Fire Equipment Every Home Needs

Well, this is something I’ve talked about before well partially at least. But it is worth talking about in more detail after all the dangers of home fires are a very real possibility and everyone should know how to properly combat them and what preventative measures to take.

So, let’s get right to it and talk about the fire safety equipment every household needs.

Fire Extinguishers

Yes, it’s fire extinguishers not a single extinguisher! Some people advise getting a simple water or foam extinguisher but as I mentioned in an earlier post you shouldn’t forget about all the other extinguishers available. Wet chemical extinguishers, like those previously mentioned in this post, are incredibly important.

The five main types of fire extinguishers are water, powder, foam, wet chemical and CO2. Getting all of them and knowing how to safely use them will help ensure your home is protected from all kinds of fire. Yes, it might take a little time to learn how each extinguisher works but it is the best way to ensure your home is protected. You can also get smaller extinguishers these days so don’t worry about storage, they don’t take up much room.

Alarms/ Detectors

Fire alarms/ smoke detectors are a common fixture in most homes so this likely won’t be fire equipment you will need to go out and actually buy. However, this is equipment that many people do tend to forget to inspect regularly. Alarms and smoke detectors need to be checked every month and it is recommended to change the batteries at least once a year. Although there is no harm in doing this more regularly in my view.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

It is also worth mentioning the importance of carbon monoxide detectors as well. While most homes will have fire alarms and smoke detectors they often won’t have carbon monoxide detectors, so investing in them is definitely recommended. You can now buy devices that act as both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well.

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are not an alternative to fire extinguishers! Many people believe the misconception that they are when they are actually a very different but still vital piece of fire equipment. Fire blankets are very useful in the kitchen and ideal for tackling pan fires.

If there is going to be a fire in your home then it is likely to start in the kitchen and a fire blanket can help prevent it from spreading if you act fast. Another great benefit of fire blankets is that they are easy to use and store so if your home doesn’t have one get one.

Portable Fire Escape Ladder

This is a bit more niche but it does certainly have its uses and is a wise investment if you want to ensure your home is as fire safe as possible! A portable fire escape ladder is easy to set up and use and can help you escape from upstairs windows safely.

If you really want to be safe you could have a portable fire escape ladder stored away in each bedroom. They are easy to store when not in use and don’t take up much room either. Just make sure you carry out a few tests so everyone can climb down the ladder safely.

So, that is my top five recommendations for fire safety equipment that every home needs! Yes, we all think it will never happen but fires can happen suddenly and are usually the result of a simple mistake. So, make sure you have the safety equipment needed to ensure you and your families safety.