Safety Tips
Office & Home
Fires can cause loss of precious lives and major tragedies in buildings such as hotels, shopping centers, schools and hospitals. Such incidence can be prevented if everybody is knowledgeable with the basics of fire safety. Possibly the most important preventive measure is to eliminate fire hazards. As a responsible citizen, it is essential to be well-informed on what fire hazards are and what can be done to remove them in your workplace and especially at home.
Fire hazards occur everywhere in your office and at home. Determining these hazards can be a good starting point in preventing them. House fires usually begin in your kitchen. Unattended toasters, dishes that are not microwave proof, and putting flammable materials near gas flames are common causes of fires at home. Worn out electrical cords and overloaded power strips can cause serious fires at the office. These types of fires cannot be extinguished by water so a fire blanket should be used. You should keep this device within reach in any event of fire. It is important to read the instructions initially to be able to use this device properly.
Fire poses a major risk in both human life and property therefore it is significant to guarantee that workplaces and homes are equipped with the correct fire equipment. This equipment should be checked and maintained regularly. It will definitely be disastrous if ever a fire does break out but there is a failure or malfunction in the equipment due to negligence. A thorough maintenance and inspection program is vital to prevent loss of life and property because of these failures.
A fire alarm is the most basic preventive tool in protecting your home and workplace. This device will not only alert you by producing a sound but also capable of contacting a monitoring service who is able to dispatch help no matter when a fire breaks out. To get the most out of your alarm system, you will need to choose the right ones for your home and office. Once the builder has installed it, make sure that the fire alarm is always efficient. It is your responsibility to check the batteries regularly to ensure it is still functioning well. After several years, it may be necessary to replace these alarms.
You cannot predict when a tragedy like a fire can strike. The very least you can do to is to prepare and equip yourself with these fire fighting tips so that you wont end up panicked and confused when this crisis happens to you. Prepare yourself when you still have the time to do it. Do not put it off.
Electrical Safety
Electrical fires in homes and offices claim millions of lives and property each year. These are fires that are caused by electrical system failures, Incorrect installed wiring, defects in appliances and overloaded circuits. These kinds of fires are fatal. Before the fire fighters can even control the fire and use their fire fighting equipment, it has already caused tremendous damage. Fire deaths are most dangerous in the month of December because it calls for more indoor activities, heating, lighting and appliance use. The heartbreaking reality in a home fire is that many could have been prevented in the first place. People’s actions and how they fail to determine the hazards they create in their homes and workplaces is a factor in the start of a fire outbreak. They often do not follow fire regulations that are essential to prevent the incidence of fires.
Frequently, electrical fires result from problems with fixed wirings. These are faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. You should never overload electrical outlets and circuits. This overloaded outlet is a major cause of household fires. These outlets transmit too much electricity which is able to produce heat in unnoticeable amounts. This heat can cause wear in the internal wiring system and can start a fire. Be more careful in handling your electrical outlets and installing an automatic fire extinguisher will reduce the chances of a fire reigniting.
To prevent overloading, it is advised to never plug more than two appliances into an outlet. You should also give special considerations to appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners and avoid plugging them into the same circuit. Have your appliances routinely checked for damaged wiring. It is also your responsibility to replace old and worn out appliance cords because frayed wires are fire starters. Position your electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters. And most importantly, when buying electrical appliances, you should look for products which meet the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
Many avoidable fires can be traced back to the misuse of electrical cords like poor maintenance and overloading circuits. Frayed cords expose electrical wires which spark on contact with each other or anything that can ground the electrical current. It is indispensable you check your electrical cords regularly because electrical cords deteriorate gradually making damage difficult to detect. Inspect all cords at least once every six months. If you discover a loose or frayed cord, replace them immediately.
Install a smoke alarm in your home or office to alert you to potential dangers that you cannot detect such as a slow smoldering fire in an overloaded circuit. You should also be ready with an escape plan for your family. In the workplace, there are usually fire escape routes to take. Familiarize yourself with the fire exit signs to help you be prepared in cases of emergency.
Preventing a fire from starting in the first place is the best method for fire safety. You should spend a little time in checking and maintaining electrical appliances, cords and outlets in your home and office. This might be an investment that can possible save your life. Safe use of these electrical appliances and outlets, a functional smoke alarm, an electrical fire extinguisher and a fire escape route may be all that you need to protect you from the dangers of fire.
