Mendota Heights Firefighters on the Importance of Home Sprinklers

The Mendota Heights fire department is suggesting that residents install home sprinkler systems in their homes, Kare 11 is reporting.

Mendota Heights Fire Chief John Maczko told Kare 11 that 3,000 people die per year in the United States from fires.

"With lightweight construction and how buildings are made today, it's very important that we use every tool that's in the toolbox, and if it's reasonable in price, why not do it," he said.

Kare 11 has more at its website:

Maczko said 80 percent of fatal fires occur in single-family homes.  And, he added, only 5 percent of those homes have a sprinkler system.

The systems range in price but average about $1.60 per foot.  For more information on at least one of those systems, just go to: www.uponor-usa.com

Firefighters also recommend sleeping with the doors closed and using sheetrock in new construction as additional ways to prevent fires.