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Fire is a deadly threat to every household. It can strike without warning. The fact is that in 2005, there were nearly 381,000 home fires in the U.S. resulting in over 16,000 injuries and deaths combined according to the National Fire Protection Association. We must all be prepared by using fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and escape ladders for fire protection.
Smoke alarms provide early warning when fire happens. 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 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" type fires are primarily wood, paper and fabric 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 extinguisher could handle 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. Fire tragedies are preventable!
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. If you have a large home, you should consider more than one extinguisher per level
The minimum protection for most homes includes installing one smoke alarm and one fire extinguisher on each level. However, check your local building code for detailed smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements.
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