2 hours ago
1
Fire safety experts warn that you may have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home.
It’s not often that one imagines their family gathering their most important belongings, grabbing their go-bags, and fighting to escape flames in two minutes or less, but as the country has observed in recent days, catastrophic disasters can arise with little to no warning.
The devastating California wildfires have gravely impacted communities around Los Angeles, underscoring the need to be prepared for the unexpected. As of Jan. 17, at least 27 people have died, and 31 more were missing in what is now considered one of the most catastrophic clusters of wildfires in California’s history.
Even areas that are not considered high-risk fire or “red flag” zones can be impacted by sudden fires, such as the case of the Bronx apartment building fire that left at least seven people injured and hundreds forced to find shelter last week.
According to a report released by the National Fire Protection Association, in 2023, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.39 million fires in the United States. These fires caused an estimated 3,670 deaths and 13,350 injuries, and the property damage was estimated at $23 billion.
Of course, different types of fires require different responses — whether wildfires, home fires, vehicle fires, or gas or electrical fires. However, beyond grade-school fire drills and occasional workplace evacuation training sessions, most Americans receive very little education about to what to do in the event of a fire.
A recent Red Cross survey shows that many Americans are overconfident and underprepared when it comes to fire safety. More than 80% of people surveyed believe everyone in their household knows what to do when a smoke alarm goes off. However, less than half of those surveyed had a fire escape plan in place and only half of the families that did have a plan had ever practiced it.
Many Americans lack information that could be essential to protecting their homes and loved ones. For guidance on fire safety essentials that could make all the difference, The Post consulted Washington State Firemen Pete Montefusco.
“Having a plan in place is the best thing you can do to be prepared for events of varying magnitude,” explained Montefusco. “To be proactive, business and property owners can coordinate plans with their different local fire departments.”
Montefusco has emphasized that in the case of wildfires — installing a strong irrigation system and establishing a perimeter around structures are key to keeping your home safe in a high-risk area.
Most people are already aware of the importance of having a working carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher in their homes. However, a range of household essentials are also important to have on hand, and it’s critical to know how to operate them and store them properly.
Read on for a breakdown of several expert-recommended fire safety tools and essentials. In preparing this list, The Post also considered guides from the Red Cross, the National Safety Council, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The following is not an exhaustive list of everything needed to protect your home from fire.
Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket
AmazonMontefusco explained that fire blankets are generally easy to use and particularly helpful in extinguishing smaller kitchen fires quickly.
“Fire Blankets are great for stove, oven, and barbeque fires,” he said. “Commercially available fire blankets are designed to lay over burning material. For instance, Thanksgiving turkey in the oven. Simply spread the blanket out as wide as the oven and lay it over the contents of the oven.”
Made with 100% flame-retardant material and two layers of woven fiberglass fabric, Prepared Hero Fire Blankets conform to CE safety standards. They are effective on liquid or grease fires and can isolate temperatures up to 1076 degrees.
Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock Box with Electronic Keypad
AmazonMontefusco has a safe in his own home and has suggested that every household invest in a durable, high-quality safe to protect their essentials.
“Keep personal identification documents inside. Also, any certifications, titles, or insurance documents that apply to the household,” he advised. “I would store duplicates of important or sensitive information in multiple locations so as to have at least one backup plan.”
Montefusco has recommended finding a safe that is battery- and key-operated and suggests placing it near an unobstructed path away from high-hazard areas.
“I would not recommend storing electronic devices in a safe, as the device will be more sensitive to extreme temperatures than paper,” he mentioned.
Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
New York Post CompositeCarbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, odorless, invisible gas that is made when fuels like gasoline, propane, or oil don’t burn completely.
The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that every home have a carbon monoxide alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Detectors should be placed in a central location near sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
“Kidde brand I can recommend personally,” said Montefusco. “Preferably AC/DC with the strobe and voice function. They are usually a combination smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm. The strobe function is nice for professionals who may be wearing headphones or hearing-impaired individuals.”
He noted that different cities have unique regulations and recommendations for the proper placement of emergency alert and assistance devices. The NFPA also advises testing CO alarms at least once a month.
AirGearPro G-500 Reusable Respirator Mask
AmazonMontefusco has also recommended investing in a small portable respirator mask that protects against gases, vapors, and particles.
“A small portable respirator protector can help people evacuate an area outside the high hazard area,” Montefusco noted. “Even an N95 mask can filter particulates enough to increase comfort during extraction movements.”
The AirGear Pro G-500 is one popular CE-certified option — designed with anti-gas cartridges that filter out organic gases and vapors with boiling points above 149 degrees. The P2 dust filter filters at least 95% of airborne particles and offers adjustable straps to fit different face sizes.
Dry Stop Fire Spray by Prepared Hero
AmazonPortable extinguishers, sometimes advertised as “Fire Spray,” are also a useful item to have around the house in addition to a quality fire extinguisher.
“Portable extinguishers are great to have around and are typically provided in most new construction marked with instructions for operation,” suggested Montefusco. “Most will be labeled ABC extinguishers for normal combustible fires. Extinguishers labeled K are for kitchens — typically in commercial installations.”
He added that these extinguishers are a very easy way to suppress a fire without making a mess and leaving residue and debris.
Hausse Retractable 3-Story Fire Escape Ladder
AmazonMontefusco explained that most escape ladders are installed in new construction or can be added to remodel plans. However, people may also opt for lightweight, portable escape ladders to store in different rooms for emergency use.
Montefusco has cautioned individuals to be careful when setting up a ladder, as it is important to place it in a safe and secure location to help prevent falls. He also advises people to practice using the ladder frequently.
“Escape ladders I would use with caution as incorrect placement could lead to a fall. I’d recommend practicing several times in a row, then once a month to ensure safety while evacuating a building in an emergency,” he explained. “Remember to call 911 right away.”
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
English (US)