Myths And Facts About Household Fires
Fire is a deadly threat to every household. Fire can strike without warning. There were over 380,000 residential fires in 2005 in the U.S. annually results in some 16,000 injuries and deaths as reported by the NFPA. We must all be prepared by using fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and escape ladders for fire protection.
An early warning is provided by smoke detectors in the event of a fire. 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. Fires are classified under three categories A,B, or C.”A” class fires consist of mainly wood paper and or fabric as the fuel source. Type “B” fires consist of flammable liquids or oils. Lastly, “C” fire extinguishers are for electrical fires.
The number preceding the A, B, or C rating determines the size fire the extinguisher has been tested to be effective on. For example, a 10-B:C fire extinguisher theoretically will extinguish a 25 foot square fire of either flammable liquid or energized electrical origin. A 5-B:C fire extinguisher is rated to fight a 12.5 square foot fire that is flammable liquid or electrical based.
Proper preparation of your home by the use of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors as well as having well thought out escape plan and rehearsing it and having each family member knowing what to do can help to save your home and family. Fire tragedies are preventable!
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. Homeowners with large residences may want to consider multiple fire extinguishers on each level
For most homes the minimum recommended number of fire safety devices is one smoke alarm and one fire extinguisher on every level. However, check your local building code for detailed smoke alarm and CO detector requirements.
