Using Fire Extinguishers And Other Fire Damage Prevention Devices

Fires are the second most common causes of accidental death in the home. Lucky for all of us, there are lots of fire prevention devices out in the market today.

One example of a fire damage prevention device is a smoke alarm. This is perhaps the most common home device used for fire damage prevention. Installing a smoke alarm in you home can potentially save your life. In fact, studies show that chances for escape and survival are higher if you are able to detect the fire in the first place, and prevent it from becoming full-blown. Moreover, purchasing a smoke alarm is very convenient, since it is inexpensive and can be easily bought from your local hardware shop or supermarket.

You can install multiple smoke alarms in different areas of your home, like the bedroom, hallway, and living room. However, it is not advisable to install a smoke detector near the kitchen area, since this may just cause a false alarm. Also, smoke detectors should not be placed within six inches where walls and ceilings converge, since it may not perceive the smoke caused by a fire.

Another fire damage prevention device is a home sprinkler. What is nice about a home sprinkler is that it provides 24/7 protection to your home. Unlike smoke detectors, a home sprinkler does not detect a fire; it automatically puts out one even without the family knowing that a fire has started in the first place. However, sprinklers may be a little expensive as compared to smoke detectors. One sprinkler head costs around $350, and a typical house needs around seven to ten sprinkler heads. Expensive as it may be, it is highly advisable for houses that had already experienced fire damage, since they need more aggressive measures to prevent fires in the future.

It is also helpful to install a fire extinguisher in your home. In fact, it is very important, since these can put out small fires even before it escalates into a disaster-scale fire. In using a fire extinguisher, you need to keep in mind that you should let the people be whisked into safety first before attempting to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher. Also, call the fire department first before you use the fire extinguisher.

It is advisable to have all the family members learn how to use a fire extinguisher. To help you remember how to use it, use the acronym PASS. PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Number one step is to pull the pin located at the top of the fire extinguisher. Next, aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, since you need to put out the cause first to stop the fire from spreading and causing further fire damage. Step number three is to squeeze the lever slowly, which will release the extinguishing agent. Finally, sweep the extinguisher from side to side until all the flames had been put out. Stand away from the fire first, moving closer as it starts to diminish.

With the proper use of these simple devices, the risk of fire damage in your home largely decreases. Remember that before using any of these devices, read the instructions first so as not to cause further fire damage.

About the Author

Ramona Weisly speaks about homeowner issues for Herricks, NY Smoke Damage Clean Up and Hempstead, NY smoke damage cleaning

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