Fire Safety

Fire Safety starts in the home. Here you will find some good safety advise to help make your home safer..

Smoke Alarms

Approximately 4,000 people die in the US per year in fires. According to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., proper use of smoke detectors can cut your risk by as much as 50% and they can be purchased for under $20!

Smoke alarms should be on every floor and if possible between sleeping rooms and within sleeping rooms. Doors should be closed during sleeping hours. Place smoke alarms on the ceiling. Avoid placing smoke detectors in the peak or in corners where cold pockets can build.

Testing and maintaining - Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and batteries should be changed at least once a year. A great practice is to change the batteries when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide is a tasteless, colorless, odorless toxic gas created by all combustion processes. Carbon Monoxide crowds the oxygen in the bloodstream and causes several hundred deaths per year. Carbon Monoxide detectors are available at most hardware stores for approximately $30. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside sleeping areas and in the basement. Common causes of carbon monoxide buildup are poor ventilation of fireplaces, furnaces, and water heaters.

 

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a great tool if used properly. The best type of fire extinguisher for the home is the ABC type. This means that the extinguisher is designed for us one class A, Class B, and Class C fires:

• Class A Fires: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, plastic, fibers and fabrics, etc.
• Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids such as gas or oil.
• Class C Fires: Electrically energized fires such as toasters, TV's, space heaters, when plugged in. Water cannot be used on these fires due to the risk of electrocution.

HOW THEY WORK: Class ABC fire extinguishers use a dry chemical which is non conductive. It blocks the chemical reaction which enables fire.

HOW TO USE: Remember PASS. Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle and Sweep. There is a very small amount of extinguishing agent in the unit and you need to spread it out as fast as possible. Try to cover the entire fire as fast as possible. Fire extinguishers are for you to put out a very small fire, or to assist with exiting a fire. Do not assume you can put out large fires with a fire extinguisher. Always call 911!

Escape Plans:

Every Family should have an escape plan. It should be discussed and practiced. A good idea is to map out your home and draw two escape routes from every room. Always have a meeting area. Never go back into the home to get anything.

• Have two exits to every sleeping room
• Have a meeting place
• Dial 911 from outside the house on your cell phone or from a neighbors house
• Practice your escape plan

 

General Home Safety

Be alert to fire safety in the home. A little planning can greatly increase the safety level. Some items to be aware of:

• Space Heaters should be out in the open and never left unattended.
• Fire places should have good screens and doors.
• Candles should never be left unattended or near curtains, towels, etc.
• Oily rags should be allowed to dry in the open, not wadded up in the garbage as they can spontaneously combust.
• Do not overload an electrical outlet.
• Be careful of how you store chemicals and flammable agents.
• NEVER STORE Gasoline in your basement. Fumes can be ignited by pilot lights on your furnace or water heater.

These are just a few safety suggestions. For links to useful sights, please see our links page. You can also contact us with any questions by calling our non-emergency line at 262-594-3302