ALL ABOUT FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Fire Extinguishers............................................................................................................. 4
NFPA 10 Requirements .............................................................................................................. 4
OSHA Fire Extinguisher Training Requirements ......................................................................... 4
Electrical Fire Safety ................................................................................................................... 5
Fire Extinguisher Types .............................................................................................................. 6
Features of a Fire Extinguisher Ball ............................................................................................ 9
Annual Maintenance for Fire Extinguishers............................................................................... 10
“Second life” of the Fire Extinguisher: renovation or substitution ............................................... 11
Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Annual Maintenance.............................................................. 11
Safe Disposal of Fire Extinguishers .......................................................................................... 12
Fire Extinguishers Recycling..................................................................................................... 12
Fire Prevention Tips.................................................................................................................. 12
Fire Restoration ........................................................................................................................ 14
How to create your home fire safety plan .................................................................................. 15
Effects of Fires.......................................................................................................................... 16
How Fire Sprinkler System Works ............................................................................................ 17
Learn About Smoke Alarms ...................................................................................................... 18
Should I Use a Fire Extinguisher?............................................................................................. 19
Understanding fire insurance policies ....................................................................................... 21
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DISCLAIMER
Information provided in this written material should not be considered as all-encompassing, or suitable
for all situations, conditions or environments. Each company is responsible for implementing their
own safety/injury/illness prevention program and should consult with their legal, medical or other
advisors as to the suitability of using this information. Application of this information does not
guarantee you will be successful in your safety efforts, or that the information will meet acceptable
standards or requirements. At the time this information was provided, it was believed to be from
reliable sources and current with applicable safety standards, however, the producers of the program
assume no liability arising from the use of, or reliance on the information provided. Always seek the
advice of your legal, medical or other advisors as necessary before using this information in your
Company's safety efforts.
****
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About Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are a familiar and widespread safety device. They have a long and reliable history.
However, how they work is not widely understood and can lead to some dangerous choices. For
example, it is common to keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, but using a water and foam
device to put out a grease fire can have catastrophic consequences.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established standards regarding the use of
fire extinguishers in the workplace. Training employees on the proper use of fire extinguishers is part
of the regulations that have been established. The law applies to portable fire extinguishers that are
accessible to workers.
NFPA 10 Requirements
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard number 10 provides the specific inspection
requirements for fire extinguishers. NFPA fire extinguisher standards establish specific criteria that
must be used to determine if an extinguisher can be safely used to put out a fire. Fire safety standards
indicate how often inspections and maintenance must be accomplished.
OSHA Fire Extinguisher Training Requirements
Training

Employers who provide portable fire extinguishers for use by
employees in the workplace must also provide a training program that
educates the workers about topics related to fire extinguisher use. The
training must also cover dangers and hazards that are associated with
fire extinguisher use and the hazards of fire fighting. The law states
that the employer must provide the training at the beginning of the
worker's employment. For existing employees, the training and
education must be reiterated at least once every year. Any other equipment designated for
firefighting that is provided by the employer for employee use is subject to the same employee
training rules.
Application and Exemptions

The fire extinguisher employee training standards do not apply in workplaces where the
employer has a written and implemented fire safety policy that requires all employees to
evacuate from the workplace when a fire alarm sounds. In these workplaces, employers are
required to have a plan in place for emergency situations. The policy must include fireprevention measures. In some cases, workplaces with an evacuation plan may still be required
to provide fire extinguisher training, if there are workplace areas that require portable fire
extinguishers. If the employer's emergency-action plan designates only some specific
employees as the ones authorized to use the fire extinguishers in an emergency, then all other
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employees must be trained to evacuate the area in a fire-related emergency. Where some
employees are designated to use the fire extinguishers, the other employees are not required
to be trained in their use.
Specifications and Access

