Smoke Detector - Best Invention of the Past Two Decades?

Born in 1969, the smoke detector was recently voted the best invention of the past two decades ahead of mobile phones, microwave ovens and must-have gadgets like digital cameras. The potentially life-saving device is hailed for its ability to detect the early signs of fire.

While commendable the smoke detector does not go far enough and could be made even more effective.
What happens if a fire starts when no one is home?

It goes without saying that smoke detectors save lives, it is also without question that every property whether it is a home or workplace, should have one. Smoke detectors are indeed vital in the battle to protect against the risk of fire. That said, my main concern is that 60% of fires occur when the property is empty, meaning that the smoke detector is only effective if people are actually at home or at work. In essence this implies that smoke detectors are only effective 40% of the time, which although offers some peace of mind, does not stop the fire from actually taking hold as there is no one there to hear it and take appropriate action.

We all know that fire kills, we also know that 40% of businesses that are destroyed by fire never reopen. The issue is not always about saving lives but saving someone's home or business too. Fire affects us all in one way or another, which makes prevention everyone's problem. The question begs why aren't we looking at ways of making the smoke detector 100% effective regardless of whether the building is empty of full of people? I believe we have now reached a stage in the development of fire prevention and safety where we do have the power and the technology to make a bigger difference.

When a smoke detector alarm sounds from inside a building and you are present you can hear its piercing tones. A passer-by walking past your property while you are out will not hear your smoke alarm through the closed windows and double-glazing and, if a fire ignites while you are out, it is likely to be too late. What is needed is a device that recognises all of your alarm sounds, whether that is your burglar, smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm. As soon as the alarm is activated it should alert the key holders immediately to enable them to deal with the situation before the fire takes hold.

If smoke detector alarms were monitored like many burglar alarm systems today, it would mean the device is 100% effective rather than 40%. If smoke detectors could save people's homes and businesses as well as their lives they would arguably be the best invention to date, by far.

Thank to Mygard for this article.

One of the most common rooms where fire begin is you bedroom

One of the most common rooms in the house where fires begin (besides the kitchen) is in the bedroom. Nearly 4,000 lives are lost each year in the United States due to fires in the home, and approximately 600 of those lives are lost when a fire starts in the bedroom. When this occurs, most often the cause is overloaded electrical circuits, space heaters that are placed too close to flammable items, the poor smoking habits of adults, arson, and children playing with matches, lighters, or candles. So, how can these fires be prevented so that hundreds of lives can be spared each and every year?

It begins with you. Practicing fire prevention in all aspects of your life could save the lives of your family members and those dearest to you. How do you begin practicing fire prevention in your home? The bedroom is always a good place to start. Most deaths in home fires occur between the hours of 12:00am and 4:00am during the night...when people are fast asleep and unaware of their surroundings.

To begin, first take a simple look around your bedroom. Do you light candles often? If so, where are they? Are they placed in protective holders, such as votives, or bowls? Next, are the candles placed near fabric (such as curtains, bedding or clothing), where it could easily catch aflame? Are the candles placed where children can easily play with them or accidentally knock them over? These are questions to begin asking yourself.

Next, examine the wires and electrical circuits in your bedroom. If you have multiple alarm clocks, multiple lamps, and a computer and printer and space heater, it could easily be said that the circuits are all full. It is important to turn off electrical devices when they are not in use; turn off the lights when you leave the room, turn off the computer and printer when you go to bed at night, and turn off the space heater when you are not present. Also, be sure to examine the cords and make certain they are not frayed or compromised in any way.

If you have children, keep an eye on them. Also remember to keep any matches or lighters you have tucked safely away or locked in a cabinet or drawer, if possible. Be aware of "special" hiding places for children: under the bed, in a closet, or under a desk are all popular spaces, not to mention extremely unsafe when playing with fire. Unfortunately, children ignite approximately 35,000 fires in the home annually. Roughly 400 of those children lose their lives each year due to playing with fire. Keep your matches safe, and keep your children safe.

