HARTFORD, Conn. — The Hartford released its ranking of the 100 U.S. cities with the highest home fire risk this week.
According to The Hartford Home Fire Index, the top five cities are: Detroit, Michigan; Shreveport, Louisiana; Boston, Massachusetts; Flint, Michigan and Richmond, Virginia.
The index is based on an analysis of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System and a survey conducted by The Hartford on fire safety and prevention behaviors among the general population.
The survey reveals that while Americans are prepared for a fire, many engage in behaviors that put them at risk. In the past year:
- Thirteen percent of Americans have experienced a home fire, with the top sources being electrical, cooking/their stove or a candle.
- Eighty-six percent of Americans have charged a device overnight, and around one-third (34 percent) have charged a device in their bed overnight, putting them at risk for an electrical fire.
- Fifty-eight percent of Americans have left their kitchen with something cooking on the stove.
- Around one-third of Americans have left a room with a candle lit.
A home fire is reported in the U.S. every 86 seconds and 33 percent of home fires are started by children six and nine years old. As part of the 70th anniversary of The Hartford’s Junior Fire Marshal program, The Hartford has committed to donate a total of $2 million to local school districts and fire departments for fire safety education. In addition, the company will provide educational materials to 1.5 million children in kindergarten through third grade. The funding and resources will go to the 100 U.S. cities identified in The Hartford’s Home Fire Index.
“Since The Hartford’s beginning as a fire insurance company more than 200 years ago, we have been committed to fire prevention and safety,” The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said. “Home fires continue to be an issue today. Our goal is to empower everyday kids to become everyday heroes by providing them with the tools and training to reduce fire risk in their homes and be safe.”