Staple Fire Safety Items You Should Have in Your Home
Fire safety is important to implement everywhere, including the home. Yet, many people may not realise how many fire protection items are available and practical to keep in the house in the unfortunate event that a fire does break out.
Below are some essential fire safety items to consider keeping in your home.
Fire Alarm System
Every home should have a smoke detector in place as the most basic level of fire protection. Though it is not a legal requirement to have a smoke alarm in place in your home (other than in rented properties), it is strongly recommended and could impact your insurance if you don’t have one.
Smoke alarms are apt at detecting when there is a fire in your home and alerting you of such, allowing you to take the necessary actions to keep yourself and your family safe. To take these a level further, they can be attached to home sprinklers to create an even more effective fire alarm system.
These sprinklers are triggered by the smoke alarm going off, causing them to release water that can help to extinguish the fire, stop it from spreading and/or stop harmful smoke and gases from harming any occupants. These are especially useful for controlling a fire and giving you and your family a chance to evacuate whilst waiting for the fire brigade to arrive - if your house is empty when a fire breaks out, some even have the capability to notify the fire department in your absence.
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is an incredibly useful fire safety item to keep in your home. They are easily stored thanks to them being folded up into a compact case, but are incredibly effective when used in action thanks to their highly flame-resistant properties.
They can be used to extinguish small fires by being placed over them to cut the oxygen supply, or can be wrapped around an individual to offer a layer of protection when in a house fire and trying to evacuate or waiting to be helped by the fire department if escape is not possible.
Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers don’t just have to be for businesses and public buildings, but they are readily available to keep in your home, as well. Any extinguisher with an ABC rating is most recommended for home use and should be stored somewhere high up, near an exit and away from heat sources.
Never attempt to put out a fire yourself if it is large, there is too much smoke and/or you are not near an accessible exit in the case that the extinguisher may not be able to put the fire out completely.
Fire Escape Ladder
If you do not have a safe escape route from the second story of your home (as many likely won’t), then investing in a fire escape ladder is a smart option. These ladders hook over your windowsill for security whilst the length of the ladder then hangs out the window for you to climb down to the ground.
They are built on a chain so that they can be folded up for storage and to allow them to fit out the window, often with wall rests along the length of the ladder to keep it away from the wall, making it easier and more stable to climb down.
If you’re looking to improve the fire protection in your home, Thameside Fire Protection offers fire alarms, sprinklers and extinguishers, along with other fire protection services. Feel free to contact us today with any questions you have regarding our fire safety services.