It truly is tragic how many lives are lost each year due to fires in the home. When people practice fire safety, and are aware of the hazards in their home, the risk of fire lowers. It is important to be aware and pay attention to what is going on in your home at all times. Though things can get hectic, make conscious efforts to practice fire safety. It could make the difference between saving lives or losing them.

Prevent fire from Electrical Distribution Equipment

Electrical Distribution Equipment
Wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers and other electrical devices are the third leading cause of home fires and the second leading cause of fire deaths.
•Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
•If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
•Try to avoid extension cords. If you feel an extension cord is necessary, make sure that it is not frayed or worn. Do not run it under carpet or around doorways.
•Never overload a socket. The use of "octopus" outlets or "power bar", outlet extensions that accommodate several plugs, is strongly discouraged. Try to limit one high-wattage appliance into each individual outlet at a time.
•If a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows frequently, cut down on the number of appliances on that line. In many older homes, the capacity of the wiring system has not kept pace with today's modern appliances and can overload electrical systems. Some overload signals include: dimming lights when an appliance goes on, fuses blowing frequently or shrinking TV picture.
•Assure there's plenty of air space around home entertainment units such as the TV and stereo to avoid overheating.
Although some fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, many are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

More information!
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Heating Equipment !

Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the winter months of December, January and February, and is the second-leading cause of home fires year-round.

• When buying heaters, look for devices with automatic shutoff features.
• Be sure any gas-fueled heating device is installed with proper attention to ventilution, and never put unvented gas space heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms. Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies are prohibited for home use by NFPA codes.
• Never leave space heaters on when you leave the room.
• Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Don't use extension cords with space heaters. The high amount of current they require could melt the cord and start a fire.
• When lighting a gas space heater, strike your match first, then turn on the gas.
• Never use a gas range as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.

Kitchen : The place where fire often occur.

a lot of equipment in the kitchen can cause fire such as microwave, stove etc. And the statistics show that Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. So you should know the tips to prevent fire in the kitchen.

•Keep appliances clean, and wipe surfaces after spills. Clean stove surfaces and ovens regularly.
•Wear tight-fitting sleeves, or roll them up when cooking
•Keep flammable objects, including pot holders, dish towels and curtains, at least three feet away from the stove.
•Wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and all other solid-fueled heating equipment needs to be inspected annually by a professional and cleaned accordingly.
•Assure microwaves have enough room to breathe, that all the vents are cleared of obstructions.
•If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Make sure to have the microwave oven serviced before you use it again.
•If there is an oven fire, keep the door closed and turn off the heat. If the fire doesn't go out immediately, call the fire department.
•A grease fire occurs when oil or greasy foods are heated and ignite. The simplest way to fight a grease fire is to carefully slide a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner, don't move the pan, and keep the lid on until the pan cools completely. Baking Soda may also be used to suffocate the fire. NEVER PUT WATER ON A GREASE FIRE. Water causes the grease to splatter and the fire to spread. Also, NEVER attempt to take a grease fire outdoors. It will be too hot to carry and you will drop it, causing a major house fire.

Fire prevention tips!!

Stop, drop, and roll! We all remember this from elementary school when the firefighters came to visit. Kids think it’s a fun new game but it can save your life. It is just one form of fire prevention everyone should know. There are many other fire prevention tips you can follow in order to reduce the risk of fires starting in your home.

Smoke Alarms and Detectors: It is important to have smoke detectors installed on each floor of your home. Remember to check them regularly for proper function and change their battery at least once a year. Changing your smoke detector batteries when you change your clock is a good way to remember.

Have a plan: Make sure everyone in the family knows of two ways out of each room in the house. This is because if one exit route is blocked, you have a backup plan. Also, agree on a place to meet to do a “head count” once you evacuate the house.

Smokers: Never smoke while in bed or when you are sleepy. The ashes could easily start a fire while you are too drowsy to be fully alert.

