Posted via email from Home Hazard Alert

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control’s Fire Death and Injuries fact sheet, four out of five U.S. fire deaths in 2005 occurred in the home. Is your

home protected with a wireless interconnected smoke alarm system so that if a fire was to start anywhere in your house, your family would know immediately and have the time needed to escape?

The technology of the wireless interconnected smoke alarm system greatly increases the likelihood that the occupants of a home will have the needed time to escape from a fire. This greatly reduces the chance of injury or death.

Homes that were built after 1993 are required to have interconnected smoke alarm systems built into the home. An interconnected smoke alarm system works on the principle that once a fire starts in one area of a home, all of the alarms in the home will sound; not just the alarm where the fire has started. Think about the extra time that gives the occupants to leave the home safety.

Suppose that you are sleeping in an upstairs bedroom with your children in adjacent rooms, and a fire starts in another area of your home. Imagine this scenario without an interconnected smoke alarm system installed in your home. By the time the smoke alarms near your bedrooms detect smoke, it is too late! Your family would now have to blindly navigate through thick clouds of dark smoke and intense fire engulfing the house. They may be forced to jump from a window or wait to be rescued by the fire department’s hook and ladder.

If the home had been equipped with an interconnected smoke alarm system, the same situation would have a much safer ending. With this system in place, as soon as the fire started, all of the interconnected alarms would sound off simultaneously. With this fire system in place, your family would have been immediately awakened before the smoke had advanced upstairs to the bedrooms and engulfed the sleeping quarters in smoke.

Homes that were built prior to 1993 were not required to have an interconnected smoke alarm system. Now these older homes can easily have the same unsurpassed protection of an interconnected system with the simple installation of wireless interconnected smoke alarms. There is no need to break through walls and hardwire the smoke alarms to the electrical system. The wireless interconnected smoke alarm system uses radio waves to interconnect the smoke alarms throughout the house. The cost is much less than a hardwired interconnected system and it is a very simple installation process. The smoke alarms are placed in all areas of the home as simply as you would place a smoke alarm that is not in an interconnected system. It is that easy and offers so much more protection than traditional smoke alarms.

To further protect your family, there are some other innovative fire safety products that are available today. One such product is a smoke alarm that gives voice commands to wake your family up. Studies have been conducted that indicate children will wake up to the sound of a voice much sooner than to the sounding of an alarm. Also, hearing- disabled older adults can not hear some sounds at certain decibel levels. These newer alarms are programmed with the proper decibel level to cater to children and adults. This type of alarm can be purchased from one manufacturer along with its wireless interconnected smoke alarm system. Now a homeowner can have the added protection of an interconnected system along with the assurance that all members of the household will awaken with the sounding of the alarm.

Fire protection and preparedness is important to the safety of your family. With four out of five fire deaths occurring in the home, today’s innovative new products such as the wireless interconnected smoke alarm system and voice smoke alarms can give you the assurance that you are doing everything in your power to keep your family as safe as possible in case of a fire.

Tuesday Knight
http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/wireless-interconnected-smoke-alarms-fire-protection-for-your-home-104262.html

While many of those employed in the emergency services can see the importance of having a fire blanket in the home the same cannot be said for the general public. It is an unfortunate fact most people either ignore the dangers associated with home fires or they just do not realize the dangers that exist.

Most house fires start in the kitchen which accounts for almost 28 percent of all fires in the home. This is a very high number and most fires in the kitchen are caused by either a lack of concentration or because the person was interrupted by an unexpected occurrence. This could be something simple such as the telephone ringing, a caller at the door or maybe one of your children needs your immediate attention.

One of the main causes of fire in the kitchen is when dealing with very hot oil. If not monitored it can reach such high temperatures as to catch alight in an instant. When this happens instant panic will set-in as you try to find a very quick solution while under intense stress and trauma. Most people would dampen a towel under the tap and throw the soaking material over the flames. Smothering the fire does work because it starves the flames of the oxygen they need. But using a small towel to do it causes more danger.

Many people who have tried this method have the burn scars to prove it. The problem is that you feel you have to get very close to the fire to douse the flames. If you miss you may not get a second chance so you get as close as you can get. This is where the severe burning takes place. It may not be the actual flames that cause the skin damage, it could be just the intense heat. Other people have been burned because they may have missed the target and try to retrieve the cloth to try again. This time you may have a partly burning cloth to contend with as well as a fire that is on the verge of getting out of control.

Fire blankets are recommended by all the emergency services and people involved in health and safety. They immediately know the safety benefits that fire blankets can bring when used correctly. They should be made easily accessible near an exit doorway. Never hide them away in draws or cupboards and expect to find them easily when a fire takes hold. Placing them near to an exit ensures that you have away out should the fire blanket not be enough or if things go wrong.

