Fire Gear

Choose the right fire gear

When there is a small fire, you must deal with it yourself. Using your own fire gear and putting out stove fires, for instance, is better than waiting for emergency personnel and perhaps losing the kitchen or the entire house. The right equipment can make the difference between a small emergency and a huge disaster.

A portable extinguisher is one of the first things to consider when choosing firefighting equipment. Many people don't realize there are different extinguishers to fight different types of fires. Where the extinguisher will be kept should help determine which type or types to purchase. One to fight liquid, oil or solvent fires would be best in the kitchen, while one for plastic, wood, paper or cloth might be kept in the living or bedroom areas. Always consider what type of fires you may be dealing with before purchasing the extinguisher.

Emergency fire ladders save lives

Typically, when a home has more than one floor, the bedrooms are upstairs. Because the deadliest home fires often take place at night, it is important to have a route to safety from the bedrooms. Emergency fire ladders can be used for this.

Fires tend to quickly escalate up an open staircase, making escape down the stairs impossible. Emergency fire ladders, which provide a quick escape route, are sold many places. A person simply attaches them to the window molding and climbs out, down the side of the building. Be sure to purchase a ladder long enough to reach from your window to the ground, and with strong window attachments.

Xcaper increases other gear's effectiveness

Whether you are using a fire extinguisher, a portable window ladder, or are simply making your way out of a smoky building as quickly as possible, it is important to be able to breathe safely and not be overcome by the smoke. Smoke blinds and confuses a person, burns the lungs, deprives the brain of oxygen and quickly leads to unconsciousness.

The Xcaper is a personal smoke mask to be worn by each family member. Wearing this fire gear will allow them to make their way through the smoke, breathing for up to 30 minutes, and safely escape the fire. Even using an extinguisher to battle a smaller fire you need adequate air. You will be safer and more effective with the Xcaper.