Purchase & Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers

Image via Wikipedia
I was speaking with a customer earlier today about a remodel project that they have planned.  When I asked about fire extinguishers for the project, I was pleased with their rapid response that they would go out and purchase some immediately!
  According to a National Fire Protection Association study, there are approximately 400,000 house fires each year in the United States, which account for 75 percent of all structure fires. This study also indicated that residential fires result in over 3,700 deaths per year. Indeed, fires typically kill more Americans than all other natural disasters combined.
Having properly placed fire extinguishers in your home is an excellent loss control measure that targets the most common cause of property loss.  
Before purchasing fire extinguishers, learn about the different types of fire extinguishers. There are four basic types, as follows.

• Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. 
• Class B extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil. 
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for electrically energized fires. 
• Class D extinguishers should be used on flammable metals and are typically specific for the type of metal in question. 

We all now that having fire extinguishers makes sense unfortunately, most of us buy them, hang them, and then neglect them.  It's like a Ron Popeil rotisserie commercial, "Set it and forget it!"  Unfortunately, our inaction may lead to an extinguisher's inaction as well when called upon.  So, what can we do to make sure our extinguishers are in good working order?The following are some tips concerning this important fire protection device.

• Most home fire safety experts recommend medium size, multipurpose fire extinguishers that are labeled as suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires. 
• A fire extinguisher should be kept in your garage, kitchen, and on each floor of your home. 
• You and other potential users in your household should thoroughly read the extinguisher's instructions on a periodic basis. 
• A professional fire equipment supplier should inspect each extinguisher annually. 

Note that prices on fire extinguishers start at around $20. Many insurers offer modest premium credits to encourage homeowners to purchase and maintain extinguishers.

MAKE SURE YOUR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS ARE SAFE TO USE

Image by peminumkopi via Flickr

Each year holiday season fires injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of these precautionary tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Christmas trees--When buying a live tree, make sure the needles are green.
The needles should not break if the tree is freshly cut. If you bounce the tree on the ground and needles fall off, the tree is too dry and should not be used. When you put the tree up in your home, be sure to keep it away from heat sources. Don't put it up too early and don't leave it up for more than 2 weeks. Always be sure that it has plenty of water. When you take the tree down, do not burn it in the fireplace. Recycle it or have it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday lights--Before using your lights, inspect them for bare spots or frayed wires, and use only lights that have been approved by a testing lab. Be sure not to overload your circuits--the best way to do this is to avoid stringing together more than 3 strands of lights. And never leave your holiday lights unattended.

Holiday decorations--All such decorations should be flame resistant. Be sure to place them away from heat sources. You should not burn wrapping paper in your fireplace. Such a fire may throw off sparks or produce a chemical build-up that could cause an explosion.

Candles--Always place candles in steady holders where they can't be easily knocked over, and do not go out of the house with candles burning. If you do use candles during the holidays, be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Smoke Alarms--Each year at Christmas is an excellent time to change the batteries in your smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm is hard-wired into the home's electrical system, be sure that it is working.