330 likes | 520 Views
Effective Prevention And Control Measures. Presented by: Derek C. Valdo, Sr. Loss Prevention Specialist AMERIND Risk Management Corporation. General Fire Prevention Information. Escape Routes Planned Smoke Alarms in place, and tested Exits Clear
E N D
Effective PreventionAnd Control Measures Presented by: Derek C. Valdo, Sr. Loss Prevention Specialist AMERIND Risk Management Corporation
General Fire Prevention Information • Escape Routes Planned • Smoke Alarms in place, and tested • Exits Clear • First Aid Kit stocked and easily available • Location of shut-off valves known (gas, water & electricity) • Practice fire drills • Home identifier visible for emergency responders • Emergency information located near every phone
Children & Matches and Smoking Store matches and lighters out of reach of children and in a secure location Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays Never smoke when drowsy or in bed Dispose of ashes and cigarette butts in a metal can at least daily Check furniture for smoldering cigarettes every night, especially after social events
Heating Equipment Ensure fireplace inserts and gas/wood stoves comply with local codes Clean and inspect chimney annually Dispose of ashes in metal container Keep clothes, furnishings, and electrical cords at least 12” from wall heaters and 36” from portable heaters Service furnace annually Set hot water heater thermostat at 120-125 F Elevate new or replacement LP gas water heaters at least 18” above the floor
Electricity Avoid the use of extension cords (If used, ensure the correct wattage rating) Plug only one heat producing device into an electrical outlet Ensure cords are not placed under rugs Verify circuits are not overloaded Replace damaged cords, plugs, sockets Use bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps and fixtures Check fuses/circuit breakers for the correct amperage ratings Do not override or bypass fuses or circuit breakers
Kitchen Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles Do not leave cooking food unattended Keep pan handles turned in while cooking Keep a pan lid or “fire towel” nearby in case of fire Wear snug-fitting clothes when cooking Electrical appliances, cords and plugs in good condition Ensure outlets near the kitchen sink are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) equipped and not overloaded
Fire Extinguisher Verify that an all purpose fire extinguisher (Class ABC) is maintained in an accessible location Ensure that all occupants know how to use it Are additional fire extinguishers kept in the kitchen, garage, basement, and sleeping area?
P A S S The fire extinguisher test • P ull the pin • A im at the base of the fire • S queeze the handle (at least 5-10 ft away) • S weep (left to right while you carefully approach the fire)
Smoke Detector Installed properly on every level? Battery replaced every year? Tested once each month? Consider using a photoelectric smoke detector to reduce false alarms Great time to educate children on its purpose and sound Practice is a great way to help your family plan and remember what to do in case of a disaster or emergency
Family Preparedness Plan two unobstructed exits from every room, including the second floor, and make sure everyone knows them Designate a meeting place outside Develop an escape plan and practice it regularly PRESENTATION EXERCISE – Take 5 minutes to draw the floorplan of your home and develop an escape plan.
Sample – Floor Plan Legend Door Window Covered Porch Closet Bedroom 1 Fireplace Closet Bedroom 2 Living Room Dining Room Garage Bathroom Closet Bedroom 3 Furnace Rm Kitchen Covered Porch Washer & Dryer
Scenario 1 – Escape Route Bedroom 2(repeat for each room and location of fire) Family Meeting Place Bedroom 1 Fireplace Bedroom 2 Living Room Dining Room Garage Bedroom 3 Furnace Rm Kitchen First Escape Route Second Escape Route
Scenario 2 – Escape Route Bedroom 2(repeat for each room and location of fire) Family Meeting Place Bedroom 1 Fireplace Bedroom 2 Living Room Dining Room Garage Bedroom 3 Furnace Rm Kitchen First Escape Route Second Escape Route
Things to Consider • Have an out-of-state contact for family to check after a major disaster/emergency • Store important papers and valuables in a fire proof safe/cabinet and/or off-site • Maintain proper insurance coverage for your home and its contents (dwelling, renter’s, fire, theft, vandalism, etc.) • 10 Minute Break
Control Measures -What you can do to control fire?
Fire Extinguisher ABC Rated Recharged Easy access Know how to use Avg. Cost $15-30 Dry Chemical Halon Water Carbon Dioxide Basic Residential Fire Control
Basic Fire Control Systems • Smoke Detector • Photo-electric (recommended) • Hard-wired w/ battery backup • Lithium batteries (recommended) • Avg. Cost $8 (Ionization) $25 (Photoelectric) http://www.firstalert.com/home_safety/smoke_alarms/help.htm#
Advanced Fire Control Systems – Total Dwelling • Residential Fire Sprinkler System • Automatic sprinkler system for home • Total or partial protection • Less water damage from fire department • Avg. Cost $1,500 (new construction 1200 sqft home)
Advanced Fire Control Systems – Dwelling Structure • Application of Fire Retardant/Resistant Coating • Increase burn rating of building material • Firefree 88 -“painted” on like a primer/first coat for both new and existing dwellings • Noburn Woodguard - Applied to entire building at framing for new construction http://www.homefirepreventionkit.com/home_fire_prevention_kit_applica.htm
Typical Installation-New Construction Interior Avg Cost: $300-500 Retardant + Labor
DoD Force Protection Equipment Demonstration, Quantico, VA Sample Structure Treated With Fire Retardant (FF88) Two identical buildings. Two identical fires.
Fire Control Systems - Contents • Contents provide fuel for the fire • Foam and fabric produce “black” smoke • Apply fire retardant to contents and furniture • Avg. Cost: $200-500 retardant + labor
Alternative Fire Control Systems • “Home Fireman” • Water hose to put out small ordinary fires • 90 linear ft of coverage • Easy install • Avg. Cost: $220 / unit + install
Alternative Fire Control Systems-Range Only • Rangehood Fire Suppression Canisters • Grease Fires • Automatic (out of sight out of mind) • Avg. Cost: $41 StoveTop Automatic Fire Extinguisher in use
Fire towel-grease Grease fires Avg. Cost: $7 Exterior coating – fire retardant (i.e. Enerchron) http://www.enerchron.com/ Training Fire Department Police Department ARMC Education Policy Negative must outweigh the positive Alternative Fire Control Systems-Miscellaneous
The End Consider AMERIND for your property and liability needs.