Fire Safety Equipment for the Home

A guest article by Chris Currey, August 2010

Every home has a need for different tools and equipment.  But in our busy lives, most people forget about the tools that matter the most – the tools that will work to increase their personal safety.  In this article, we will take a look at the various pieces of equipment that will help you increase the safety of your home in the event of a fire.

The first piece of fire equipment that typically crosses a person’s mind are fire extinguishers.  While fire extinguishers are indeed important; they are not necessarily your first line of defense.  In order for your extinguisher to do its job, you’ve got to know you need it.  You know there is a need with the help of your smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors are handy tools that cost very little and yet save thousands of lives each year.  It is recommended that every home have one smoke detector per floor.  However, the safest bet is to have a smoke detector mounted on the ceiling just inside each bedroom and one in each living area except for the kitchen.  Smoke detectors and kitchens don’t always mix well, especially if the cook tends to burn food on a regular basis!  Many smoke detectors run off of batteries.  It is therefore necessary to check smoke detectors once a month, and to change batteries once each year.

Once you know there is a need, that’s when you head for the fire extinguishers.  It is important to plan ahead when dealing with fire extinguishers.  The last thing you want is to be grappling for a necessary piece of equipment when you need it the most; only to find it isn’t in working order.  Just like with smoke detectors; fire extinguishers are of little use if they are not maintained, or worse, not used properly.

When you first purchase fire extinguishers for your home, be sure that you purchase a type that will cover most classifications of fires.  You would not want to use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire, for instance.  Fire extinguishers that use a powder or foam extinguishing agent are well suited for homes, as they typically have the ability to cover Class A, B, and C fires.

First Aid Kits are a necessity in any home for many reasons; but people may fail to relate their relevance to fire safety.  No, a first aid kit will not prevent or fight flames.  However, one should make grabbing the first aid kit a part of their escape plan in the event of a fire.  Many first aid kits come with specific materials for burns; but it is possible that abrasions and cuts can also occur during a quick escape.

More than anything, it is preparedness that keeps you and your family safe during a fire.  When you prepare for fire; you take steps to prevent it from affecting your home.  For instance, if you are aware of fire hazards, you can work to avoid them.  You could remember to stay with any food that is cooking; to blow out candles if you leave a room where a candle is lit, etc.

Chris Curry is a Print Journalism graduate with over fifteen years of writing experience. He has written for numerous magazines, newspapers and online publications. He has also served as the Mental Health Editor of the Campus Free Press and the Mental Health Correspondent for Evoke Magazine. He shares the importance of fire safety by writing about useful tips and information on fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

Learn more about fire extinguishers by visiting Fire Protection Online.

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