Fire is a serious concern for any home. Fire can strike without warning. The fact is that in 2005, there were nearly 381,000 home fires in the U.S. annually results in some 16,000 injuries and deaths as reported by the NFPA. We must all be prepared by using fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and escape ladders for fire 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 greater number of smoke alarms you have placed throughout you home the better the likelihood you and your family will be alerted to a fire.
A fire extinguisher is a tool to combat 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.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) categorizes fire extinguishers. The ratings determine what size and type of fire that an extinguisher should be used on. Types of fires are divided into three categories: A, B, or C.”A” class fires consist of mainly wood paper and or fabric as the fuel source. “B” type fires are primarily flammable liquids and oil based fires. Lastly, “C” fire extinguishers are for electrical fires.
The A,B, or C rating on a fire extinguisher is preceded by a number that indicates the size of the fire the extinguisher is rated for. A 10-B:C extinguisher has been tested to, under most conditions, put out a 25 square foot fire of either flammable liquid or energized electrical equipment. A 5-B:C fire extinguisher is rated to fight a 12.5 square foot fire that is flammable liquid or electrical based.
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.Tragedies caused by fire can be prevented!
Most guidelines recommend installing at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Also, place an emergency escape ladder in each second or third level bedroom of your home. It is also smart to install a fire extinguisher in a convenient location on each level. You may want to consider more than one fire extinguisher per floor if you own a large home
The minimum protection for most homes includes installing one smoke alarm and one fire extinguisher on each level. However, consult your local fire and building codes for the exact minimum requirements concerning carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors.
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