Employers who provide portable fire extinguishers must locate them in areas that are readily
accessible to employees. The employees must be able to access the fire extinguishers without
being in danger of injury as a result. The fire extinguishers must meet OSHA approved
specifications. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure the fire extinguishers are
regularly maintained and kept fully charged. The fire extinguishers must not be removed from
their designated areas unless they are being used. The types of fire extinguishers that must be
used depend on the type of workplace and the potential fire hazard. Employers should make
sure they are following the regulations for their specific situation.
Electrical Fire Safety
More than 1,000 Americans die or are injured respectively by electrical fires
occurring at home. Many of these accidents are caused by faulty installed wiring and
overloaded extensions and circuits.
Below are some tips on how you can reduce and prevent the loss of life and property
from electrical fire.
The problem
Home electrical faults cause over 26,100 fires and account to over 1 billion loss in property during
each year. Half of these result from faulty electrical wiring.
The months of December and January are the most dangerous months that electrical fires occur.
Winter accounts for the highest number of death arising from electrical fires due to increased level of
indoor activities. This is caused by increased appliance use, heating and lighting. Most of the fires
start from the bedroom for fires resulting from residential buildings. The highest number of deaths
results from fires that originate in the family room/living room.
The cause:

Electrical fires at home result from ‘’fixed wiring’’ like old wiring and faults electrical outlets.
Faulty cords, plugs, switches and receptacles may also cause fires at home.

Light bulbs, lamps and light fixtures are also causes of electrical fires

The fires can be traced to overloading circuits, running cords under rugs in high traffic areas
and electrical cords.
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Safety precautions:

Always make a routine check on your wiring sands electrical applications

Replace all damaged and old electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fires.

All appliances that cause electric shock, overheats, emits sparks or smokes
should be replaced immediately.

All electrical appliances should be kept away from counters and wet floors.
Precaution should also be taken for appliances in the kitchen and bathroom.

Always buy electrical appliances that have been approved by the national laboratory.

All curtains, clothes and combustible items should be kept three feet’s away from the heaters.

Never force an appliance into fitting in a socket. Appliances that have three prongs should be
used on three slot outlets only.

Children should never be allowed to play with electrical appliances like hairdryers, heaters and
irons.

Child proof should be used on all electrical outlets.

Avoid overloading sockets and extensions

Shut down and replace hot switches and lights that flicker

Always switch off any appliances that are not in used. This will ensure that nothing is left
unattended and will save you the power cost.
It is always good to have a qualified electric professional’s service your wiring regularly to avoid
electrical fires at home.
By taking the above precaution measures you will have made some progress at avoiding fire from
occurring at your home.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Each fire extinguisher has its own symbolic notation that is a special geometric symbol to make it
easier for you to identify the extinguisher type. They also have some additional information necessary
in case of this or that class of fire fighting.

Class A fire extinguishers, for example, have the green triangle on them and also the special
numerical rating, showing the amount of water this extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it
is able to extinguish. As a rule, Class A fires are the fires of solid materials of organic nature
(such as wood, paper, cardboard, furniture and most plastics.
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
Class B fire extinguishers are marked with the red square and have
the numerical rating indicating the approximate area of fire (in square
feet) it is able to extinguish. The Class B fires are, as a rule, fires of
the flammable or combustible liquids such as petrol, oil, paint,
kerosene, grease, cooking fats and any others.

Class C fire extinguishers are marked with the blue circle, but they don’t have any numerical
rating. As a rule they contain the non-conductive extinguishing agent, because they are often
used for electrical fire fighting. The Class C fires are the fires the inflammable gases, like
propane, butane, acetylene, and so on. As for electrical fires, they are mostly referred to the
Class C as they include the combustion of electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring,
circuit breakers and outlets though they can also be of A, B, or D type.

Class D fire extinguishers have the yellow decagon on them and are mostly regarded as the
part of chemical laboratory firefighting equipment. They also don’t have any numerical rating on
them. Class D fires are fires of burning metals like aluminum, magnesium, titanium, potassium
or sodium. Class D extinguishers are specialist extinguishers for metal fires, generally used in
workplaces where employees work with metals.

