As a homeowner, you want to protect your family and home
from fire. One important element of fire
Smoke Detectors
Three out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no
smoke detector or one that was not working. Most of the non-working ones had
dead or disconnected batteries or no battery at all. Smoke alarms can be
battery operated or hard-wired and you need to test them monthly. You should
also replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Fire Escape Ladders
People don't normally think about these but they are a
necessity for multi-level homes. There are over 70 million homes in the U.S.
that have two or three stories and only 6 percent have emergency escape
ladders. They are easy to use and there should be one in each room with a
window in the upper levels of your home.
Home Fire Sprinklers
Many people do not know that fire sprinklers are
available for residences. Automatic sprinklers will save lives and can put out
a fire long before the fire department arrives. This reduces the amount of
property loss to your home by around 70 percent. Average cost to install is
$1.60 per square foot.
Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers can put out a small fire or
keep it from spreading before the fire fighters arrive. Before using, make sure
everyone is out of the house safely and the fire department has been notified.
There should be a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, garage, and workshop. Buy a
multipurpose one and make sure you understand how to use it.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Even though carbon monoxide detectors do not warn of
fire, they are the reason behind many fire department visits. Carbon monoxide
is an odorless, colorless gas formed when fuel does not burn completely. It is
very dangerous and can poison or kill people. Combination smoke and CO
detectors are available for purchase.
