As health restrictions continue to ease across the country, Americans are looking forward to summer barbecues and evenings around the fire pit. However, these celebrations bring an increased need for safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association, July is peak time for grill fires, with gas grills being involved in an average of almost 9,000 home fires per year. In the event of a fire, proper use of fire safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, is critical. To keep Americans safe this summer, Kidde is launching a nationwide public safety initiative to raise awareness of the importance of practicing fire safety outdoors and ultimately help reduce the number of injuries caused by grill fires. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.
According to a new survey commissioned by Kidde and conducted online by The Harris Poll, among 2,032 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, more than half of Americans (58%) do not know or aren't sure if they know how to use the PASS (Pull the pin, Aim, Spray, Sweep) system for discharging a fire extinguisher. The survey also found that while most grill owners (90%) own a fire extinguisher, only 59% keep one within reach while grilling. In addition, almost half of grill owners (44%) do not know that disposable fire extinguishers need to be replaced every 12 years. As a committed advocate of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety education, Kidde is providing life-saving tips to help homeowners safely celebrate the summer season.
"At Kidde, we understand that practicing fire safety goes beyond just understanding the risks of fire and CO poisoning when grilling outside or maintaining a fire pit," said Stephanie Berzinski, Fire Safety Educator for Kidde. "Most importantly, people need to understand how to properly use equipment to protect your home and loved ones. As many Americans prepare to entertain outdoors - some for the first time in more than a year - we are proud to share important tips to help them safely celebrate summer."
Kidde shares the following advice to help protect residents from the dangers of smoke, fire and CO while entertaining outdoors.
Survey Methodology:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Kidde from May 18-20, 2021 among 2,032 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,302 own an outdoor grill (e.g. gas, electric, charcoal). This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. Contact us complete survey methodology.
Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and safety accessories, has been keeping the world a safer place for over 100 years. Kidde produced the first integrated smoke detection system a century ago and continues its legacy today by delivering advanced fire-safety technology. Kidde is a part of Kidde Global Solutions, global leader in fire and life safety solutions.
For more information, visit kidde.com or follow @KiddeFireSafety on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, contact Stephanie.Berzinski@carrier.com.
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