Fire blankets are also ideal for covering someone who has actually caught fire and can also be worn over the head if you need to pass an area that is on fire or where extreme temperatures are causing difficulty. Protecting the vital organs is the most important factor when you are confronted with fire.

Fire blankets can be purchased in many DIY stores and hardware shops and the costs varies with the type and size you need. Many of the fire blankets can be reusable after washing though you will need to check the supporting documents for confirmation of this.

Every home should have a fire blanket located in the kitchen or where cooking takes place. When you consider the minimal cost to purchase one against the protection they provide for your home, your personal effects and of course your loved ones they will be one of the best investments you can ever make.

Mark Fynn
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/fire-blanket-safety-in-the-home-76463.html

If you have toddlers in your home, then safety is obviously a big concern. They are big enough and mobile enough to go just about anywhere but they little to no understanding of how dangerous some things might be. So, you know that you need to toddler-proof your home but how do you go about it?

A great place to start is by placing ‘baby gates’ at the top and bottom of the stair case to prevent injuries. Be sure that you purchase a gate that is sturdy and can be easily fastened to the wall, railing or some other solid surface on or near the stairs. Even with a baby gate, never leave a toddler unattended near the stairs.

Next on the list to put child safety latches on all cupboard and cabinet doors the child could possibly reach. Remember, toddlers can climb! Pa extra attention the cabinets under the kitchen or bathroom sink or anyplace you store medicine, cleaning supplies, garden chemicals or poisons. In the garage or storage shed, store all weed killers and chemicals in a locked cabinet and place the key in a location where your child cannot find it.

When it comes to toddler safety, prevention is the best method. Store your child’s books and toys at their level so they do not have to climb to get to their favorite game or stuffed animal. If your child has a lamp, fan or other electrical appliance in his/her room, tuck cords safely behind furniture so the child cannot pull anything down on himself.

Avoid choking hazards by keeping young children away from small objects, pieces of toys, and small pieces of board games. Read manufacturer instructions for all toys and follow their guidelines. Buy only those toys and games that are appropriate for a child of a particular age. Place plastic safety plugs in electrical outlets so the child cannot stick his fingers in the outlet.

One aspect of home safety that is often overlooked is mildew and mold. Mildew and mold can cause serious illness and injury in adults and toddlers alike. Mold or mildew can be the cause of allergies and asthma in small children. Install a dehumidifier in any damp areas to mitigate the moisture in the air.

For more information visit www.freefamilybooks.com or contact us at mia@freefamilybooks.com

Mia Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/home-safety-for-toddlers-and-small-children-66838.html

Just as we expect a bevy of safety features in our car, we must take equivalent safety measures in our homes and offices. House alarms warn us of intruders and carbon monoxide detectors alert us if poisonous – and invisible – gas has entered our home. But equally important is the use of properly installed and deliberately placed fire alarms throughout your home. They can be the first line of defense when fire threatens you life or the lives of your family.

Fire alarms are often found as standard equipment in newly built homes. Most states have adopted fire code laws that require fire alarms on every floor of each home. But if you move into an older home you must ensure that all fire alarms are operational and situated in the proper locations. Fire alarms should be mounted on the ceiling of every floor of the house – including the basement. The most important thing to remember is that in a fire situation, seconds count. Give yourself as much time as possible by putting fire alarms throughout your home. While as late as the 1970s it would have cost upwards of $1,000 to outfit a home with fire alarms, today’s homes can be safe guarded for under $100. Modern fire alarms are efficient, technologically advanced, and extremely affordable.

Most fire alarms can be installed by do-it-yourselfers with simple household tools. But if you are unsure about the location or installation process, check with a certified alarm installation technician or contact your local fire department. Remember that more is always better when it comes to protecting the lives of you and your loved ones; so don’t cut corners when it comes to purchasing the best fire alarms.

Some fire alarms can be integrated straight into your central alarm system. So in addition to alerting authorities if you should have a break-in, it will notify fire personnel should your fire alarms sound. This can be especially helpful if you are away from home on a frequent basis; you will rest assured that your home is always being protected.

In addition to fire alarms, be sure that you and your family have a fire plan that you practice several times a year. This should include an exit strategy for every person in the house as well as a meeting location at a safe distance outside the home.

Michelle Bery
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/fire-alarms-mandatory-for-safety-139631.html

When it comes to ensuring the safety of our loved ones, we will turn to a variety of safety measures that we implement on a daily basis. But the most important safety measure is that which stays in our home, its importance often overlooked. It is the fire and smoke alarm and it is crucial to the safety of those inside our homes. A properly installed and maintained fire and smoke alarm system can literally mean the difference between life and death.

In most cases, when you purchase a home it comes equipped with a fire and smoke alarm system. Generally speaking there should be one situated on the wall or ceiling in each level of your home. Smoke rises and a smoke alarm positioned correctly will act as the earliest warning system possible in the event of a fire. This advanced warning can give you time to get either put the fire out with an extinguisher – if it’s small and contained – or get out of the home before anyone is hurt.

