 Fires are the most common and deadliest of home disasters, last year causing nearly 4,000 fatalities in the U.S. — more than all other natural disasters combined.
In addition, fires caused $12 billion in property damage in 2003, up 19% from the previous year. In its public awareness drive last week, the National Fire Prevention Association also reported that: - More than half of home fire deaths result from fires in the 5% of homes with no smoke alarms.
- In one-quarter of the reported fires in homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices did not work, most often because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries.
- Although children five and under make up about 9% of the country’s population, they accounted for 17% of deaths in home fires.
- Over the last decade, candle fires have almost tripled. In 1999 alone, fire departments reported an estimated 15,040 home fires started by candles.
- More fires start in the kitchen than in any other place in the home.
For how-to guides, safety tips, a planning kit, teaching materials and more about National Fire Prevention Week on the NFPA Web site, click here. | 
Participating in National Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 3-9, the nation’s home builders have been calling attention to steps that families can take to prevent a fire in their home and to keep themselves safe if one should occur. 