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While the National Fire Prevention Association
(NFPA) requires new homes to have smoke alarms outside each bedroom
hard-wired to the house’s electrical system, the regulations
for older homes are out of date. Some state that there only needs
to be one smoke alarm in the entire house. Most homes in the United
States indicate that there is at least one alarm. Regrettably, the
number of fatalities involving home fires is an indication that
many of these alarms are non-operational.
It is truly unfortunate that some people seem
unwilling to spend a little time and money to make sure that their
house is equipped with working fire safety equipment. A smoke
alarm can cost only a few dollars. In the wake of one recent fire
in which eight people were killed in a house without any working
alarms, the local fire department decided to offer its city’s
residents up to two free smoke detectors. Contact your local fire
department to see if they are also running a similar program.
Each year, North America runs a program in October
for Fire Prevention Month. These national campaigns strive to
get the message out about safety tips and prevention to reduce
fire deaths in the home. Unfortunately, fire safety statistics
continue to be frighteningly high. Those most at risk are small
children, the elderly and the poor. Many fires are started by
carelessness. The leader in fire-related death causation is smoking,
although kitchen fires are the primary causes of house fires.
With these statistics in mind, don’t you
think it’s time to protect your family against the threat
of a house fire? There are a few key pieces of safety equipment
that every home needs. For smoke detectors, buy enough so that
there is one outside every bedroom in the house. These can be
plug-in models that come with a battery back-up feature in case
of a power outage, or they can be hard-wired to the electrical
system.
The Lifesaver Smoke Alarm, which retails for less
than $20.00, features a quick connect harness for easy wiring.
It also has a battery. Alternatively, you can purchase an alarm
that also has a carbon monoxide sensor for added safety. At the
very least, there should be a fire extinguisher in both the kitchen
and garage. Some people have antique fire extinguishers filled
with baking soda and water; these make beautiful collectibles
but probably won’t be very effective against most fires,
instead choose a model that is effective against several different
types of flame. Before you decide check out those that are filled
with halon or CO2 or foam. Even if you are on a budget, there
is really no excuse to not have an operational alarm and extinguisher
in your home. They do not cost much, and you may even be able
get some detectors for free. Protect your loved ones and keep
them safe from becoming a tragic news story.
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