If the home in which you are living does not come equipped with a fire and smoke alarm, you can pick up several right at your area hardware store or home improvement store. They are affordable and easy to install – often requiring just a few simple household tools. If you would feel more comfortable having a professional technician install your fire and smoke alarm then contact a certified alarm technician or even your area firehouse for information.

Most importantly, don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. If you have a choice between a baser model or a fire and smoke alarm with a higher standard rating, go with the higher quality alarm even if that means it costs a bit more money.

Another tip when installing your fire and smoke alarm is not to neglect the basement. Unfortunately, many fire fatalities occur in the middle of the night and could have been avoided had residents been given enough time to get of the house. Think of how much more time you would have if a fire that begins in the basement is immediately detected instead of waiting until it reaches the first floor.

Finally, the most important step in ensuring an effective fire and smoke alarm is proper equipment maintenance. Be sure to test the fire and smoke alarm every six months and change batteries when necessary. It is also important that you and your family have a fire plan including exit strategies and a meeting place outside the home.

Michelle Bery
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/safety-first-the-fire-and-smoke-alarm-126107.html

In 2004, the 410 thousand residential fires in America caused more than 14 thousand injuries and 3 thousand deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). You can prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, and even most residential fires by being knowledgeable about fire safety. Ensure your and your family’s safety by creating an escape plan, teaching children fire safety and fire-proofing your home.

Fire Safety Escape Plan

a fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.

When discussing fire safety issues with your family, it is also a good idea to talk about each person’s responsibilities in the case of a fire, such as who helps whom out of the house. Be sure to explain to each family member to crawl to a safe exit; don’t stop to save anything, and, if possible, to alert others by yelling “FIRE!” or beating on doors as they crawl by.

Fire Safety and Kids

Fire safety and education begins with children. Tragically, children cause over thousands of residential fires each year, the majority stemming from children playing with matches. You need to teach your children to obey the following fire safety rules: Never play with matches or lighters, always have an adult help you when cooking, never touch gasoline or any other flammable liquids,

Always STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! If you or your clothes catch on fire. Never place anything into an electrical outlet and always get help from an adult if something catches on fire.

Your children are the most important people in your life, so educate them about fire safety and prevention.

Fire Safety and Your Home

Electrical fires are the most common type of residential fires in America. The following fire safety tips lower the probability of residential electrical fires: Don’t overload outlets or piggy-back extension cords, Keep all combustible items, such as hairspray and household cleaners, away from all heaters, Check all electrical tools and appliances for frayed or cracked cords, Purchase electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter’s Laboratory’s (UL) safety requirements and Keep children away from electrical appliances, such as heaters and irons.

Electric stoves, ovens, stereos, heaters, and clothes dryers are responsible for the majority residential electrical fires. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions, and use all appliances carefully and responsibly. Sometimes, no matter the precautionary fire safety steps you take, an electrical fire can still occur. If this happens, knowing the proper fire safety procedure is invaluable in keeping your home safe. Shut off burning appliances by unplugging the cord, Put out small fires with your home fire extinguisher, Do not put water on electrical fires, Get everyone out of the house and Do not try to handle large fires by yourself; call 911, report the fire, and tell them it is an electrical fire.

Educating yourself and your family on fire safety helps to lower your chances of a residential fire and gives you the knowledge of what to do in the case of a fire.

Ralph Winn
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/a-fire-safety-escape-plan-tells-everyone-what-to-do-if-your-home-catches-on-fire-74072.html

How much do you know about fires and home safety? Where is the safest air in your home during a fire? What is the proper home safety protocol for a fire? Take this short, six-question quiz to find out the answers to these questions and to test your knowledge of fire and home safety issues. After completing the questions scroll down to the bottom of the page to check your answers.

Lets face it how many of us have really thought about fire protection? It may cross our minds as we watch the news or read the paper. Yet we probably haven’t taken any steps to ensure fire safety in our own homes. Unfortunately most people think it won’t happen to them. It would be nice if that were true, but as statistics show it is not. Every year nearly 4,000 Americans die in fires and more than 25,000 are injured.

Fire and Home Safety

1. True or False: You are in a smoke-filled room. The correct home safety rule is to keep your head as close to the floor as possible as you exit.

a) true

b) false

Answer: b) false—heat and smoke rise, therefore the air closest to the floor is the coolest. Plastics, nylons, and other manmade materials emit deadly gasses when burned, and these gasses are heavier than air. The proper home safety rule is to crawl to the nearest exit with your head approximately 18 inches from the floor; this is where the safest air is located.

