Fire is a serious concern for any home. Fire can strike without warning. The fact is that in 2005, there were nearly 381,000 home fires in the U.S. annually results in some 16,000 injuries and deaths as reported by the NFPA. Everyone should be familiar with the use of fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and escape ladders for fire safety and protection.

Smoke detectors offer warning before a fire gets out of hand. Properly installed smoke detectors are the best bet to alert your household if a fire occurs. The greater number of smoke alarms you have placed throughout you home the better the likelihood you and your family will be alerted to a fire.

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.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) categorizes fire extinguishers. 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.Type “A” fires involve wood, paper or fabric material fires. “B” type fires are primarily flammable liquids and oil based fires. Finally, “C” type fires are energized electrical fires.

The A,B, or C rating on a fire extinguisher is preceded by a number that indicates the size of the fire the extinguisher is rated for. As an example, a 10-B:C extinguisher has been tested and shown to put out a 25 square foot flammable liquid or electrical fire. A 5-B:C extinguisher could handle a 12.5 ft square flammable liquid or electrical fire.

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.Tragedies caused by fire can be prevented!

It is recommended that homeowners install a minimum of one smoke detector on each floor of your house most importantly near sleeping areas. Another good idea is to place an emergency escape ladder on every floor above the main level. It is also smart to install a fire extinguisher in a convenient location on each level. You may want to consider more than one fire extinguisher per floor if you own a large home

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 CO alarm requirements.

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