Fire Prevention

Q.	A.
1. How many smoke detectors should I have in my home?	As many as you like, however at the very least, one outside of each sleeping area above the door way and at least one on every level of the structure.

2. What kind should I purchase?	There many brands of smoke detectors to choose from and some differ in the way they are activated by an alert condition. It can be confusing which one is the best buy. As long it is triggered by a smoky condition and the unit is U.L. or F.M. approved it should perform to as advertised.

3. Do smoke detectors wear out?	Most smoke detectors have a life expectancy of about ten years. If you have one as old or older you should consider replacing it.

4. Do smoke detectors require regular maintenance?	Yes, Detectors should be tested every month and the batteries changed twice a year when you change your clocks. Cleaning the internal workings at the same time with a vacuum cleaner.

5. What is the best kind of fire extinguisher to buy for my home?	First of all you must understand the different classifications of fire and their bearing on your purchase. 1. Class (A) Fires are Ordinary Combustibles. (Wood-Paper-Textiles) 2. Class (B) Fires are Flammable Liquids. (Gasoline-Kerosene-cleaning fluids) 3. Class (C) Fires are Electrical Fires. 4. Class (D) Metal Fires. (Magnesium) Fire Extinguishers and their uses. 1. A.B.C. Dry Chemical(Easy to Maintain and Excellent for Most Fires. Ordinary Combustibles, Flammable Liquids, and Electrical Fires.) 2. A.B.C. Dry Chemical(Good for flammable Liquids, Pressurized Gasses, and Electrical Fires.) 3. Carbon Dioxide Gas(Excellent for Flammable Liquids and Electrical Fires. - Leaves no residue after discharge. 4. Halotron 1 (Excellent for A.B.C. Fires and Leaves No Residue. Now you can make the proper choice concerning your home environment, however remember all extinguishers must be U.L of F.M. Approved. Learning the proper way to use an extinguisher is very important To Discharge - Pull the safety pin - Aim it at the base of the fire - Squeeze the handles to discharge - Use a sweeping motion from side to side.

6. We have a fire extinguisher and I think it is empty. How can I tell if it is full and ready to use?	There are different types of extinguishers, t hat use a variety agents to quell the flames. The most common are Dry Chemical and Â Â Carbon dioxide gas. Dry Chemical Extinguishers -Have a gauge located at the top near the discharge handle. If the gauge pointer is in the green area the unit is fully charged and ready for use. If the pointer is out of the green area it must be recharged before use. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers -Must be weighed to establish the amount of product remaining the cylinder. A refilling station must be used for proper assessment.

7. Should I have a carbon monoxide detector in my home?	Absolutely, carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it is colorless and odorless. At least one in your home in your sleeping area.

8. What kind should I buy?	Carbon monoxide detectors are either electric (Hard Wired) using alternating current (House Current) or battery powered using direct current or an electric unit with a battery back up should the house current fail. Remember they must be U.L. or F.M. approved.