ByWe all want to protect our loved ones. It’s in our DNA. But to do so, we need the right tools. We get it – it’s a dangerous world out there. It’s easy to get paranoid, and sometimes we do. We get all hung up on some sort of unlikely scenario, instead of focusing on what’s right in front of us and that’s a lot of fire hazards. With almost 350 thousand house fires annually in the U.S., it’s hard to ignore this particular danger. The worst thing is that these accidents can be easily avoided, for the most part. But when prevention fails, you need something to lean on. Here are some must-haves to keep your home safe and sound.
First Line of Defence
Smoke alarms are indispensable for early fire detection. They can alert you in time there’s smoke long before you might notice it, giving you and your family enough time to evacuate to safety. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Remember, most smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years to make sure they function correctly.
Know Your Extinguishers
There’s no way around it – you need an extinguisher readily available in your home. It’s also important to understand the types of fire extinguishers and their specific uses. For example, a water fire extinguisher is suitable for fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth, but it should never be used on electrical or grease fires.
There are several types of fire extinguishers:
- Class A for ordinary combustibles.
- Class B for flammable liquids and gases.
- Class C for electrical equipment.
- Class D for flammable metals.
- Class K for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Place extinguishers in key areas of your home. What are they? The kitchen, garage, or near any heating equipment. Regular fire extinguisher service is essential to ensure they are in good working condition. Check the pressure gauges and look for any signs of damage or corrosion periodically.
Cover It Up
Fire blankets are a simple yet effective tool for extinguishing small fires. They work by smothering the flames, cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply. They’re particularly useful in the kitchen, where grease fires can occur. You can also use them to wrap around a person whose clothing has caught fire to extinguish the flames safely. But let’s hope you won’t have to.
Silent Protectors
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly. That’s why it’s such a problem – you simply don’t know where it can hit you. But special detectors can help you with that. Install them in a central location outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Like smoke alarms, you should test regularly, and replace their batteries every year.
A Way Out
For homes with multiple stories, fire escape ladders may be a good idea. They provide a safe way out if the primary exit is blocked by fire. These ladders are compact and easy to store, typically designed to hook onto window sills. Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use them, and practice deploying the ladder as part of your fire escape plan.
Fire Suppression
While more common in commercial buildings, residential sprinkler systems are becoming increasingly popular. They’re designed to automatically activate and start releasing water when they detect high temperatures associated with fire. It’s a great way to reduce the spread of fire and increase the chances of containing it before it’s too late.
Equip Your Home for Safety
You need the right fire safety tools in your home to handle fires – whether it’s dealing with them directly or simply preventing them from happening. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, carbon monoxide detectors, fire escape ladders, and sprinkler systems can all play important roles in keeping your home and family safe and should have their place in your fire safety toolbox. Stay vigilant, and be prepared to protect what matters most.