Become a Firefighter
Firefighters are often considered as heroes in their communities. They have an important job of saving lives each and every day. This job does not only involve being knowledgeable in fighting with a fire hose because it requires a lot more. Anybody who plans to venture in this career of emergency response reluctantly will soon find out that’s it’s either all or nothing at all. You cannot enter a fire scene if your heart is not into it. You need to have the will and determination to focus on the task in order for you to save a life.
Battling fires, rescuing people and their pets—these are some of aspects of being a firefighter. Becoming a good firefighter is not an easy task. It is a hard, demanding process that requires commitment and dedication that will stay and not fade away with time. The training is endless, from learning the proper use of equipment like extinguishers and specific measures to fight fires. With each passing year courses become more comprehensive and burdensome. As a firefighter, you have to keep yourself updated with new tools and means of fighting fires. It is also essential to undergo further training to be more efficient as a firefighter. It is your responsibility to be more cautious and attentive in keeping your skills up to date. In this way, you will be competent enough to perform a duty that may be required in saving people in need.
A firefighter must be physically, mentally and emotionally fit to prepare themselves for stressful situations that may arise. They should also be able to provide comfort and assurance to victims in any circumstances. To be more effective in fire fighting, you should have great physical strength, energy and a lasting endurance. You can achieve this level of fitness by creating a workout that can specifically develop these areas. You will soon discover that it is not effortless to become a firefighter.
The fire department provides specialized training structures for possible applicants. This includes lectures in fire combating procedures, and handling fire equipment and appliances like a co2 extinguisher. Considerable number of hours is invested in learning these basic procedures. Being a firefighter is not a career choice that you sort of want, it should be something that you really want. The competition might be fierce but those people who put their heart into it and dedicate hours of preparation are the ones who always come out on top.
Members of the fire department are on service 24/48 hours. If you want to become one, sacrifices for family quality time are made because you will be spending a third of your life at the fire station. There are constant rotating shifts and you will most likely be away from your loved ones on special occasions and holidays.
Fire protection can be hard at first especially when you need to balance both your family and work. The ability to help others and be able to enjoy it is priceless. It may be the trill of the red lights and the hero factor that attracted you first in wanting to be a firefighter or maybe the desire to better serve the community. Whatever reasons it may be, if you truly believe you can be a good firefighter, then by all means pursue your dream. It may not be simple but as long as you enjoy your job then all will be well.
Safety Signs
Fire safety equipment is an essential tool that should be present in every home and establishment. A fire alarm is probably one of the most commonly used fire safety equipment available in the market today. It has proven its ability to increase the chance of someone surviving in a fire outbreak. It is a valuable fire safety tool but it is always taken for granted. Like any other tool, it should be used properly and taken cared of. It is important to check and replace their batteries to ensure the best smoke detection possible. Here is a beginner’s list to help you familiarize yourself with this device.
• Make sure to have alarms and fire extinguishers available for each floor of the building or your house. Place the extinguisher in a strategic place to ensure accessibility in the event of a fire.
• Be knowledgeable on the two basic types of smoke detectors. The first type works through ionization and detects fast flaming fires which consume materials such as paper and wood quickly. The second one is more effective in slow fiery fires. This kind of fire smolders for hours before bursting into flames.
• Consider buying an interconnected alarm system where one alarm can trigger others as soon as fire is detected.
• It is important to follow proper use and installation. Safety signs for this device should also be placed in appropriate places and visible for others to locate in an emergency situation.
• Dust and contaminants can interfere with the alarm’s ability to detect smoke, so make sure to clean all detectors at home at least twice a year.
• Test your alarm system monthly by simply pressing their test button to be certain that it is still functioning properly. But if you are not satisfied with this test and still want to be reassured, you can try testing your alarm by exposing it to actual smoke. Light a candle and blow it out. Place it immediately a few inches below the detector, allowing the smoke to drift inside the unit which will trigger the alarm.
• Garages do not usually contain smoke alarms, instead they have heat detectors. To optimize protection of your garage, install a carbon monoxide alarm alongside this device.
• Even if they are cleaned regularly and their batteries replaced once in a while, remember that these alarms do not last forever. It is vital to stay on the safe side and replace them every eight to ten years.
• Ideally, alarms should be placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or eight to ten inches below the ceiling on the floor.
• Remember that it should be mounted away from corners and walls and placed away from air vents.
• In the occurrence of fire, it is advisable to locate health and safety signs to avoid further accidents.
Even the best fire system in the world will not function to its maximum level unless it is installed correctly and taken cared of. For every home and every building, quality fire alarms are essential for the protection of your family. When a fire erupts, it is always unexpected and without the help of an alarm, the people inside your home will still be unaware of the event happening. Remember that properly functioning safety equipment can safe a life.
