Introduction:
Most
homeowners and apartment dwellers don't think about
the need for a fire escape for their home. It is
human nature that we don’t believe a disaster such
as a house fire is going to happen in our home.
Unfortunately that is not reality.
Thousands of people die every year in house
fires. Having a fire escape in your home can
prevent death from fires.
There are over
750,000 house fires every year and many of the
residents suffer serious injury or lose their lives
as a result. Many of these injuries and loss of
life can be prevented simply by having a fire
escape for your home.
The easiest and
simplest fire escape for your home is a ladder.
Fire escape ladders are not expensive and can be
purchased from most hardware stores or home supply
centers. There are several different styles
including a rope / chain ladder and extension
ladders that are designed for multiple stories.
Adding a permanent ladder to the exterior of your
home is another option. Some of these ladders are
collapsible / retractable ladders. Whatever your
choice of fire escape ladder if a fire does break
out having the fire escape ladder may be the
difference between getting out of the house or not.
It only takes a few
minutes for a house to become engulfed in flames.
Even with fire warning alarms and combating the
fire with fire extinguishers it can get out of
control very quickly. Smoke from the fire is
usually more of a problem than flames. Having a
fire escape ladder so everyone can exit the house
quickly, especially from the upper floors, is a
practical means to escape the home.
Fire escape kits
are available that include a fire escape ladder
that expands to over thirty feet and includes a
smoke hood. The kits also contain chemical sticks
and a horn so you can let the firemen know that you
are in the hose. Apartment buildings usually are
required to have a permanent fire escape attached
to the exterior of the building.
Fire escape safety
includes more than a fire escape ladder. A working
fire / smoke alarm system is essential for your
families safety. There a many different types of
alarm systems available at reasonable rates.
Although most new construction require a smoke and
fire alarm system there are still many older homes
that do not have them. If you live in a house or
apartment that does not have a working alarm system
you should consider installing one immediately.
These alarm systems have different options. Some
can notify emergency personnel while others are
simply triggered by smoke or heat. Some are
equipped with lights that flash when the alarm goes
off for the hearing impaired.
Consult with your
local fire department or safety office to determine
which type of fire warning system and fire escape
is best for your home and family needs. Most all
home supply centers and electrical supply outlets
stock a variety of alarm systems and the staff is
usually helpful in helping you decide which system
to purchase. For approximately twenty dollars you
can buy a basic model for your home. For a system
that includes a monitoring system the cost is much
higher, between a hundred and three hundred
dollars.
