The differences among states are explained chiefly by the characteristics of the population. The highest fire death rates were in states with a higher proportion of adults who lack a high school education, who smoke or who are poor.
So a high fatality rate does not mean that state and local fire officials are doing a poor job. At the same time, though, a state can lower its death rate without changing its population.
The experience of South Carolina illustrates this point. South Carolina had the nation's highest fire death rate in 1988 and 1989. Then it introduced a statewide fire-safety program that emphasized smoke-alarm installation and fire-safety education. By 1991, the state's rank had dropped to No. 6. Right after the program lost its funding, the death rate went up again, and by 1993, South Carolina had the nation's second-highest fire death rate. The program has since been restored.
John Nichols BE, Ph.D. (Newcastle), MIE (Aust), Chartered Professional Engineer
Assistant Professor
Texas A&M University
Department of Construction Science
Langford AC
Rm: A414 MD 3137
College Station, TX 77843-3137
Electronic mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Telephone: 979 845 6541
Facsimile: 979 862 1572
-----------------------------------------------------------------
a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi
in front a precipice, behind a wolf
-----------------------------------------------------------------
