5 Fire Safety Myths Everyone Should Know

5 Fire Safety Myths Everyone Should Know

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner or a consumer, there are fire safety myths out there that put you at risk. When you fully understand Chicago fire safety, what to believe and what not to believe, you are safer. By reviewing the myths below, you can avoid an accident or even death in the event of a fire. Caring for yourself as well as your property ensures you can be safe no matter what.

All Sprinklers Work All the Time

Sprinklers provide property protection and lifesaving benefits. A building with sprinklers will provide the water needed in the event of a fire. However, not all sprinklers work all the time. If you live in an apartment building, it is important to ensure that Chicago fire safety codes are being followed. The sprinklers need to be operational in order to provide their life-saving benefits. If you own a building, be sure to have sprinkler systems checked regularly for correct operation.

Alarms Will Sound Before a Fire

Another common myth among the public is that smoke detectors will sound an alarm before a fire actually starts. However, this is not true. A fire must start in order for there to be smoke. You know the old saying, ‘if there’s smoke, there’s fire’? Well, that rings true. If you hear a smoke detector going off, it is time to leave the building because there is a fire.

Stairs are the Safest Option of Escape

If you are in a high rise or building with multiple stories, you may think that the stairs are your safest option. In many cases, they are. However, a stairway may be obstructed, and you cannot leave the building in that manner or there are too many flights to take to reach the bottom. In the event of a fire, it is important to rely on exit areas. If the stairs are free of debris and fire, then use them. Most buildings have two sets of stairs that lead to the lower levels. Use the way that seems to be free and clear of fire and smoke.

Any Type of Fire Extinguisher Will Put Out Flames

This is a huge myth. There are four classes of fire extinguishers and each will put out a certain type of fire. Class A works on ordinary combustibles like paper or wood. Class B is to be used on liquids that are flammable like oil, grease or gas. Class C is to be used on electrical fires. Class D is used for other flammable materials.

It is important to use the right fire extinguisher on fire or the flames will not be put out. Knowing the difference and having the right options on hand can save lives and put out the fire.

Everyone Knows Where the Exits Are

This is also not true, especially in a business or apartment building. Customers of a business or guests of an apartment tenant may have no idea where all the exit points are. As a property owner, it is essential to have maps in place that describe how to exit a level of a building as well as clearly lit exit areas. By providing an illuminated area and easy to find exits, anyone can leave the space in the event of a fire.

By dispelling these myths, you can be safe and secure in the event of a fire, no matter your location.