Purple K is a special type of chemical powder that is used in certain models of fire
extinguishers. Purple K was designed to be easy to use and effective in putting out fires and
preventing flare-ups. If you have a fire extinguisher that is filled with the dry Purple K powder, it
is a good idea to keep it in an area that is easily accessible. If a fire starts, follow the
instructions to use the extinguisher.

Class A, B and/or C Fires
Multipurpose extinguishers are dry chemical appliances that can be used on class A, B and/or
C fires. Check the label on the extinguisher to see which class of fire it will extinguish.
Fire Types
If we speak about the nature of fire, we must always keep in mind that it is the chemical reaction that
is possible in case when fuel and oxygen are brought together with the heat, sufficient for the
combustion process. This dangerous combination is able to cause fire. If you remove one of these
dangerous components, the process of combustion is no more possible and fire ends. This is the
basic principle for the competent fire fighting, as well as for the right fire extinguisher choice.
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There is also another fire extinguishers classification based on their contents nature. According to this
classification there are water, foam, dry-powder and CO2 fire extinguishers.
Wheeled fire extinguishers
Wheeled fire extinguisher are mobile fire extinguishers, that are mounted on trolleys
or wheel bases for easy movements when fighting g fires and are operated by one
person. They can deliver up to 100 liters of content. They are best used for offshore
and marine fire fighting and are ideal for fuel stores and warehouses. They have a
100% guarantee and have full warranties for full protection.
Wheeled foam extinguishers
They are used to fight class A and B fires and are made of stainless steel .They either have stored
pressure in them or an external pressure charge. Wheeled extinguishers are delivered while filled with
foam, but can be refilled with the foaming agent. The stainless steel body ensures that they are
corrosion free hence can withstand a considerable amount of time. They come in 50 and 100 liters.
Wheeled CO2 fire extinguishers: Quick response to large electrical fires!
Wheeled CO2 fire extinguishers are the best solution in fighting large electrical fires. They cause the
least amount of mess when compared to powder or foam extinguishers hence creating a minimal
work load when cleaning.
Large CO2 fire extinguishers are more powerful hence will control class B fuel fires and any electrical
fire with great accuracy. The mobile extinguishers are easier to operate and are available in capacities
of 10, 20 and 45 Kg’s making it possible for you to choose the right protection for your home.
Wheeled fire extinguishers are powerful extinguishers that can be easily operated by one person
making them quite convenient. They come in two sizes of 50 and 100 Kg’s and are suitable for
fighting class A and Class B fires. Wheeled powder fire extinguishers are used to combat flammable
liquid fires occurring from fuels, solvents and paints in industrial places where they are under storage.
There durability and toughness makes them withstand harsh climatic conditions and can function on a
temperature range of between -30 to 60 degrees Celsius.
Features of a Fire Extinguisher Ball
With the rapid case of fires and the need to contain them, new products are being
developed every year to fight fires. Among them is the fire extinguisher ball. This ball
has brought around a new revolution in the fire fighting industry products.
An average fire extinguisher ball weighs 1.3 kilograms and is thrown into the fire by the use of a hand.
It is used to put out fire in 5A and 21B class fires. One fire extinguisher ball can put off a fire within a
span of 8 cubic meters, in a 360 degrees direction. In the event of a fire and the ball comes into
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contact with the fire, a self activation mode occurs within 3 to 10 automatically. The ball will burst and
spread dry chemicals and also trigger noise alarm of 90 to 120 dB which is within the international
safety standards.
A fire extinguisher ball is installed 6 feet’s or 1.5 meters above a potential risk area. For class C* fires,
the fire extinguisher ball is installed in areas which fires cannot be put off by water. This applies to
areas with electricity installations.
When the extinguisher ball is installed in the ceiling, it will put out the fires before they can spread to
other areas. A fire ball will self activate only when it is comes into contact with fire. High temperatures
above 85 degrees Celsius will melt the fire extinguisher ball. The alarm activation in the fire ball is a
notification to the residents that a fire has broken out and they should evacuate from the building the
soon as possible and seek help. All the chemicals used to make the fire extinguisher ball, meet the
international standards legislation. They are not harmful to the environment or to humans. This makes
a fireball extinguisher safe to use.
A fire extinguisher ball is safe to use with no prone risks to injuries, since all that is required is to throw
the ball into the fire from a safe distance. No damage is done to property upon activation, this is
because the explosion is not loud enough and it is full of foam which is not harmful.
Key useful features

Self activating in case of a fire, it will automatically set itself off.

