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Fire Prevention Equipment

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2008, fire departments in the United States responded to almost 1.5 million fires. Fires in homes resulted in the deaths of almost 3,000 persons, which accounted for 83 percent of civilian fire deaths, reports the NFPA. A wide variety of equipment is available to help prevent fires from happening, or, if they occur, from spreading.

  1. Fire Extinguishers

    • Portable fire extinguishers are easy to store and should be kept in an easily accessible location. These devices are used to put out small fires or help control a bigger fire until the fire department can arrive. A portable fire extinguisher has a pin at the top, which, when pulled from the handle, allows the extinguisher to discharge. The lever should be squeezed slowly and the discharge aimed towards the base of the flame to extinguish the fuel feeding the flames. The discharge should be sprayed back and forth constantly until the fire is completely out.

    Early Warning Smoke Detection Systems

    • Air sampling fire detection systems work around the clock to constantly check for invisible by-products of materials that may be forming a fire, to eliminate it before it happens. According to American Chemistry, "early warning smoke detection systems have been shown to reduce the risk of fatality due to fires by almost 50 percent." A smoke detector has a test button that will beep or ring loudly when pressed. To ensure that a smoke detection system will work in a time of emergency, the alarm should be tested twice a year, and the batteries should be replaced if the test alarm does not sound.

    Pre-action Sprinkler Systems

    • Sprinkler fire protection systems are attached to a water distribution piping system and can spread the needed amount of water onto flames. This form of detection is activated and operates on its own, but it is important to have one installed in all of building's rooms to prevent a fire from spreading.

    Gas Detectors

    • Gas detector systems monitor various gases within an area to detect the presence of gas leaks, such as when certain stoves are left on over a period of time. Many gases, such as carbon monoxide, are undetectable to a human's sense of smell, but a gas detector sounds when a location needs to be evacuated before someone even calls 911. Gas detectors are usually battery operated, therefore changing the batteries twice a year keeps the detector ready for successful activation if a situation calls for it.

    Foam Fire Suppression Systems

    • A foam fire system separates fuel from the air by suppressing the flames and smothering the fire. Made from a combination of chemicals that can control and eliminate fires caused by objects as well as gases, the foam can hold its full potential for 10 years before needing its foam cartridge to be replaced. Consumers who purchase a foam system should write the expiration date with a permanent marker on the side of the suppressor and make sure to have the cartridge replaced before that date is reached.

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