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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jingzhen Yang, PhD, MPH¹, Corinne Peek-Asa, PhD, MPH², Veerasathpurush Allareddy, DDS³, Craig Zwerling, PhD, MD, MPH², and John Lundell, MA⁴. (1) Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, E236GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, (319)384-5392, jingzhen-yang@uiowa.edu, (2) Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 124 IREH, 100 Oakdale Campus, Iowa City, IA 52242, (3) Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive E211GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, (4) Injury Prevention Research Center, University of Iowa, 124 IREH, 100 Oakdale Campus, Iowa City, IA 52242

Background: Homes in rural areas have a higher fire death rate. Although successful exit from a home fire could greatly reduce fire related deaths and injuries, little is known about factors associated with developing and practicing escape planning behaviors. Methods: Between July 2003 and June 2004, a baseline survey was administered, in person, to 691 rural households. Information collected included a history of previous home fire, perceived risk of home fire, existing smoke alarms and their working status, home fire safety practices, as well as home and occupant characteristics. The association of residents' perceived risk of home fire and fire escape plans was assessed. Results: Forty-two percent of rural homes reported having a fire escape plan. Of the homes with a plan, less than two-thirds (56.9%) discussed or practiced the plan. Homes with children were more likely to develop and practice a fire escape plan. Homes with an elderly or disabled person were less likely to develop or practice the plan. Compared to respondents who perceived low or very low risk of home fire, those who perceived a high or very high risk had 3.5 times greater odds of having a fire escape plan and 5.5 times greater odds of discussion or practicing their plan. Conclusions: Increasing awareness of potential risk of home fires may help occupants develop and practice home fire escape plans. Different strategies need to be developed for those homes in which the occupants lack the ability to escape in order to reduce fire deaths and injuries.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize home and occupant characteristics associated with having escape plans and practicing such plans in rural households;
• Discuss the relationship between residents’ perceived risk of home fire and home fire escape plans in rural households; and
• Develop and practice the fire escape plans to promote home safety.

Keywords: Rural Health, Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No