HOME FIRE PROTECTION

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Anyone who may use a fire extinguisher should read the instructions carefully and commit them to memory. Technique is very important in getting the most from an extinguisher, and the approach varies depending on the type of fire.

One final precaution should probably go without saying: Don't smoke in bed. Better yet, don't smoke at all. About 32% of all residential fire-related deaths occur as a result of improperly extinguished cigarettes-about 15% in beds and 17% in upholstered furniture in the living area.

Of course, even a careless smoker might be saved by a smoke detector. There's simply - no excuse for not having one.

BUILD A BETTER FIRE ESCAPE

READER DAVID L. CONOVER WRITES,"Several years ago, when my children were small, I, like so many young parents, worried constantly about fire in my house. I wanted a fire escape system that anyone, young or old, could use—one that a neighbor or passerby could also activate but that wouldn't be too attractive to burglars. The system I came up with has worked admirably in all types of weather since I built it in 1979—often being used by one son for escape from parental confinement in his room—and it has added considerably to our sense of security."

Collapsed, the fire escape is smaller than a downspout.
Extended by pivoting from the wall, it forms a stable ladder.
Side braces prevent the ladder from swinging side to side.

We think you'll agree that this is a really ingenious approach to a fire escape—one which is much better than a dangling rope or a chain ladder. It folds to the wall and is inconspicuous when not in use, and is very stable and easy to reach when deployed. It could be pinned at the top to prevent anyone from gaining access from below, or it could be lightly sprung so it could be opened from either end.

David's design employed simple interlocking sections Of 1 1/2 " (for the rails) and 1" (for the steps) straight-gauge U-channel steel. However, when we looked for these materials at our local steel supply, we found that only the tapered wall U-channel was common to our shop's shelves. If you can find the straight-gauge U-channel in your area, this is certainly the simplest and strongest approach. As an alternative, though, MOTHER's own Dennis Burkholder offers the combination of readily available parts pictured here.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print