2 must-have fire safety equipment items for your home

Fires can start unexpectedly and spread quickly. That's why it's important to have these two must-have safety equipment items in your home and know how to use them properly.

The most basic fire safety device is the smoke detector. When they detect the chemicals found in smoke, they sound a piercing, pulsing alarm.

Location

They're incredibly loud in order to alert and wake people in all areas of the house. To be most effective, smoke detectors need to be placed in the right areas to fully protect you and your property.

• Install these devices in important spots in your house. That means detectors are a must outside each bedroom and in the kitchen, hallways, basement and garage.

Batteries

• Smoke detectors are usually battery operated, so check them at least once a month to make sure they're running properly.
• The devices usually have a test feature which allows you to quickly and easily ensure they're working.

Replacement

• Smoke detectors should also be replaced every 10 years as an added safety precaution.

Another essential component of fire safety is the fire extinguisher.

• There are different types of fire extinguishers suited to different kinds of fires.
• For a home, it is important to own a multi-purpose unit designed to extinguish all types of home fires, including oil, gas and electric fires, and to keep it in a high-risk area like the kitchen.
• When using the extinguisher, keep your back to the exit in case you need to quickly escape.

Most people have a fire extinguisher in their home, but many have never used one and do not know how to operate it.

• There's a simple acronym used to operate all fire extinguishers: PASS. This stands for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep.

Four steps to using your fire extinguisher:

1. First, you must pull the ring out of the head of the fire extinguisher, which will unblock airflow.
2. Second, aim the extinguisher's nozzle at the bottom of the fire.
3. Next, squeeze down the handle to release the foaming agent.
4. Once the foaming agent is flowing, sweep the extinguisher back and forth horizontally to cover the source of the fire.

Owning and being familiar with your fire safety equipment could one day help save your life. Make sure you and your family are protected by keeping smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home.