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DIY Basic: Home Fire Protection From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-202

Here are some frightening statistics: Nearly 4000 people die in home fires each year. On average, someone is injured in a house-fire every 37 minutes, and every three hours someone dies as the result of a fire in a home. Children and the elderly are especially at risk, because it's more difficult for them to escape. There are some simple ways you can protect yourself and your family. Here are some DIY basics to help you do just that.

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Figure A
Figure B

Home Fire Protection ]

Let's start first with fire extinguishers (figure A). There are three common types of fire extinguishers. The type is specified on the outside of the extinguisher with icons that represent the special designations (figure B).

Here are the basic types:

• A class A extinguisher works on paper, wood, textiles and plastics. This is a common household extinguisher, good for bedrooms or living rooms.

• A class B extinguisher is for flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, gasoline and paint. It has two kinds of extinguishing material, one smothers the fire, the other creates a chemical reaction that puts it out. Great to have in your garage or kitchen because it battles grease and oil.

• The class C extinguisher is for electrical fires. It uses a material that does not transmit heat so it helps quickly fight the fire. This would be good for your home office, or if you have a workshop with a lot of electrical equipment.

• Additionally, there is the multi-purpose extinguisher offering class A-B-C together in one unit.

	Figure C
	Figure D

In addition to a fire extinguisher, every home of course should have a smoke detector. Sadly, this is one of those homeowner basics that often goes overlooked or ignored. Like fire extinguishers, these also come in various types and with some special features (figure C). Here are some tips for buying and installing the right smoke detector for your family.

• Read the labels and pick one that senses smoldering and flaming fires.

• I suggest getting a smoke detector with an escape light. Yes it's more expensive, but it can guide you and your family to safety.

• Strobe-light units (figure D) that flash when the alarm sounds are a good idea if anyone in your home -- young or old --is hearing impaired.

• Smoke detectors should be installed in hallways leading to bedrooms, and at the top of the stairwells. And don't forget the top of the basement stairwell.
  
  
• Installing a smoke detector in a kitchen can be tricky, because you don't want it to go off too often. Pick a spot in the kitchen away from the stove, or in a doorway right next to the kitchen. Keep the units clean and free of dust and test the batteries monthly. It's also a good rule to change the batteries on the days you adjust the clock for Daylight Savings Time.
  

  
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  U.S. Fire Association's Fire Safety for Children Information
  Website: www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/
  

  The American Red Cross Wildfire and General Fire Safety Information
  Website: Wildfire safety
  Website: General fire safety around the house
  

  Institute for Business & Home Safety
  Website: www.ibhs.org/property_protection/default.asp?id=3
  

  Household Safety Sourcebook
  Model: 0780803388
  Author: Dawn D. Matthews
  

  The Complete Guide to Personal and Home Safety: What You Need to Know
  Model: 0738207861
  Author: Captain Robert L. Snow
  Fisher Books, LLC / Perseus Book Group
  Website: www.fisherbooks.com
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Installing A Ceramic Tile Floor
  	Ed Del Grande Interview: Dirty Bricks, Rusty Railings and more
  	DIY Basics: Hardwood Floor Care
  	DIY Basic: Home Fire Protection