Smoke Detectors
Every house should have at least one smoke detector on each level. Smoke detectors should be installed on or near the ceiling outside each bedroom and on each level of your home.
There are two technologies used in smoke detectors. For the best coverage, you might want to have one (or more) of each in your home.
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The ionization type of smoke detector is generally better at detecting fast, flaming fires that burn combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources could include paper burning in a waste basket or a grease fire in the kitchen. These kinds of fires account for 70% of home fires.
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The photoelectric type of smoke detector is generally better suited for detecting slow-burning fires. These fires may smoulder for hours before they burst into flames and are caused by such things as cigarettes burning in couches or bedding. These kinds of fires make up 30% of home fires.
There are also two power sources for smoke detectors. Again, you might want to choose one of each for your home.
- Battery-operated smoke detectors have the advantage of providing coverage even during a power failure. Given our long power failures here on the island, and the use of candles during them, a battery-powered smoke detector is good. The down side is that you have to remember the change the batteries regularly. Many people use the yearly time change in the spring and fall as a reminder to install new batteries.
- A wired-in smoke detector never needs batteries, since it is powerd from your house wiring. Thus, you can never forget to replace the batteries. However, in the event of a power failure, it will not work unless it is connected to a generator.
The Fire Department will give out free smoke detectors on request.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires. Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher.
Fire Extinguisher
- Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.
- Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish.
- Class C fires involve live electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
- There is also a Class D fire extinguishers, for fires that involve combustible metals. This is not something that most homes would need.
For a general purpose household fire extinguisher, choose an A-B-C class.
In the kitchen, keep a box of baking soda handy. In the event of a grease fire, throw some baking soda on the fire. It generates carbon dioxide (CO2), which will smother the flames.
Exit Plans
Take the time with your family to plan how you would escape from your house in the event of a fire. Knowing ahead of time what to do will improve your chances of survival.
For each room in your house, identify two possible escape routes. Make sure everyone knows where the exits are. Have a meeting area outside, where you will gather to ensure that everyone is accounted for.
Have fire drills so that everyone, especially kids, knows what to do.
Site Maintenance
One of the best things about living on Denman Island is living right in the forest. However, this creates a risk that a brush fire could turn into a house fire or vice versa.
- Metal roofs will resist burning embers blown from brush fires.
- Keep your roof and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles and debris.
- Avoid letting trees overhang your house.
- Maintain a fire break around your house. Manicured lawns are "un-Denman-y", but short grass for a distance around your house will resist the spread of fire and will improve the odds that fire crews can defend your house.
Be careful about storing gasoline or other flammable liquids on your property. Store them only in CSA-approved containers. Store the containers in well-ventilated outbuildings, not in your home. Refuel power equipment outdoors only.
