Fire Safety in a New Home

When we're talking about fire safety in a new home, consider this: according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 94 percent of the homes in North America has at least one smoke alarm. However, the NFPA statistics also tell us that there are more homes with smoke alarms that are not working, than homes without alarms.

Living Safely in New Homes

Smoke alarms protect both your home and loved ones in the event of a fire. When buying a new home, your home inspection should highlight items such as the presence, and condition, of smoke alarms. As an existing homeowner or as someone that's just bought a new home, you also need to make sure the smoke alarms are functioning properly.

Additional Resources

Let's face it; you're buying a new home so you and your loved ones can enjoy it. Understanding what you can do to remain safe in your new home will ensure you'll continue to enjoy that home. You're also making a large investment in that new house, and you'll want to make sure that investment is protected too.

Certainly your homeowner's insurance policy will cover the expense of restoring your home if it's damaged, but nothing can bring back those memories you've lost to a fire. In addition, most insurance companies will offer you a discount on your policy premiums just for installing fire safety equipment in your home. This includes both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. So not only are you protecting loved ones and valuables, you're also being paid to protect them too.

Smoke Alarms in the Home

Thirty years ago it might have cost $1,000 to have smoke alarms professionally installed in a typical three bedroom home. Today, you can find smoke alarms that can be easily installed by a homeowner for under $10 per alarm. That means you can protect your loved ones, as well as the investment in your home, for less than $50.

Placement of Smoke Alarms

While it's certainly important that a home have smoke alarms, the location of those alarms is important too. You'll want to make sure that you have a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home, including your basement. You might also want to consider installing an alarm both outside and inside sleeping areas.

Since smoke and most gases rise when heated, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or around 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling. Make sure you read all the instructions that come with your smoke alarm, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installing the device.

Testing and Replacing Smoke Alarms

Unless your smoke alarm has a 10 year battery, you'll want to replace it once a year. Pick a holiday or birthday to help remind you it's time to replace the battery. Many times the change from Daylight Savings Time is used as a reminder to change smoke alarm batteries in the United States. Most smoke alarms will start to make a chirping sound when the battery is low, but it's better to replace the batteries on a schedule.

Dust can often interfere with the operation of a smoke alarm, so you'll want to make sure they stay clean. Simply vacuuming around and over the alarm will help keep the dust away from the detector.

You'll also want to test your smoke alarm monthly to make sure it's working properly. Most alarms have a red test button on the outside cover. The monthly test is as simple as pushing the button until the alarm sounds. Finally, most smoke alarms are made to last about 10 years after which the entire device should be replaced. Again, consult the manufacturer's recommendation for the testing and replacement of your specific unit.

Home Fire Extinguishers

There are basically three classes of fire extinguishers on the market today that can be safely used in a house or home. Each class of fire extinguisher serves a different purpose. The fire extinguisher classification in the United States as published by the National Fire Protection Association is:

Class A - Fire extinguishers used for putting out fires of general combustibles such as wood or paper. These units usually contain a mixture of water and compressed gas. The symbol you'll find on this type of extinguisher is a triangle around the letter A.
Class B - Fire extinguishers intended to be used on liquids or grease. The symbol you'll find on this type of extinguisher is a square around the letter B.
Class C - Fire extinguishers used on electrical fires. Their mixture is non-conducting to ensure the user is not harmed by electricity. The symbol you'll find on this type of extinguisher is a circle around the letter C.

A general purpose Class ABC extinguisher is a good choice if you're looking for only one type of fire extinguisher for your new home. Always make sure your escape route is clear and the fire department has been called before attempting to extinguish any fire - no matter how small.

Fire Escape Routes

You should always work with your family to plan, and practice, escape routes - especially after buying a new home. You should always have at least two ways to get out of every room. In some instances, you may need to invest in a safety ladder so that you can evacuate from a second floor room or bedroom in your home.

You should also agree on a meeting place outside the home where everyone can get together after they escape. Finally, don't forget to practice your fire escape route with the entire family, and remember - once you've evacuated the home, never return to a burning building.

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