The fire ball is easy to use hence no training is required on its usage.

Self alarm activation in case of a fire.

The fire extinguisher balls can be located anywhere, in the corridors, ceilings and places that
are not easily accessible in the event of a fire.

For the alarm to activate the fire must make contact with the ball hence no cause of false
alarms.

Fire extinguisher balls have a lifespan of five years. This offers guarantee protection at all
times.

Low maintenance cost.
Annual Maintenance for Fire Extinguishers
The Code of Practice being a part of UK Standard 5306 part 3, stipulates maintenance
and care activity for fire extinguishers, and prescribes to integrate fire extinguisher’
containers into premises according to Fire Risk Assessment procedure which is in
effect as well as Regulatory Reform Order 2005 legal requirements (or Fire Safety).
Fire extinguishers in annual basis (or more frequently, if the extinguisher is used in an environment
with high fire risk or corrosion) shall be held by competent person, who is obliged to inspect or check
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every single extinguisher and provide data for what amount of them needs to be replaced, execute repressuring and if there are those achieved the limit of their operational life.
“Second life” of the Fire Extinguisher: renovation or substitution
If taking this question from the cost effective and time-economizing point of view, the latest variant is
far more appropriate as the process of fire extinguishers renovation is pretty long way requiring great
variety of procedures: first goes inspection, then removal of the container from its location in the
premise, different pressure tests, removal of inactive parts, then re-pressuring and refilling and then
the extinguisher is returned in initial location.
Nowadays companies dealing with the fire extinguishers maintenance service are prone to exchange
the capsule for new tested one, but in this case you have great chance to get a bit different
modification, and sometimes, lower class unit. And this service exchange usually costs almost half a
price for a new one.
So as we mentioned above at the beginning of this section, it is much more appropriate just to
purchase new one or order through the Internet, moreover, there you can face different discounts and
very attractive offers to follow. Your old extinguisher will be simply recycled afterwards.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Annual Maintenance
Your Office Fire Extinguishers should be inspected on monthly basis
Under inspection, we mean simple visual investigation and check, and we believe this easy procedure
will not take much of your time, as it should be done once a month, but it can save
lives and money, and it should be the responsibility of every company employee.
1. Every fire extinguisher should stand properly at respective floor or wall brackets
along with free access to it. One should be assured that every fire extinguisher
hanging/standing brackets are secured and firm; the signage is not damaged
and clearly seen by the staff; this is necessary for the staff to see the
extinguisher in case of emergency. In the event of any damage, leak of unclear
signage it should be replaced at once.
2. The pressure gauge should be checked. The needle of the gauge should remain in green zone. If
it is in red zone, there are two ways: either to re-pressure the extinguisher, or substitute it with
new one.
3. All seals on fire extinguisher should not be damaged or torn; safety pin is in its proper place and
secured by special evident seal or OK mark. In case of cleaning, one should carefully remove the
dust from nozzle, valves, gauge areas (you can also use vacuum cleaners), or if the area is
oriented to be particularly dusty or dirty, provide special fire extinguisher covers.
4. Every fire extinguisher should be checked for any dents, rust places, or leak. If you noticed any
of it, replace the fire extinguisher immediately, and remove the old one safely. In case if the
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extinguisher is seriously damaged, we strongly advise you NOT to replace it yourself as the
container may explode. Call in a specialist who will do the job safely.
5. Labeling should be clearly visible. Some manuals say about shaking small powder extinguishers
to prevent inside from turning into cake mass. In reality you should just hold the unit upside down
close to your ear and listen the falling of loose powder. You shouldn’t try it with large containers.
6. And the last, but not least. You should check for the location near extinguisher and be assure
nothing prevents you from urgent access to it in case of emergency.
Safe Disposal of Fire Extinguishers
One important thing you should remember – extinguishers are under pressure and one
should be very cautious while removing it to escape fatal outcome. Safe extinguishers
can be used during training sessions, but in most premises only water and CO2 ones
are safe. Plain water extinguishers can be emptied into drains, but powder ones should
be land filled.
Fire Extinguishers Recycling
Several companies dealing with extinguisher maintenance work with refilling and renovating
companies as the majority of extinguisher details can be recycled. All extinguisher bodies are
inspected, and if there is sound, it is used again, if not – it is hacked in two, or scrapped to escape
further.
There is also another fire extinguishers classification based on their contents nature. According to this
classification there are water, foam, dry-powder and CO2 fire extinguishers.
Fire Prevention Tips
In 2009 the National fire Protection Association reported that 85% of all fire deaths occurred at home.
This makes it a top priority in every home to have good fire prevention measures.
Below is a list of some common causes of fires and some tips for fire prevention:
Cookware
Most of the fires occurring at home arise from the use of cooking
equipments or from the kitchen.

