Top Fire Safety Equipment Every Home Should Have

House fires can leave a physical and psychological toll when they happen. Fortunately, there are a variety of measures you can take in your home to avoid these terrible circumstances from occurring. Look below to learn about the top fire safety equipment every home should have.

Detection Is Your First Line of Defense

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas that can lead to suffocation and even death. CO poisoning is most prevalent when smoke is in the air or in households with malfunctioning furnaces, generators, or ovens that experience mechanical failure. That's why it's crucial to effectively install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to warn you if CO is present.

Smoke detectors can alert you to early warning signs of a fire outbreak. According to the National Fire Protection Association, having working smoke detectors in your home can cut the risk of dying in a reported fire in half. Make sure to test each sensor once a month and replace the batteries every two years.

Fire Extinguishers Can Put Out Small Flames

You can get a fire extinguisher from your local hardware store or grocery store. Remember the acronym PASS while using a fire extinguisher:

• Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
• Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.

Keep track of when you last had your home's fire extinguishers serviced or inspected. Always make sure they're in excellent working order. Place the extinguisher in a plainly visible and easy-to-reach position away from any potential obstructions.

Escape Ladders for Multiple Story Buildings

When your home features two or more floors, your family should plan for the possibility of having to evacuate the higher levels without using your interior stairs. One of the best solutions is placing an escape ladder near windows as a second escape route. You can store these ladders in an accessible location when not in use. Just make sure everyone in your home gets trained on effectively using them.

Make a Family Emergency Plan

One of the most critical pieces of safety equipment you can have is a family emergency plan. Your plan should include where to meet, when to contact 911, any medications you're taking, and how to turn off the water and gas. Keep emergency contact information in a prominent location in your house, such as the refrigerator.

Additionally, you should keep a disaster supply kit for worst-case scenarios. The kit should contain:

• Water.
• Non-perishable food items.
• Basic medical supplies.
• Clothes and bedding.
• Anything else you would need to survive for at least three days.

Stocking up on the top fire safety equipment every home should have can be lifesaving. Just make sure that you check all the equipment regularly to ensure that it is in proper working condition and ready to use when you need it.