8 Essential Tips
Fire safety is a major concern for everyone. With the growing number of fire breakouts in the country, it is everyone’s responsibility to arm himself with the proper knowledge and skills to prevent a fire. Fire safety equipment should be available in each and every home and building to increase the chances of surviving a fire.
When faced with an emergency like a fire, we are often confused and panicky especially if we do not know the basic procedures we must do in this crisis. There are many things you can do but prevention is still the best method you can use against a fire. Here are some essential tips for fire prevention and fire safety.
• Keep matches and candles away from the hands of children. Store them in high places where they cannot find or reach for it preferably in a locked cabinet. It is also important to teach them the dangers of playing with a match.
• Accidents involving cars cannot be prevented and this may often lead to a small fire caused by oil or electrical source. If you are unfortunate enough to experience this, then having a car fire extinguisher available may come in handy. Select a multi-rated fire extinguisher. Mount this device on the panel under the dash next to the door or under the front seat to make it more accessible.
• Install smoke detectors in your homes. It can warn you of the early stages of fire in time to let you escape. Carefully follow the instructions on how to install them. Check and maintain this device by cleaning it once a week and replacing the batteries when needed.
• Candles have increased its popularity as a home ornament in recent years thus making it one cause of household fires. You should never leave your candles unattended and place it somewhere safe away from curtains and combustible materials. It should also be positioned in stable furniture and sturdy candle holders to prevent it from being tipped over. Always put out your candles before going to sleep or leaving the house.
• Be very careful with your electrical appliances, outlets and cords. Check all electrical cords once in a while and replace them immediately if you discover that they are frayed or wires are exposed. Have an electrical fire extinguisher placed nearby to prevent fire breakouts from faulty electrical wirings.
• Cooking areas inside your home should be free from combustible materials. Never leave your cooking unattended. While cooking, position your pot handles turned inward so children will not accidentally knock them over.
• When using portable heaters, place them at least 3 feet away from paper, curtains and furniture. Keep them away from pets and children and put it off when you go to bed.
• Install automatic fire sprinkler systems and an automatic fire extinguisher to better protect your home from fires. These fire systems are composed of a sensor for smoke and heat detection and an automatic switch for a fire extinguisher and sprinklers for minor combustion. Its main function is to keep fire to a minimum until the firemen arrive to control the fire.
It is important to acknowledge these fire prevention tips to lower your risk of handling a fire emergency in the future. Having the basic knowledge in fire preventive measures and keeping the proper fire safety products just might be the right technique to remain safe from fires.
Fire Saftey Equipment
A fire is major disaster that can happen at any place at any time to absolutely anyone. Fire related accidents often lead to injuries, property loss, physical distress and sometimes death. Fortunately, catastrophes like these can be prevented if you equip yourself with the right information. It is essential to be well informed in fire safety precautions. This is a method of increasing public safety knowledge and improving their response to fires. This usually involves learning how to use fire equipment like extinguishers and how to successfully survive a fire incident.
Involvement in a fire incident can be both devastating and traumatic. A community has a strong role in the preparation and prevention of fires. A community should be provided with the necessary fire safety training in explaining the importance of having escape routes and exit signs to have an adequate level of fire safety knowledge. It is also essential that people retain an understanding on the magnitude of maintaining functional fire safety equipment.
There is a variety of fire safety equipment you can use to keep your homes and workplaces safe. A fire extinguisher is your first defense against fires. A multi-purpose dry powder fire extinguisher is oftentimes the best choice for home use because it has the most versatile fire control options. They are safe to use on electrical fires and fires that involve gases like butane and propane. The powder expelled from these device is non conductive and works to put out flames. Given that it works well on gases and liquids, they may be stored near stoves and in garages or in any place where a non electrical fire is a hazard.
A co2 extinguisher is ideal for an office environment because it is harmless and delicate to equipment and materials. They can be identified by their red casing, with a black band indicating that the contents are carbon dioxide. This model has non conductive, anti-static horns and is suitable for fires that are caused by flammable liquids and electricity.
Early detection is a significant factor in controlling the extent of fire damage. Installing a smoke alarm in your home is the simplest step to lessen the risk of a fire breaking out. Detecting a fire breakout in its early stages can make the difference in saving a life. If your home covers more than one floor, you should place one alarm on each floor. Remember to always check and change their batteries regularly.
Common fire equipment like these help protect people and property in cases of fires. Although you have learned how these devices work, it is also important to take time to have them checked and inspected once in a while. It can prove to be disastrous if it malfunctioned on the time you need it most. A thorough maintenance on these devices can certainly reduce the chances of property loss and death.