Space Heaters: Any portable space heater should be kept at least 3 feet from anything that can burn (including the wall). Never leave a heater on when you are not home or when you are asleep. Children and pets should be kept away from them as well.

Cooking: Keep the cooking areas clear of combustibles. Make sure to keep all pot handles turned inward so they are not .accidentally knocked over. Try to wear short sleeves or fitted clothes so your sleeves don’t catch fire. In case a grease fire does occur, carefully and calmly slide a lid over the pot to smother the flames and turn off the burner.

Matches: it is very important to keep matches and lighters out of a child’s reach. Also, do not keep any near your fireplace.

Fireplace: Before each new heating season, it is a good idea to have a chimney inspector clean your fireplace. Also, do not keep any matches, newspapers, or kindling near the fireplace and use a fireplace screen to prevent any sparks from flying out.

Clothes Dryer: Never leave your clothes dryer on when you are not home. Remember to frequently clean the lint trap to keep the airway clear.

If you follow these fire prevention tips, you and your home will be much safer.

Any suggestions?

Talk about fire extinguishers maintenance!

Fire extinguisher maintenance is important for everyone’s safety.

You must ensure that:
•The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.
•The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown on the right), the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.
•The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
•The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
•There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.
•Some manufacturers recommend shaking your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling/packing.

Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing.
If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replace it immediately!
IMPORTANT: Recharge all extinguishers immediately after use regardless of how much they were used.

What is the difference between a fire extinguisher inspection and fire extinguisher maintenance?
INSPECTION
An inspection is a “quick check” to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of an inspection lies in the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness with which it is conducted. The frequency will vary from hourly to monthly, based on the needs of the situation. Inspections should always be conducted when extinguishers are initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30-day intervals.

MAINTENANCE
Fire extinguishers should be maintained at regular intervals (at least once a year), or when specifically indicated by an inspection. Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.

Do you have any seggestion?

Where to place fire extinguishers !

I used to visit my umcle's house every summer. The funny thing is my uncle placed the fire extinguishers in the dog's house and reason is that dog love red things. The promblem is where my uncle can find fire extinguisher if fire occur.

You see the location is impotant too.

It is recommended to have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Also,
-keep them in plain sight and no more than five feet above the floor.
-Do not put them in closets because that will cost your valuable time when you are reaching for it.
-And even though a fire extinguisher may not match your decor, do not put it behind curtains or drapes.

The most important places to have a fire extinguisher are in areas that are more susceptible to fire. These areas are the kitchen and the garage.

Kitchen: According to U.S. Fire Administration statistics, the kitchen is the place where fires most often start. If you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, most grease fires can be contained. Do not put the fire extinguisher near the stove as it will be out of your reach if the fire is on the stovetop. You should not have to risk burns just to reach your extinguisher. Therefore, the best place to put the fire extinguisher is by the door of the kitchen so you have easy access to it.


Garage: It is a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher here because in most homes, this is the place we use as storage. Often, leftover paints, solvents, and building materials will be piled up without a second thought. Again, the best location to mount the fire extinguisher is by the door.

If you already have fire extinguisher at your home, you should place it at the right place. But if you don't have any fire extinguisher at your home, you should buy some.

I wish everybody have a safer life.
goodbye.....

How to fight fire with kidde fire extinguishers

Hello! After you dicided to fight the fire. Then you should know about how to fight fire without risking your life. It's simple but you need to do as it said.


How to Fight a Fire Safely:





-Always stand with an exit at your back.

-Stand several feet away from the fire, moving closer once the fire starts to diminish.

-Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the fire. If you forget how to use fire extinguisher Click here!

-If possible, use a "buddy system" to have someone back you up or call for help if
something goes wrong.

-Be sure to watch the area for awhile to ensure it doesn't re-ignite.

I'll talk about how to do if your clothes catch fire next time.
See ya!

Though you have kidde fire extinguishers in your hands,you must think about you safety first!

Hello everyone!. It's me again.

