Haddon matrix applied to the problem of residential fires caused by cigarettes igniting upholstered furniture
Host (children in home) | Agent/vehicle (cigarette, matches, and upholstered furniture) | Physical environment (home) | Social environment (community norms, policies, rules) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation. | ||||
Pre-event (before fire starts) | Teach children not to play with matches | Redesign cigarettes so they self extinguish before ignition of upholstery | Lower flammability of structures | Improve efforts to curb smoking initiation Improve smoking cessation efforts |
Event (during fire) | Teach children to stop, drop, and rollPlan and practice a fire escape route with childrenTeach children not to hide during a fire | Design furniture with materials that are less toxic when burned Design upholstery that is flame resistant | Install smoke detectors Install sprinklers Increase number of usable exits | Pass ordinances requiring smoke detectors and/or sprinkler systems Fund the fire department adequately to provide enough personnel and equipment for rapid response |
Post-event (after child in injured by fire) | Provide first aid and CPR to all family members | Design heaters with quick and easy shutoff device | Build homes with less toxic building materials | Increase availability of burn treatment facilities |