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Fire Safety Prevention Equipment

Where to Find Equipment

Search home improvement store websites or use a general search engine to look for strobe light smoke alarms. Find smoke alarm accessories such as pillow or bed shakers, transmitters, and receivers at lifetonesafety.com, safeawake.com and silentcall.com.

Equipment

Smoke Detector

 

  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Install alarms on every level of the home. 
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

 

Fire Extinguisher

  • For your home select a multi-purpose extinguisher that can be used on all types of house fires that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
  • Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area ONLY. (i.e such as a wastebasket). and is not growing.
  • Keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape in case the fire cannot be controlled.
  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
    • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
    • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
    • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
  • Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before in case of a future fire. You can find a portable multi-purpose fire extinguisher at your local hardware store.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

  • Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide.
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
  • When warming a vehicle remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. DO NOT run a vehicle or any other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.
  • A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for while you wait for emergency personnel.
  • Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO -- only use outside.
  • Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Updated: 10/01/2023