Home FIRE-SAFETY PLAN

Having a plan can reduce the panic and stresses that occur during an emergency. Working smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, and a fire safety evacuation plan for your family are a MUST when it comes to reducing this stress and allowing you to make the correct decision to protect the ones you love. Here are some simple steps to take to make sure you and your family are prepared:

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke detectors should be located throughout the home, especially in sleeping rooms. Carbon monoxide detectors should be located near any gas running appliance as well as a centrally located area. The batteries in a smoke or carbon monoxide detector should be replaced every 6 months. To help myself remember to change the batteries every six months, I change them when I am putting up Christmas lights and before fireworks start on the 4th of July (both times of the year where I am more worried about the fire safety in my home). In addition to replacing the batteries in these detectors, they should be tested on a monthly basis to ensure they are functioning properly. The detectors will have a [TEST] button that when held down will run the detector through its operating process. Finally, detectors should be replaced every 10 years per most manufacturer recommendations.

• Fire Extinguishers

Every household should have at least one fire extinguisher on the premise. The fire extinguisher should be a Type ABC. An ABC classification means that the extinguisher is built to put out the most common type of fire: such as those started by wood, fuel such as gasoline, or electrical. The fire extinguisher should be at least a 5lb. capacity. Smaller fire extinguishers, such as the 2.5lb, should only be used to protect vehicles or specific pieces of machinery. The fire extinguisher should be placed in a readily accessible place. Make sure all members of the household know where the extinguisher is located.

All fire extinguishers are required by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes to have annual inspection services by a certified technician. In addition, recharging and hydrostatic testing must be completed every 6 years. Please contact us here at Iridium Protection and Taylor Brothers Fire and Safety if you have any questions or concerns about your specific fire extinguisher needs or services.

• Fire Safety Evacuation Plan

In the event of a fire it is imperative that everyone in your family knows what to do and where to go. A couple key items to consider when developing a plan for your home are:

• Identify all possible exit points around your home. Try and come up with multiple exit points from each room of the house. Make sure that every member of the family understands each exit point and has the ability to use the exit as intended (small children and the elderly may need assistance, assign specific measures for helping them exit safely).

• Review the locations of all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.

• Always make sure doors and windows are not obstructed or blocked.

• Identify an outside meeting place where all members of the family are to meet in the event of a fire.

• Call 9-1-1 and do not re-enter the home until the fire department has cleared it for safety.

Practice your fire safety evacuation plan at least twice a year. If you have children, spend some time having each member of the family draw the evacuation plan and allow the children to recreate the plan from memory to help reinforce its proper execution in the event of an actual fire.

From all of us here at Iridium Protection and Taylor Brother Fire and Safety, please take the time today to ensure that you are prepared and that your loved ones are safe.