Keep your cooking appliances clean and always wipe away spills a
soon as they occur.

Roll up your sleeves or wear short sleeves when cooking.
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
Keep all the flammable objects like curtains and dish towels away from the fire. It is
recommended a distance of three feet’s.

Have professionals carry out an annual inspection and cleaning of fireplaces, chimneys and
coal stoves.

Ensure that a microwave has enough breathing space and is free from obstruction.

In case of an oven fire or microwave fire keep the doors closed and unplug the ovens/
microwave from the power supply. If the fire does not go off call the fire department.

Grease fires are caused by cooking oil or greasy food. To put out grease fires cover the
cooking pan with a lid and turn off the burner. Never move or uncover the pan until you are
sure that the fire has died out. WATER SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO FIGHT GREASE
FIRES. Water causes the oil to splatter hence spreading the fire.
Heating Equipments
During winter, heating equipments are the leading causes of fires in homes and work places. Here are
some tips on how to prevent the fires:

Look for heaters that have automatic shutting devices when buying one.

Space heaters should never be left on anytime you leave a room.

Space heaters should never be used with extension cords since they can
melt the cord and start a fire.

Keep anything that can burn three feet’s away from space heaters.

Always light a match before turning on a space heater

A gas range should never be substituted for a space heater.
Electrical Distribution Equipment
The third leading cause of home fire is electrical devices, outlets, switches and circuit breakers.

All electrical devices with loose or frayed cord should be repaired.

Warm switches should be shut down and be checked by a qualified electrician.

Never run extension cords under the carpets or on doorways since they may wear out without
notice and ignite a fire.

Socket overloading should be avoided at all times. Leave an individual power outlet for high
wattage appliances.

Any time a circuit breaker trips cut down the number of electrical appliances on that given line.

Create some room around electrical appliances like TV and stereo systems to avoid over
cheating
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Smoking
This is also a leading cause of house fire.

Never smoke in bed. Check for any burning cigarettes before going to
bed.

In addition install smoke detectors in every room to alert you on any
fires.
Fire Restoration
A fire will always leave a family in big distress when their home and property is damaged. This will
always occur despite the fire being a big or a small. When a house is damaged by fire it is not
demolished but some restorations are done if the fire did not damage the structure. The restoration
will require the help of experts who will be able to evaluate the damage and the best ways to make
the house inhabitable again. This should always be a precaution and help must be sought in all cases
of fires despite how small they are.
Importance of fire restoration
After a house is damaged by fire, the damage can be huge. However all is not lost since fire
restorations experts will assist you to put back your house in order and enable resume living in
comfort again. Below is a typical procedure to follow:

Always make a full assessment of the damage. It should include damage caused to electrical,
plumbing and all vital key installations.

Salvage all serviceable items and safely store them for use during restoration. This will save
you some money.

