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Preparation is always your first line of defense against a fire disaster.
Having the right fire prevention equipment is an essential part of being prepared in case of an emergency. It gives an early warning, stops the spread of fire, and protects properties and lives.
Failure to have working and accessible fire safety equipment can have devastating effects on your home, including property damages. Worse, it could lead to injury or even death.
Read on to find out more about the types of fire prevention equipment essential for protecting your family and home.
4 Essential Fire Safety Home Equipment
1. Smoke Alarms (Smoke detectors)
Smoke alarms can alert you and your family of fires in advance. They detect abnormal levels of smoke and invisible combustion gases in the atmosphere. These devices also sense both flaming or smoldering fires.
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having one smoke alarm installed on each level of your house, as well as outside any sleeping areas and in every bedroom.
- Properly working smoke alarms are essential. Test them at a minimum once per month.
- Replace smoke detectors every ten years, as per NFPA and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recommendation.
- Install smoke alarms where people can hear them, particularly in areas with pets or in buildings housing animals.
- Experts recommend replacing smoke alarm batteries at least once per year.
- In case of a chirping smoke detector, reset the alarm to avoid continued beeping.
2. Home Fire Sprinkler Systems
To help protect your family and property from fire-related injuries, consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system.
Smoke alarms detect and don’t control fire. Having a home fire sprinklers complement alarms and provide a means to put out flames quickly.
Benefits of installing a sprinkler system in your home:
- Sprinklers can prevent flaming fires from spreading or extinguish them before the fire department arrives.
- Sprinkler systems can reduce the risk of deadly gases and smoke reaching your family.
- Sprinkler systems also put out fires while you’re away from your home and, if connected to an alarm system, can notify the fire department if you are not there.
Qualified fire protection equipment installers who adhere to fire safety codes, standards, and regulations will ensure the reliability of sprinkler systems.
[Related: 5 Signs You Need A Fire Sprinkler Inspection]
3. Fire Extinguisher
All facilities must have fire extinguishers that are easily accessible, well-lit, properly charged, and regularly inspected.
Fire extinguishers are often the first-line defense against small fires, preventing costly damage.
Only use this fire safety equipment if your knowledge and ability to operate it are good. Fire extinguishers should be kept on all levels of your house, including the garage, kitchen, and near exits.
Remember the PASS method when using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin and aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire. Then, slowly squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, then sweep from side to side.
[Related: 5 Tips To Avoid An Expensive Fire Extinguisher Repair]
4. Carbon Monoxide Alarms (CO Alarms)
Carbon monoxide is formed when fuels such as gasoline, oil, methane, natural gas, and propane burn inefficiently. If inhaled for a prolonged time, especially while sleeping, it can cause death or poisoning.
CO alarms can be installed to warn your family about this invisible, odorless, and colorless gas.
- Install the alarms at central locations throughout your home and outside sleeping areas.
- When the carbon monoxide alarm rings, get outside and open a window or door to freshen up.
- Avoid using a generator, camp stove, or any other gasoline, propane, or natural gas-burning device inside your home, garage, basement, or crawlspace.
Have A Fire Prevention Plan at Home
Preventing or reducing the impacts of a fire disaster starts by having the correct fire protection equipment available at all times. These devices must be carefully evaluated, inspected, installed, and maintained for optimal function.
Contact B&W Fire Security Systems for affordable professional fire protection services for your home.
Do you have questions about fire prevention equipment? Leave a comment and ask questions or share your thoughts below!
