A Fire Escape for Your Home

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.

A fire escape for your home may prevent injuries and save lives in the event of a home fire but it should be accompanied with a basic fire / smoke alarm system and a fire safety plan that includes a fire evacuation plan that is practiced by all residents often.

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