Do you know the reason I made heading like this?.It's because All fires can be very dangerous and life-threatening. Your safety should always be your primary concern when attempting to fight a fire.

Before deciding to fight a fire, be certain that:


-The fire is small and not spreading. Because a fire can double in size within two or three minutes.

-You have the proper fire extinguisher for what is burning

-The fire won't block your exit if you can't control it. A good way to ensure this is to keep the exit at your back.

-You know your fire extinguisher works. Inspect extinguishers once a month for dents, leaks or other signs of damage. Assure the pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.

-You know how to use your fire extinguisher. There's not enough time to read instructions when a fire occurs.





Just escape! And never think about fighting fire if:

-The fire is spreading rapidly. Only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is in its early stages. If the fire is already spreading quickly, evacuate and call the fire department.

-You don't know what is burning. Unless you know what is burning, you won't know what type of fire extinguisher to use. Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there could be something that will explode or produce highly toxic smoke.

-You don't have the proper fire extinguisher. The wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous or life-threatening.

-There is too much smoke or you are at risk of inhaling smoke. Seven out of ten fire-related deaths occur from breathing poisonous gases produced by the fire.

After you read this, I hope you know that you can't fight every fire with only a fire extinguisher in you hand. The most important thing is to concentrate and don't panic.And never forget that you have one life. So don't risk or try to be super hero.

It's too late now ! Have a good night everyone.
saiyounara! (goodbye in japanness 555)

Tips! How to use fire extinguishers

Good night everyone!

I've told you about the type of extinguishers and fire before.Now I wiil tell you about how to use it.(If you don't how to use it ,you'll feel like you're holding a useless red stone.555) And make sure that you know type of fire extinguishers because you'll go to heaven (or someone Hell!) so soon if you use the wrong type of extinguishers.

The tips of how to use fire extinguishers is P A S S !(Someone think "pass the extinguishers to others.Man!").


P A S S


Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.

Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.

Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.

Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!!!!



I hope this tips will help someone from fire accident and make everyone life safer.
Have a good night! Adios Amigo!

Kidde fire extinguishers

The most common types of Fire extinguishers

Water extinguishers or APW extinguishers (air-pressurized water) are suitable for class A fires only. Never use a water extinguisher on grease fires, electrical fires or class D fires - the flames will spread and make the fire bigger! Water extinguishers are filled with water and pressurized with oxygen. Again - water extinguishers can be very dangerous in the wrong type of situation. Only fight the fire if you're certain it contains ordinary combustible materials only.You'll die if you use water extinguishers with electronic frame.





Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a combination of class A, B and C fires. These are filled with foam or powder and pressurized with nitrogen.

BC - This is the regular type of dry chemical extinguisher. It is filled with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The BC variety leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned immediately to prevent any damage to materials.

ABC - This is the multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. The ABC type is filled with monoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a sticky residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances such as a computer






Carbon Dioxide extinguishers(CO2) extinguishers are used for class B and C fires. CO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas, and are highly pressurized. The pressure is so great that it is not uncommon for bits of dry ice to shoot out the nozzle. They don't work very well on class A fires because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to put the fire out, causing it to re-ignite.

Ok! Now make sure that you set Fire extinguishers into the right area so that you can control the fire efficiency and make you life safer.
Adios Amigo!

Kidde fire extinguishers : Class B,C,D

Hello everyone Let's talk about the rest(Class B,C,D)





Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish.





Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C Kidde fire extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.





Class D Kidde fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only.

Ok! this is 4 type of extinguisher.It's important to use the right extinguisher with the right fire.If you use it incorrectly, you can't extinguish fire and make the situation worse.

Want to have some Kidde fire extinguishers in your home? Click here!

Kidde fire extinguishers : 4 class of fire extinguishers

Kidde fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires (you have to choose the right type of fire extinguishers so that you can fight the fire more efficiency ). Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher.





Class A Kidde fire extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.

Ok! I have to go now.I'll explain class B,C,D later.see ya.
And if you want to make you home safe Click here!