Fire Safety Equipment – How They Save Lives

Oftentimes, when we pass by a fire extinguisher cabinet, we just look at this shiny bulky object and not realize the fact that this piece of firefighting equipment can do more than just sit there and stare back at you.

It is the same with other types of fire safety devices such as smoke detectors and fire blankets. What we do not realize that often is how these pieces of firefighting gadgets can spell the difference between a life lost and a life saved, between minor damage and serious injuries.

Firefighting tools such as extinguishers and fire blankets can help put out a fire that is still in its initial stage. There are several types of fire extinguishers such as water, foam, dry powder, powder, specialist powder, and carbon dioxide. Each of these tools is designed for a particular fire.

Those that contain water are used to extinguish fires that resulted from burning paper, wood, cloth or soft furnishing. Foam extinguishers put out fires caused by flammable liquids. Dry powder is for flammable gases. Specialist powder is designed for burning metals. Carbon dioxide is intended for electrical fires.

It is vital to know the difference between these types so that you do not end up using the wrong kind of extinguisher as this can lead to serious injuries and adverse damages. When you are equipped with the right knowledge and skills on how to operate this type of firefighting tool, you will be able to fight fire more effectively and successfully.

You just have to keep in mind that not all fires should be fought with a fire extinguisher. This type of tool should only be used if the fire is still small, not yet spreading, and is in its initial stage. Otherwise, do not attempt to fight it anymore and just get out of the burning area as fast you can.

As for fire detecting tools like smoke alarm or smoke detector, they can also be crucial in saving lives because they alert people about fire outbreaks. There have been many cases wherein people were not aware that a fire is occurring in their homes. If only they have smoke alarms in their houses, their lives could have been saved.

Once you hear a fire alarm go off, the smart thing to do is to try to get out of the area as fast as you can. While escaping the premises, be sure to alert the other people in the house or building by shouting “fire” or making noises like banging the walls.

The moment you get out of the burning area, call up the fire brigade immediately. See if any person who has escaped needs medical attention. Check if there is anyone missing. If there is, alert the fire brigade as soon as possible. Do not attempt to rescue a person by yourself because you may only endanger your life. Rescuing people is a job for the professionals.

Fire safety devices do more than just appease your mind and tell you that you can be protected from fire accidents. Fire safety devices can actually protect you and save your life.