Fire Prevention Month
Fires cause loss of millions of lives and properties each year. News will often involve simple causes like negligence in the use of candles and cigarettes which leads to fire breakouts in houses and buildings. Causes like these can be prevented and that is why it is important to disseminate safety procedures and tips to the whole community by celebrating a Fire Prevention Month.
This is a great time to review some fire safety facts in the community especially with the young people to help them engage in preventive measures of fighting fires. It is also essential if fire safety activities are presented to arouse the interest of everyone and will basically attract them in joining the celebration.
Fire safety facts and information should be widely dispersed in the community for people to have a better understanding of fire. Teach them the significance of following fire safety signs and regulations particularly to young people who often does take this matter seriously. It is the responsibility of the local government to organize events for the purpose of extensive information dissemination on fire prevention and fire safety tools and techniques.
In this event, older students from colleges and universities can take part by being in charge of teaching younger students on the fundamentals of fire safety. The students who create the informative resources will learn by doing and the younger ones will be exposed to fire preventive measures. In this way, all students will benefit.
A fire safety quiz is also a good idea. It can be prepared by fire authorities where all ages can have fun at the same time learn from it. This quiz can include information on all the common topics in fire safety like fire alarms, fire escapes, fire extinguisher signs and a lot more. It should not only focus on preventive measures but also on specific procedures a person can do in the possibility of fire actually happening to him.
The fire department also plays a big role in observing this event. They will have the task of teaching the people in the community on the proper usage of fire equipment that is usually found in their houses. These include the most common type of extinguishers which are used for different purposes. An example would be the use of hydrospray fire extinguishers which are typically used for fires involving common combustible materials like paper and cloth.
Implementing a survey around the community will further provide information and determine the causes of fires. Let the students fill up an information sheet wherein they can state the safety precaution they are doing presently in their homes. In this way, potential hazards can be identified and therefore be eliminated.
Although a fire prevention month is done only once a year, let us not forget that it is still a year round responsibility of each individual. It is still not too late if you are interested in taking safety precautions like installing smoke alarms inside the house or keeping wet chemical fire extinguishers in your kitchen. Remember your safety should be your number one priority.
Remaining Safe
Fire outbreak can be a devastating and distressing experience especially if you are living in a high rise building. You should be prepared if ever there is an occurrence of fire in the place where you live in. A fire in a residential building can be restricted in the apartment where it starts. However smoke and heat can travel throughout the building, especially upward. Although high rise buildings are built fireproof, most of what are inside these apartments are combustibles such as your furniture and clothing. With this in mind, fire prevention is essential in this type of building.
There are many preventive methods you can do to protect yourself in a fire emergency. The key is to plan ahead of time and equip yourself with the proper fire protection equipment. Gather basic information on your building so you can come up with ways on how to escape when faced with a fire breakout. Familiarize yourself with the layout of your floor, all the exit locations, the number of doors between your apartment and the stair exit and the position of the fire alarm boxes. These are all necessary in finding your exits in the absence of a power supply.
Place your flashlights in a convenient place and install smoke detectors in your apartment. Be vigilant and report fire hazards to your superintendent if you notice missing exit doors and blocked exits.
It is also your responsibility to keep your own apartment safe. Be careful not to overload your electrical circuits and cords. Replace frayed or worn out electrical and appliance cords immediately. You should also cook with care. Follow the basic fire engineering safety regulations and keep a fire extinguisher inside your apartment to control small contained fires from erupting. Avoid smoking inside the house and dispose cigarette butts carefully. Test your smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries when needed.
In the possibility that the fire came from your apartment, you should remain calm. Get everyone out and instruct them to stay low as you evacuate out of the house. Alert others on your floor and locate the nearest fire alarm box. Most high rise buildings have automatic fire extinguisher and fire sprinkler systems installed which can keep the fire to a minimum until the firefighters arrive.
If the fire is not in your apartment, you should stay inside your house rather than enter a smoke filled hallway especially when the fire is on the floor below your apartment. Turn off your air conditioning unit and always keep your doors closed. Seal your ventilators and other openings where smoke can enter. Call the fire department and describe the conditions in your apartment so that they will able to respond promptly with their fire fighting equipment. If you feel you are in danger, open your window and find a way to get noticed by the firefighters outside.
No matter where you live, either on a high rise building or a residential village, it is important to prepare yourself with the necessary fire safety tools. It might just be all you need to increase your chance of surviving a fire.
No matter where you live, always install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility...Fire Stops With You!