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Fire Prevention Devices for your Home
Here are some great things you can add to your house that increase your chances of surviving and minimizing damage in a house fire, some of which may even reduce your insurance cost:
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are a very helpful thing to have on hand in the kitchen and in the garage. (You should purchase fire extinguishers that are all purpose rated for both grease and electrical fires.) Also consider adding one to your furnace room or in the hallway near your bedrooms. You should try to put one on every floor, so that you have a fighting chance of putting out a fire if you are there when it starts. If you take this precaution, your insurance company may reward you with a five percent discount.
Safety ladders
If you have bedrooms on the second floor, consider adding a safety ladder in every room. Keep it under the bed or next to a window to allow for quick escape in the event an occupant is trapped in a fire and must exit the window. Make sure all occupants know how to use the ladders.
Fire suppression systems, sprinklers
There are now many home sprinkler systems available which have been vastly improved from their predecessors. Contrary to popular belief, these are not manufactured to all go off at once, or to go off for small things like burning something on the stove. They raise your chances of survival greatly, and protect property as well. A system will cost a several thousand dollars, but it is well worth looking into. Many insurance companies will offer substantial breaks for homes with fire suppression systems, so it should pay for itself in the long run.
Smoke alarms, the more the better,
Go smoke alarm happy in your house. Consider updating your system, or installing additional smoke detectors. The more you have, the higher your odds of surviving a house fire. You should have at least one on each floor and an alarm directly outside each bedroom. Be sure to test them regularly and follow the smoke alarm guidelines.
Carbon monoxide systems-detectors
Consider adding carbon monoxide detectors to your house as well. Carbon monoxide is a silent but deadly killer. These can be purchased at most local home or hardware stores. While these do not serve the same purpose as smoke alarms for fires, they are most effective for furnace combustion or leak problems and can save the lives of the entire family in the event of a malfunctioning furnace. Approximately 500 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, so its well worth the investment. Furthermore, installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home shows your insurance company you are serious about safety, and it might earn you a discount of about 3%.
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