Fire Equipment
SOCIETY BENEFITS
Stop a fire before it really startsECONOMY BENEFITS
Could save a hike in insurance premiumENVIROMENTAL BENEFITS
Less damage means less needs to be replacedUSEFUL LINKS
Advice
THIS ADVICE IS NO SUBSITUTE FOR THE GOVERNMENT FIRE KILLS WEBSITE!
Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are useful, if e.g. a frying pan or even a person catches fire, then a blanket could be placed over the pan/person in order to smother the flames, deprieving them of oxygen.
They aren't to be used to tackle anything larger as they will make yourself vulnerable to the effects of fire.
When you buy a fire blanket, ensure that it conforms to British Standard BS6575
Fire Extinguishers
There are three main types of fire extinguisher - Powder, Water & Foam. Each have their strengths and weaknesses. For example, using a water based fire extinguisher on a chip pan fire will make the fire far worse as the burning oil will spread.
Therefore I would recommend reading the FIRE KILLS website to ensure you are fully aware of which fire extinguishers to have around the house.
When you buy a fire extinguisher make sure that conforms to BS EN 3 part 5 "Portable Fire Extinguishers - Specification and supplementary tests" and you understand the colour coding.
Other Considerations
Make sure that everyone at a reasonable age knows how to use fire equipment in case they find themselves in a difficult position (though young children should understand that it is only a last desperate measure and they should actually leave the property and raise the alarm).
Fire blankets and Extinguishers require to be sited in a good position if it is to be of use when the time comes. One example would be in the kitchen clearly visable and away from potential fire sources e.g. cooker.
