Household Fires- What you need to Know About Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe
Fire is a deadly threat to every household. It can strike without warning. There were over 380,000 residential fires in 2005 in the U.S. annually results in some 16,000 injuries and deaths as reported by the NFPA. Everyone should be familiar with the use of fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and escape ladders for fire safety and protection.
An early warning is provided by smoke detectors in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms are best, most efficient way to alert your family of a fire in its beginning stages. The more smoke alarms you have installed in your home, the better your chances are that you will be alerted to a fire in progress.
Fire extinguishers provide a tool to fight small, contained fires. Having fire extinguishers strategically distributed in all areas of your home can increase your chances of keeping a small fire from getting out of control and becoming deadly.
Fire extinguishers are categorized by Underwriters Laboratories ratings. The size and type of fire extinguisher determines the type of fire it should be used on. Types of fires are divided into three categories: A, B, or C.Type “A” fires involve wood, paper or fabric material fires. “B” type fires are primarily flammable liquids and oil based fires. Finally, “C” type fires are energized electrical fires.
The number preceding the A, B, or C rating determines the size fire the extinguisher has been tested to be effective on. For example, a 10-B:C fire extinguisher theoretically will extinguish a 25 foot square fire of either flammable liquid or energized electrical origin. A 5-B:C fire extinguisher is rated to fight a 12.5 ft square flammable liquid or electrical fire.
Being ready by using both smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home, having a prepared, rehearsed escape plan and knowing what to do in case of fire, can help save your home and your family.It is simple to prevent fire tragedies!
Most guidelines recommend installing at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Another good idea is to place an emergency escape ladder on every floor above the main level.Installing fire extinguishers in and easily accessible location on each floor is a wise move. If you have a large home, you should consider more than one extinguisher per level
For most homes the minimum recommended number of fire safety devices is one smoke detector and one fire extinguisher on every level. However, check your local building code for detailed smoke alarm and CO alarm requirements.
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