subject: 5 Fire Safety Equipment Your Home Needs Today [print this page] 5 Fire Safety Equipment Your Home Needs Today
Fire safety should be one of your major concerns especially when it comes to your own home. You cannot ignore having the right tools to keep your family safe. But with so many options, it is so easy to get confused. Keep reading to find out what fire safety equipment you should get for your home.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are perhaps the simplest and easiest tool to access on this list. These are plain devices that alert you of any smoke inside your house. A loud beeping noise is enough to grab your attention and locate any fires that may be present. Install one near fire hazards such as kitchen stoves and furnaces and on every floor of your home. Keep in mind though that these things will not put out any fires any time soon.
Fire Extinguisher And/Or Blanket
When a fire breaks out, you want to put it out as fast as you can. A halon fire extinguisher or even a fire blanket lets you do this. A blanket is enough to put out small fires while an extinguisher does short work of slightly bigger ones. Either way, these should be paced where they can be located easily such as near doors or along hallways. Remember that these are only meant as some sort of "first aid" solution. You still need to call your local fire department.
Sprinkler System
A halon fire extinguisher requires manpower to operate. But what if there is no one in your home? Do not worry. A sprinkler system will solve this problem. In simple terms, this system automatically sprays water over any fire that occurs. It often used in conjunction with smoke detectors for activation. As a bonus safety feature, it can also be connected to a fire department to send a team of fire fighters without even calling them.
Fire Ladders
If you live in the inner city, chances are you live in an apartment building. These buildings are already chock-full of fire safety equipment but having one for your own does not hurt. A fire ladder may not put out a fire but it lets you escape from one. Select one that is made for use in a certain height. You want to take what floor you live into consideration before buying one.
A Fire Escape Plan
Sometimes a fire may spread too fast even as you use a halon fire extinguisher to put it out. Injuring yourself or losing your life by playing hero is ever a good thing. When this happens it is better to escape as fast as you can. This is where having a fire escape plan comes into play.
A plan allows you to plot your escape route once things go from bad to worse. A fire drill should be rehearsed by all family members at least twice a year. This gets them ready in case a fire breaks out.
Having fire safety equipment gives you a better chance at saving lives and your home from fire. Be sure to select the right ones for your home.
