1. Smoke Alarms
Your first line of protection against danger is a smoke alarm. The sensors within that small device on your wall sound the alarm when smoke and heat enter it. This means you’ll be able to identify the issue before it escalates into a crisis. As a result, make sure that your smoke and fire alarms are in working order.
The National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) orders all new residences to connect hard-wired smoke alarms with battery backup. You can add battery-powered alarms if an integrated system is unavailable.
Get in the habit of following the rules for smoke alarms. Even if they go off when they aren’t supposed to, never turn them off. Using the test feature, double-check them once a month.
At best, change the batteries once a year. Every ten years, replace the alarm because outdated alarms may not function correctly.
2. Fire Extinguishers
Because most home fires originate in the kitchen, you should have at least one fire extinguisher there. However, it is best that they must be in various spots throughout the house. Because different manufacturers’ extinguishers work differently, it’s suitable for the adults in the house to train the local fire department. Extinguishers should be placed near exits, away from heat sources, and high enough off the ground for children to reach.
Never try to put out a fire that is larger than an office trash can with a fire extinguisher. Every 30 seconds, a fire doubles in size, and once it reaches the height of the space between your feet and knees, it can quickly become out of hand. Rather than attempting to extinguish the fire, leave the house or move away to a safe distance and dial 911.
3. Carbon Monoxide Alarms
CO is dubbed the “silent killer” for a reason. This poisonous gas is colorless, odorless, and undetectable, and even a small amount inhaled over a long time can be fatal.
Install Carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, as well as in the outside bedroom. Get outside as soon as possible if the alarm sounds, or open windows and doors and take deep breaths of fresh air. CO poisoning can produce headaches, nausea, and exhaustion, and it’s easy to confuse it with the flu.
Co2 is released into your home when you burn wood, natural gas, coal, gasoline, or heating oil. Consider investing in a dual-sensor CO/smoke detector that detects heat, smoke, and CO. This will reduce installation time and expenses, as well as perhaps saving your life.
4. Home Fire Sprinkler Systems
Home fire sprinklers are put along the piping to protect the regions beneath them. A piping system filled with water under pressure is built behind the walls and ceilings to cover the spaces beneath them.
Fire sprinklers are always “on-call” since water is always in the piping. When a fire flares up, the air temperature above the fire rises, and the sprinkler activates when the temperature reaches a certain level. The sprinkler blasts water on the flames, usually totally extinguishing them.
Sprinklers are incredibly effective because they activate so quickly. They lessen the exposure to hazards from fire by drastically reducing heat, flames, and smoke, giving people enough time to flee. A fire in a house without sprinklers is likely to spread to deadly levels before the fire brigade arrives.
5. Fire Escape Ladders
Before the entire room is consumed in smoke and flames, you have an average of two minutes to flee. One approach to assure that you and your loved ones can swiftly and safely exit a home fire is installing a window-escape ladder. If your home has more than one level, collapsible fire ladders must be part of your fire safety equipment. Place a ladder in every upstairs bedroom where it is easy to access if your escape route is blocked by smoke or fire.
It’s a good idea to practice using an emergency escape ladder before you need it. After you’ve finished shopping for safety ladders, put them to the test in their intended location. Put the ladder out of the window and have every family member climb out. Consider it a mini-fire training.
