Posts Tagged ‘fire safety’

Most often required by law, fire alarms are one of the most important fixtures in the home today. They are the one safety feature that could save the lives of an entire family. The number of deaths from smoke inhalation that could be prevented each year with the proper use and maintenance of a fire alarm is astounding. The risk of losing one’s home, family or personal possessions is far too great to not have an alarm installed and working properly.

There are two types of sensors that make up the bulk of all fire alarms. The first type is called an ionization sensor. This type of sensor does well at detecting fires which are burning very fast and moving though the structure. Those types of fires release ionized gas that can be tracked. The second type of sensor is called a photoelectric detector. This uses a small, light-sensitive device to try and spot pieces of particulate matter that is in the air. These particles are given off by fires that are burning more slowly, releasing more smoke that is heavier with debris.

Almost every governmental agency that deals with fire safety recommends using a fire alarm that contains both an ionization and photoelectric sensor. These types of units are known as dual sensor alarms. Dual sensor alarms are the most accurate way to detect a fire, no matter what the cause.

One key element involved in how the fire alarm and its sensors work is the exact location of where the alarm is installed. Because the particles that are being detect are floating along with the other gases in the room and gases tends to rise, then the alarms must be in a raised position. The particles in the air will accumulate near the roof when a fire starts, and the alarms must be as close to this area as possible. The manufacturer’s installation instructions will specify exact measurements.

At least one fire alarm should be placed on each floor of the house. They should be placed inside all of the bedrooms, and outside of the bedrooms as well. An alarm should be placed in the basement, since this is the origin of many fires.

The purpose of a fire alarm is to alert a family to the potential threat of a burning fire. This warning will fall on deaf ears if the family does not have a concise plan in place for what to do in this situation. It is very important that there is more than one escape route planned in the event that certain areas of the home or property become inaccessible due to the fire. There should also be a common meeting place for everyone to assemble once outside. The plan should be memorized and practiced.

The most difficult step to remember when dealing with fire safety goes beyond installation and planning. It is the routine maintenance of the fire alarms themselves. For units that require a battery to run, or use them as a backup power source, the batteries must be replaced every six months regardless of how much power is left in them. The alarm should also be kept very clean since dust particles can reduce the ability of the sensors to detect particles. Keeping a fire alarm in good working order when it is installed correctly can help reduce the chances of being seriously injured in a fire.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home safety. If you would like more information about types of fire alarms or are searching for a reputable fire alarm business please visit http://www.adt.co.uk

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.