Make measure to control the spread of harmful toxins to the unaffected parts of the house.

Use fire ozone generators to eliminate the odors left by the fire. This should not be a cover up
but it should be thoroughly done.

Make a list of non salvageable items that will be submitted to the insurance company for claims

Use professional thermo-floggers to deodorize your home. This will get rid of odors.

Professional cleaning solutions should be used to clean the furniture, carpets, floors and walls.
This will rid of any contaminations and smoke.

Ventilations should be cleared of any harmful components.
Things you can do before fire restoration experts arrive:

Call the insurance company and report the fire.
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
Take picture or the fire damage which can be used to verify the claims.

Open the windows to allow ventilation.

Dispose food that has been exposed to smoke.
How to create your home fire safety plan
The best way to protect your property and family from fire is just through the creation of a well defined
fire plan. Though this is not a legal requirement is vital for your family
to know what to do in case of a fire.
Look up: Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms detect a roaming fire before it reaches you and your
family. A well maintained smoke alarm will always keep you
protected.

Install smoke detectors on every floor of your house. They
should be on the ceilings of hallways, landings and near the
kitchen.

Always test your alarms every week by pressing the test
button. Keep them free from dust.

Change you smoke alarm detector once every year or install smoke detectors with a 10 year
battery.
Look around: Fire hazards
Always be on the lookout for potential fire hazards in the house. These are things that can easily
ignite a fire or catch fire.

Furniture: sofas made before 1988 are very dangerous because they release poisonous fumes
when they burn. Make an effort and buy a new sofa.

Never overload your electrical system. Items that consume a lot of power should always be
plugged in on their own sockets. Turn off electrical appliances that are not in use at night, this
will also save you some power. Ask an electrician to install in some extra sockets if they are not
enough instead of overloading the sockets.

Make sure that all cigarettes butts are put off and the ash trays are emptied regularly and no
smoking is done in bed.
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Look sharp: Safety in the kitchen
Kitchen fires still cause 50% of all house fires in the United Kingdom. Below are some tips to make
your kitchen safer.

Always invest in a good deep fryer that has automatic cut outs which is way much safer top use
than a pan.

Keep gloves, towels and clothes away from the cookers in a place where they cannot be set
alight by fire.

Always have a pop fire blanket near our cooker to put out fires.
Look out: A fire escape plan
It’s no use of having a fire alarm you have no detailed fire plan. Have your family practice the drill to
enforce the plan.

Look for two escape routes around the house apart from the front door.

Keep the keys to all major escape routes within a reachable location and where all family
members can easily access them.

Consider having an escape ladder that can be used during fire emergencies from the escape
rooms.
Set a spot where all the family members will assemble in the event of a fire. This can be near
the road or near the house but from a very safe distance.

