FIRE SAFETY FOR YOUR HOME
August 27th, 2007 | Published in basement, finances, home security, kitchen | 2 Comments
More people are killed or injured in fires than all the burglaries of homes or businesses combined. Smoke & soot damage will consume every square inch of your home. I had a neighbour who had a fire and clothes packed in suitcases still got damaged with soot. They were far removed from the actual fire. So it is important to add fire protection to your security system.
Most smoke detectors security alarm companies use is different than the ones sold in hardware stores. They measure the quality of the air electronically. They usually can detect a fire as opposed to fumes using this method is much better. When a fire is detected, the fire department is notified even sometimes before you the home owner know you have a fire. The internal siren in the home alerts your family of the fire. Most alarm systems give intermittent short blasts if there is a fire as opposed to a steady sound of the siren. This also lets you know even in a deep sleep that when the siren goes off, you know it’s a fire instead of a break-in.
It is important where you place these devices. Some cities have codes stating you have to have one for each bedroom. Most of the time they are installed in a common hallway outside of the bedrooms.
Another device is called a heat rise or heat sensor. Most of these devices operate sensing the heat of the air surrounding them. There are two kinds. The first device will detect a fire if the heat rises to a certain temperature. The other device will activate if there is a sudden change of temperature from a certain degree to another.
These devices are placed in areas like kitchens, garages, attics, basements near the furnace, utility rooms, and any where you have a heater or flammable materials.
Every family should have a fire drill every so often. Each member of the family should know all exits. Have a place where you meet outside, like at the mail box, so you know everyone has gotten out. Many people have lost their lives going back into a burning home thinking that someone is still in the home when actually they were out but on the other side of the home.
Keep in mind that most insurance companies give discounts if you have a security system installed in your home or business. The more levels of protection could mean a greater discount on your insurance. So an investment in a complete security system could mean a substantial savings over the years plus the “peace of mind” knowing you’re protected.
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October 19th, 2008 at 2:46 am (#)
Came across this funny but instructive article. Wanted to share…
A pox on fire
Sparks learn how not to ignite
Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services
INUVIK (Feb 05/99) - Imagine seeing through eyes about 15 centimetres above your living room carpet with the rug’s beige nylon fibres appearing more like a flat, dry prairie field fitfully brightened by an electrical storm.
Absurd, maybe, but crawling with your head just off the ground is the best way to make it to safety without gulping down lung-scorching, soot-flavoured smoke if fire should ever strike your home.
“It’s far worse than tobacco smoke,” says volunteer firefighter Julie Miller, who is starting to teach fire prevention programs to kids.
“There’s carbon monoxide and cyanide and other poisonous gases. Some are so light they are right on the ground so it’s best to keep your head raised a bit.”
For parents, the general fire-safety message is familiar though there are always new specific ideas to keep family and possessions safe.
Recent fires and near-fires stress the need to keep wood stoves clear of flammables, such as clothing or old, yellowing back issues of the xxxDrum.
But on Jan. 30 the phenomena of fire and the seriousness of skin burns proved to ignite excitement among a large group of five and six-year-old girls.
Suitably enough, they were in the Girl Guides-affiliated, Sparks.
And as Miller sat on a blanket holding a smoke detector while explaining its importance, she was bombarded with answers, questions and comments.
“I’ve got one in my living room,” one girl piped up before being drowned out in a chorus of “me too.”
In the kitchen, Miller issued a warning about keeping pot lids turned in and for girls to keep clear when a parent rushes to the sink with a pot of spaghetti water to drain.
“All of you should have an escape plan for every floor of your house and really practise it,” Miller said before stressing the value of practising the escape with a blindfold on to really get a feel for the route.
Miller covered how to stop, drop and roll if clothing catches fire and how oxygen, flammable material and an ignition source are all that’s needed for fire to occur.
“If you’re burned, do you laugh and go, ‘oh goody?’” Miller asked to a rapt audience.
“No, you cry and go, ‘ouch.’ Burns can hurt really, really badly and they can also happen quickly.”
Miller has recently started her presentations to area kids and alters her advice somewhat depending on the age level. On Feb. 2, she spoke with Grade 5 students at SAM school and she says she hopes to spread a fire safety message through other grades as well.
October 20th, 2008 at 9:06 am (#)
Thanks for sharing