ordinal regression analysis. The results showed significant correlations between the level of fire protection and a range of factors (sex, age, family composition, income, housing type and country of birth), suggesting a positive effect of socioeconomic success. Further, the results imply that having experienced a residential fire has a positive impact on future fire protection practices, and that higher levels of fire protection interest increases the probability of having a functional smoke detector.

Acquisition of Fire Safety Knowledge and Skills With Virtual Reality Simulation.

Prelicensure nursing students seeking to enter perioperative nursing need preparatory fire safety knowledge and skills training to participate as a member of an operating room (OR) team. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of the Virtual Electrosurgery Skill Trainer (VEST) on OR fire safety skills among prelicensure nursing students. An experimental pretest-posttest design was used in this study. Twenty nursing students were randomized to a control or an intervention group. Knowledge and skills acquisition of OR fire safety were assessed. There were no statistically significant findings in knowledge for either group. Fisher exact test demonstrated significant relationships between the skills performance criteria of following emergency procedures for a fire and demonstrating PASS (pull-aim-squeeze-sweep) technique (P = .001). Academic and hospital educators may consider incorporating virtual reality simulation to teach fire safety education or reinforce general fire safety practices to nursing students and novice nurses.

Surgical Fires in Otolaryngology: A Systematic and Narrative Review.

Objective To bring attention to the epidemiology, prevention, management, and consequences of surgical fires in otolaryngology by reviewing the literature. Data Sources PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Review Methods Comprehensive search terms were developed, and searches were performed from data source inception through August 2016. A total of 4506 articles were identified; 2351 duplicates were removed; and 2155 titles and abstracts were independently reviewed. Reference review was also performed. Eligible manuscripts described surgical fires involving patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures. Results Seventy-two articles describing 87 otolaryngologic surgical fire cases were identified. These occurred during oral cavity or oropharyngeal procedures (11%), endoscopic laryngotracheal procedures (25%), tracheostomies (36%), "other" general anesthesia procedures (3%), and monitored anesthesia care or local procedures (24%). Oxidizing agents consisted of oxygen alone (n = 63 of 81, 78%), oxygen and nitric oxide (n = 17 of 81, 21%), and room air (n = 1 of 81, 1%). The fractional inspired oxygen delivered was >30% in 97% of surgical fires in non-nitrous oxide general anesthesia cases (n = 35 of 36). Laser-safe tubes were used in only 12% of endoscopic laryngotracheal cases with endotracheal tube descriptions (n = 2 of 17). Eighty-six percent of patients experienced acute complications (n = 76 of 87), including 1 intraoperative death, and 22% of patients (n = 17 of 77) experienced long-term complications. Conclusion Surgical fires in otolaryngology persist despite aggressive multi-institutional efforts to curb their incidence. Guideline recommendations to minimize the concentration of delivered oxygen and use laser-safe tubes when indicated were not observed in many cases. Improved institutional fire safety practices are needed nationally and internationally.

Evaluating implementation of a fire-prevention injury prevention briefing in children's centres: Cluster randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundMany developed countries have high mortality rates for fire-related deaths in children aged 0–14 years with steep social gradients. Evidence-based interventions to promote fire safety practices exist, but the impact of implementing a range of these interventions in children’s services has not been assessed. We developed an Injury Prevention Briefing (IPB), which brought together evidence about effective fire safety interventions and good practice in delivering interventions; plus training and facilitation to support its use and evaluated its implementation.MethodsWe conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial, with integrated qualitative and cost-effectiveness nested studies, across four study sites in England involving children’s centres in disadvantaged areas; participants were staff and families attending those centres. Centres were stratified by study site and randomised within strata to one of three arms: IPB plus facilitation (IPB+), IPB only, usual care. IPB+ centres received initial training and facilitation at months 1, 3, and 8. Baseline data from children’s centres were collected between August 2011 and January 2012 and follow-up data were collected between June 2012 and June 2013. Parent baseline data were collected between January 2012 and May 2012 and follow-up data between May 2013 and September 2013. Data comprised baseline and 12 month parent- and staff-completed questionnaires, facilitation contact data, activity logs and staff interviews. The primary outcome was whether families had a plan for escaping from a house fire. Treatment arms were compared using multilevel models to account for clustering by children’s centre.Results1112 parents at 36 children’s centres participated. There was no significant effect of the intervention on families’ possession of plans for escaping from a house fire (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) IPB only vs. usual care: 0.93, 95%CI 0.58, 1.49; AOR IPB+ vs. usual care 1.41, 95%CI 0.91, 2.20). However, significantly more families in the intervention arms reported more behaviours for escaping from house fires (AOR IPB only vs. usual care: 2.56, 95%CI 01.38, 4.76; AOR IPB+ vs. usual care 1.78, 95%CI 1.01, 3.15).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that children’s centres can deliver an injury prevention intervention to families in disadvantaged communities and achieve changes in home safety behaviours.