Teach your family the golden rule of fire evacuation. Everyone should get out and the fire brigade
should be called in.
Effects of Fires
Some effects of the fire are visible to the eye are those that are on the
external structure. Smoke that is stuck in the interior structure is invisible to
the eye and can be quite a health hazard if not attended to after all the
external repairs have been conducted.
A contaminated environment will always be a life threatening life hazard to all
the members of a household. This contamination is caused by the smoke
and soot residues that are inhaled. It is always important to call in the experts who will restore your
home before moving in again after a fire. These experts have vast knowledge and experience on
restoration after fires and will manage to handle the visible and invisible toxins in and around your
home.
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How Fire Sprinkler System Works
Everyone has experienced a case where smoke triggers off the fire fighting
sprinklers in movies to extinguish fires. It’s a fact that Fire sprinklers are not
triggered off by smoke but by they are heat activated. When activated the
sprinklers are set off one after the other in regard to the origin of the fire. All the
sprinklers do not go off at one. Only the sprinklers close to the fire emit water.
These are just two of the many myths people hold about fire sprinklers. In this
article we are going to discuss the pros and cons of fire sprinkler system and
the other myths.
By choosing a water fire fighting system, it means that any smoke trigger would set off the system.
Smoke from cigarettes or a burned up toast would trigger the alarm and the sprinkler system would
start putting out the fire. By this the sprinkler system would be doing more harm than good since it
would cause more damage to your belongings despite the fact that there was no imminent danger. It’s
a good thing that the engineers who developed the system designed it to minimize the damage
caused by smoke, fire and water.
The fire fighting sprinkler has been in use for more than two centuries around the world and has
undergone tremendous advancements over the number of year. The earliest versions were not very
reliable and always caused large damage on assets. Today’s fire fighting sprinkler is known to reduce
the amount of deaths and property damage by 65% through the advancement in technology.
Each sprinkler is triggered off by a preset degree of temperature of 57 to 74 degrees Celsius and one
or two sprinklers can put off a fire in a room and yet cause minimal damage. Sprinklers are made of
small nooses which sprinkle an average of six times less water than a water hose and will often cause
less damage than one done by the fire fighters.
Most sprinkler heads have a glass casing filled with glycerin that activates on heating to crack the
glass and activate the water system. The sprinklers are connected to a water system that is kept
under pressure for the supply of water .The time required for this depends on the sprinkler system.
The pipes that supply the sprinkler with water are made of steel or fire resistant plastic. The most
common mode is the use of wet pipe system. These are steel pipes that are always filled with water
which is under constant pressure. The system is cheap and easy to maintain but it is not
recommended in areas prone to freezing.
In a dry pipe system, the pipes are filled with compressed air; once the system is activated the air is
let out releasing the pressure allowing water to be released into the pipes. These systems are
expensive to install and maintain. The system also has a higher delay period than wet systems.
In the dry fire sprinkler system the system must be triggered twice before any water is released. The
first trigger is from the smoke detector and the second is from individual sprinkler head. This system
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offers the best protection since false alarms cannot trigger off the system. The second alarm must
always go off for the system to go off.
Learn About Smoke Alarms
Reasons for having a working alarm
A well installed and working alarm can alert the household of a fire breakage
anytime of the day. A working alarm will always be on the lookout for smoke
or fire at all times hence keeping your family and property safe from any
harm. Two thirds of fires at home occur in buildings with no fire alarms. If a
fire breaks out your chances of surviving increases if you have a working
alarm.
Types of smoke alarms available
Smoke alarms fall under two categories: Photoelectric and ionization. These two systems can detect
different types of fires hence it is recommended that they should be both installed in a building where
people sleep. One can also opt for dual sensor smoke alarms which have both ionization and
photoelectric smoke sensors. Special alarms are also available for people with hearing disabilities.
What powers a smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms are run by a battery or are hardwired in the electrical
system. Smoke alarms that run on a battery have a disposable 9 volt
battery or a non replaceable 10 year lithium battery. Batteries should be
replaced once every year.
Are smoke alarms expensive?
Smoke alarms cost between $6 to $20 for ionization and photo electric alarms. Dual sensors range in
between $24 to $40.
Install some alarms in your home
Smoke alarms should be installed at every level in the house in additional to the basement. Smoke
alarms should be installed inside and outside of sleeping areas. A smoke detector should be installed
at a good level since gases and smoke tends to always rise. Have a qualified technician install a
hardwired smoke alarm in your home always.
Smoke alarm maintenance
Smoke alarms must be always maintained. A dead smoke alarm is the same as having no fire alarm
at all. A smoke alarm will work if only it is well installed and maintained.
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Smoke alarms powered by a 9 volt battery, so don’t forget about:





The alarm should be tested monthly
Replace the batteries once per year
Replace the entire smoke alarm every 8 to 10 years.
Test the alarm every month
Replace the system according to the manufacturer instructions.
Hardwired smoke systems



Test the alarm once a month
Replace the backup battery once per year
Replace the system after every 8 to 10 years.
Never disable the alarm while cooking.
A smoke alarms will always function as you carry along with your daily duties. If the alarm goes off
while cooking or taking a shower you should:



