Fire extinguishers, Alarms, and Systems
Fire is one of the most devastating forces on planet earth. Although it works in the wild to clear away dead plants and create room for new life, when it reaches civilization it causes nothing but death. Active fire protection is the best way to prevent a catastrophic fire at home. Firehand.com is a Web site devoted to education on active fire protection and everything that goes along with it.
In a broad sense, active fire protection includes virtually everything we do to prevent, detect and suppress fires. The most simple and common forms of active fire protection are devices such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers. No home or public building should be without a fire extinguisher and some form of fire detection system. In fact, in most jurisdictions public places are required by law to provide and maintain such devices. Although private homes are not mandated to contain active fire protection systems, rental managers are required to provide a minimal amount of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
In large buildings such as offices and apartment complexes more advanced alarm fire systems are necessary. Common systems include sophisticated detection, alert and suppression systems. Heat, chemical and light sensors work to detect fire or its effects as early as possible. Such sensors the set off other systems such as alarm fires and fire sprinklers. Sensory systems may also be built into sprinkler or alert systems.
In buildings where there are typically a large number of people day and night emergency evacuation can be incredibly difficult and virtually impossible without outside help. Such buildings often turn to an Emergency Voice Alarm Communication (EVAC) system. EVAC systems include extremely durable, reliable speaker systems through which alerts, warnings and instructions can be provided. They are often activated immediately upon fire detection. A full time trained professional is typically on call to operate the system. This person is often known as the building’s fire warden and operates from its fire control center.
Residential fire protection need not be so complicated but there are several steps that can be taken to ensure safety for everyone in the home. Firehand.com recommends that steps be taken beyond the installation of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Fire alarm systems are available which will alert not only those inside the home but neighbors and emergency professionals as well. Residential sprinkler systems are becoming more common and less expensive to install. Minimal alterations in architectural and landscape design can go along way in preventing a catastrophic fire and providing a safer environment should a fire occur.
Whatever active fire protection one chooses, it must be used along with fire safety education. Whether it is in the home or at work, family members and employees must know how to react in the event of an emergency. Even the most well protected and sufficiently equipped building can become a death trap when occupants react improperly. Come back to firehand.com often for the best and latest information on fire safety and active fire protection.
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