Modern homes burn faster in a fire

A fire can tear through a modern home very quickly.

Research shows that you have just three or four minutes to escape a burning house, whereas 30 years ago you would have had 17 minutes. Here’s why.

Upholstered furniture

Most modern furniture is made up of synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam, which is highly combustible. In the 1950s, upholstered furniture was made using feather down and hair-and-cotton padding, or for less expensive items, animal hair, moss and fiber matting. Polyurethane foam and other synthetic materials came into use in the 1970s.

These modern materials burn much more quickly than older ones, and also reach much higher temperatures than traditional furnishings. Synthetic materials in your drapes, couch, pillows and the backing of your carpet, can ignite quickly.

Newer building materials

Homes themselves are now manufactured with different materials than in the past. Recently built homes tend to utilize lightweight building materials. While these type of materials are cost effective and very strong, they burn much more quickly than solid wood.

The good news is that although the materials in newer homes are more flammable, data shows that fatalities due to house fires are lower in homes built based on newer building codes. This is because newer homes have safer appliances, are less drafty, are built in accordance with newer codes and have smoke alarms.

What you can do

In the case of a house fire, it is critical to have an escape plan. Experts recommend being aware of two exits from each room and practicing the plan once each month. Practice with your eyes closed, as in most fires visibility will be low.

Keep flammable items away from fireplaces and heaters, and space out your furniture to slow the spread of fire.

Perhaps most importantly, ensure that smoke alarms are in working order and tested regularly. Don’t forget to replace the batteries every six months. Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible and in good working order.

Finally, consider investing in a sprinkler system that could potentially put out a fire or limit the damage to your home and belongings. It may even get you a discount on your insurance rates.