2. True or false: Fire spreads methodically from one object to another and from one room to the next.

a) true

b) false

Answer: b) false—during a fire heat rises and temperatures can exceed 500 degrees. As this hot air fills the area closest to the ceiling it begins to descend and flow under doors and through cracks. Upon contact with a flammable object, this hot air can ignite a new fire in a different room than the original fire.

3. According to home safety guidelines, if a fire breaks out while you are on the second floor of your home you should…

a) open the window and jump to safety.

b) run to the door, open it, and exit the room as quickly as possible.

c) feel the door for heat as high up as possible; if it doesn’t feel hot, slowly open it and crawl to safety.

d) none of the above.

Answer: c) feel the door for heat, and slowly open it. If you open the door quickly and the air inside your room is cooler than that in the hallway, a back draft explosion could occur.

4. True or False: Children playing with fires is the leading cause of fire deaths in preschoolers.

a) true

b) false

Answer: a) true—home safety starts with teaching children fire safety rules. Two thirds of those killed in fires started by children playing are under the age of six.

5. While asleep, a fire starts in your home. Upon waking you should…

a) bolt upright and exit your room and home as quickly as possible.

b) run to the window and jump to safety.

c) frantically run out of the house yelling at your family to wake up.

d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety.

Answer: d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety. Bolting upright could easily plunge your head directly into the extreme heat and deadly thick smoke. One breath could prove fatal.

6. If your clothes catch fire, the appropriate home safety procedure is to…

a) run to your neighbor’s yard and jump in their pool.

b) frantically jump up and down.

c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire.

d) run in circles, scream, and yell until help arrives.

Answer: c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire. STOP! DROP! and ROLL! is the home safety rule of thumb when your clothes are on fire. Running amok fans the flames, causing the fire to spread.

Ralph Winn
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/fire-and-home-safety-test-your-fire-and-home-safety-knowledge-58181.html

Homeowners often face many do-it-yourself projects and many of those projects are trial and error. However, electrical repairs and/or projects should not fall under the category of trial and error. Before beginning an electrical repair project, follow the steps below to ensure a safe, successful result.

First, confirm that you are permitted to do electrical work on your own home. The Oregon Department of Business and Consumer Services (ODBCS) indicates that homeowners do not need a permit to replace electrical devices or perform maintenance on an existing electrical installation, but a permit is required in some instances. According to the ODBCS, you need a permit to install or modify any permanent wiring or electrical device, run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install or modify low-voltage systems such as security alarms or stereo systems, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener or convert to circuit breakers. Of course, the law varies from state to state. Be sure to check with your local office to confirm whether or not you need a permit.

Secondly, off all electrical power through the circuit breaker. Flipping a switch off is not enough. The socket or appliance will remain live. Many circuit breakers have diagrams detailing with circuit is connected which breaker, but be sure to check for yourself. You can do this by using a voltage tester. Someone assisting you is also helpful and prevents the need to run back and forth to test the circuit. Always tape the circuit breaker into the off position to avoid anyone restoring power while you are working. Finally, remember that the main wires entering the electrical panel from the outside cannot be turned off. For this reason, do not touch the wires or go near them with anything made of metal. If you suspect the electrical problems are with these wires, contact the power company. Do not try to find the problem on your own.

Third, standing in water or on a damp floor could result in a life-threatening shock. If there is water on the floor, place a rubber mat on the floor to stand on. Also, be sure you are wearing dry clothes. If you are not sure if the area is safe, call a professional. One call could save you from a dangerous shock.

Fourth, remember that metal is bad and rubber is good. If you touch metal and a live wire at the same time, your body carries a current from one to the other. Running a current through your body is, obviously, not healthy nor is it pleasant experience. However, rubber is a nonconductive material and actually insulates against electricity. Use tools with rubber or plastic coated handles and wear shoes with rubber soles.

Finally, test your work once you are finished. Turn the circuit breakers on to return electrical power to the area, and use a voltage tester to check if the appropriate amount of electricity is running. The amount required varies by the size of the appliance.

Ray J. Walberg
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/safety-steps-in-electrical-wire-repairs-125098.html

Hi all,
I'm starting a business providing consulting to private individuals and communities interested in preparing their homes/yards/communities for wildland fires and mitigating the fire losses by choosing appropriate vegetation, remodelling/constructing their homes to be fire resistant, etc. I need a business name that is short and catchy- and available as a domain name. Ideas like firesafe, firesafety, firesafeyard, firescaping, have occurred to me, but they don't say what I'm trying to do, and they aren't that catchy. Any thoughts? (If you have a super idea, I'd be happy to pay a modest creativity bonus- I'm a wildland firefighter, so I can't afford to pay too much!) Thank you . . .

"FireWise" – Innovative Fire Prevention Solutions

or

"Fire Safety Solutions" FSS?

Just a couple of ideas. Obviously, you'd have to check and make sure no one else has that name registered in your state.

If you like one, use it. Good luck with your new business!