Home Fire Safety Practices and Smoke Detector Program Awareness in an Urban Pediatric Emergency Department Population.

Risk factors for residential fire death (young age, minority race/ethnicity, and low socioeconomic status) are common among urban pediatric emergency department (ED) patients. Community-based resources are available in our region to provide free smoke detector installation. The objective of our study was to describe awareness of these resources and home fire safety practices in this vulnerable population. In this cross-sectional study, a brief survey was administered to a convenience sample of caregivers accompanying patients 19 years of age or younger in an urban pediatric ED in Washington, DC. Survey contents focused on participant knowledge of available community-based resources and risk factors for residential fire injury. Five hundred eleven eligible caregivers were approached, and 401 (78.5%) agreed to participate. Patients accompanying the caregivers were 48% male, 77% African American, and had a mean (SD) age of 6.5 (5.9) years. Of study participants, 256 (63.8%) lived with children younger than 5 years. When asked about available community-based resources for smoke detectors, 240 (59.9%) were unaware of these programs, 319 (79.6%) were interested in participating, and 221 (55.1%) enrolled. Presence of a home smoke detector was reported by 396 respondents (98.7%); however, 346 (86.3%) reported testing these less often than monthly. Two hundred fifty-six 256 (63.8%) lacked a carbon monoxide detector, and 202 (50.4%) had no fire escape plan. Sixty-five (16%) reported indoor smoking, and 92 (22.9%) reported space heater use. In this urban pediatric ED population, there is limited awareness of community-based resources but high rates of interest in participating once informed. Whereas the self-reported prevalence of home smoke detectors is high in our study population, other fire safety practices are suboptimal.

Using photographic interpretation to evaluate the safety of home environments.

In the US there were 400,000 home fires resulting in 2755 deaths, 12,450 injuries, and $6.9B lost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content-validity of photographs taken in the home for use as an educational instrument to teach about “safe” and “unsafe” fire safety practice for adults and older adults. A total of 73 home fire safety experts were provided 27 photographs to evaluate home fire safety practice. Initially, a Krippendorff's alpha was calculated for the first 24 questions to evaluate inter-rater reliability, and differences in demographics were evaluated. Unique codes and themes for the last three questions were identified and inter-rater reliability examined. A majority of respondents were female (n = 43, 60.6%), college educated (n = 61, 83.6%), nurses (n = 25, 33.8%), or worked for a fire department (n = 21, 29.6%). Their mean age was 45.5 years and they had 11.05 years of experience. The first 24 questions had high inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff α = 0.831). No significant differences existed between the strata of the demographic variables (all p-values > 0.05). Similarly, based on the codes and themes identified, the last three questions had moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff α = 0.764). Providing photographs as a ‘seek-and-find’ or ‘What's wrong with this picture?’ tools and simplified visual images is an excellent way to aid recognition of unsafe home fire safety environments. Education through non-traditional visual methods increases the possibility of change for diverse low-literacy populations.