Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
Housing
Risk indicators in a community involve property value, occupancy rate, and ownership status of homes in the
community's neighborhoods. Less maintenance and repairs are performed on low valued, vacant, or rental
properties than higher value categories. Owner-occupied homes are maintained more often as owners are
seeking to sustain or improve property values.
The rate of owner-occupied properties in Nashua is much lower than that of New Hampshire and the U.S.
This high number of rental properties carries an increased risk as minor issues and maintenance are not
typically addressed as quickly in rental properties as they are for when the owner is on site.
Figure 28. Owner-Occupied Properties
Housing Units Est. 37,054 638,09 1 138,537,078
Owner-Occupied Rate 54.4% 71.0% 63.8%
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the top five causes of fatal fires, which account
for 90% of fire deaths, are cooking, heating, electrical, intentional, and smoking. These types of fires occur
in all residential types, warranting the need for a foundational fire safety campaign that incorporates
educational information and messages for homeowners and renters alike.
Home heating risk is higher, especially in the colder months, as many homes are heated with natural gas,
propane, or wood stoves, which increases the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning compared to all-electric
homes. Fire safety programs regarding carbon monoxide poisoning prevention and the use of a carbon
monoxide alarm would benefit Nashua residents.
Reducing fire fatalities and injuries in the home should be the main goal of any fire prevention campaign.
Statistics show that smoke alarms improve human survivability in residential fires by at least 50%. NFPA’s
best practice for smoke alarm replacement is 10 years from the date of manufacture. In addition, emphasis
should be given to homes that were built when there were fewer life safety codes required for smoke alarms,
electrical receptacles, and electrical panels. Incorporating a smoke alarm installation program with a home
fire safety inspection by targeting homes that are 10 years or older can substantially reduce the risk from fire
and fire-related hazards. The following figure shows that most of the homes in Nashua were built before 1990
and are now more than 30 years old.
ESC) Emergency Services 4
Consulting International 3