Open a door or window and then press the hush button.
Clear the air with a towel
Move the entire alarm several feet’s from the alarm.
Never disable an alarm or remove the battery. State-by-state residential smoke alarm requirements.
Every state has its own fire safety rules which must be adhered to on the installation and maintenance
of alarms. These tips will assist you protect your family and the lives of fire fighters.
Should I Use a Fire Extinguisher?
Consider the following three questions before purchasing or using a fire extinguisher to control a fire:
1.
What type of fire extinguisher is needed?
Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and
an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to be effective and safely put
the fire out.
Basically, there are five different types of extinguishing agents. Most fire extinguishers display
symbols to show the kind of fire on which they are to be used.
2.
Is the fire at a point where it might still be controlled by a fire extinguisher?
Portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a
limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be properly used so that this material is
not wasted. For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be safe to turn off the burner,
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place a lid on the pan, and use an extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however,
these actions will not be adequate. Only trained firefighters can safely extinguish such
fires.
Use a fire extinguisher only if:

You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department;

The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket;

You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire;

You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route;
and

Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.
If all of these conditions are not present, you should NOT try to use a fire extinguisher. Alert other
occupants, leave the building following your home escape plan, go to the agreed upon meeting place,
and call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor's home.
3.
Am I physically capable of using the extinguisher?
Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to
properly use a fire extinguisher. People with disabilities, older adults, or children may
find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for them to
exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.
Maintenance
Fire extinguishers need to be regularly checked to ensure that:

The extinguisher is not blocked by furniture, doorways, or anything that might
limit access in an emergency.

The pressure is at the recommended level. Some extinguishers have gauges that
indicate when the pressure is too high or too low.

All parts are operable and not damaged or restricted in any way. Make sure hoses
and nozzles are free of insects or debris. There should not be any signs of damage
or abuse, such as dents or rust, on the extinguisher.

The outside of the extinguisher is clean. Remove any oil or grease that might
accumulate on the exterior.
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Additionally:

Shake dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling or
packing. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Pressure test the extinguisher (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to
ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Find out from the owner’s manual, the label, or the
manufacturer when an extinguisher may need this type of testing.

Immediately replace the extinguisher if it needs recharging or is damaged in any way.
Sound Decision Making.
All are required to safely control a fire with an extinguisher. For this reason, USFA recommends that
only those trained in the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers consider using them when
appropriate. Contact your local fire department for information on training in your area.
Understanding fire insurance policies
A good fire insurance policy is always a good investment; however the numerous paper works
involved always makes the process look cumbersome to the customer.
The following terms will help you understand your insurance policy better hence achieve the value of
your money.

Arson: This is intentionally setting up a fire or any attempt to light up a fire to property.

Cash value: This is the value of an item in its used condition.

Construction type: This is the type of material used in the construction of a house or property
like bricks and wood. A person with a wooden house will pay a higher policy than one with a
brick house because wood is more prone to fires than bricks.

Coverage: The amount of money that your policy covers against the damage of a certain
good.

Deductable: The amount of money that you agree to pay when filling for an insurance claim.


Insurance premiums; this is the amount of money paid to the insurance provider at the end of
every month as agreed in the policy agreement. This is later broken down to various allotments
in the specific areas of the insurance coverage.
Perils; Any cause of damage to property. They include fire and smoke.

Policy declaration: This is a specification of your coverage, monthly
payment, policy limits and deductibles that is on the first page of your
insurance package.

Policy limits: This is the maximum amount of money that can be awarded to
you in case of damage or loss to property. If your house policy limit is $1,000,000 you are
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entitled to be paid a damage fee of $1,000,000. Any other property that was inside the house is
not paid. It is always important to ensure that you are well covered by a policy limit in that you
will always recover your losses from the insurance firm.
By having a good policy you will always protect your loved ones and also your property. By this you
will live in comfort with the guarantee that should tragedy strike at anytime you are well covered. Any
questions that you do not understand should always be asked to your insurance since this save you
your home. By being more informed and educated you will be in a position to make the best decisions
and know on the kind of policies to take and what they mean to you.
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