Danny Lipford chats about home fire safety with Steven Millhouse and Dwight Smith with Mobile Fire-Rescue. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
October is National Fire Prevention Month, so this week, I’m chatting with Capt. Dwight Smith and Steven Millhouse with Mobile Fire-Rescue in Alabama about their top fire safety tips for homeowners.
Once you’ve escaped a house fire, never go back inside to retrieve any items. (davelogan, Getty Images Signature)
Stephen: The first thing is to actually have a plan. Many don’t even consider it until an emergency happens. You want to have a plan in place especially if you have small children or elderly people living with you as well.
Know the sound of the smoke alarm.
Practice escaping the home safely.
Know your means of egress, whether it’s the nearest door or window if you have a multi-story home.
Let your children practice crawling. You can make it like a game to make it fun for them.
Have a safe meeting spot outside, whether it’s the mailbox, a big tree at the end of the driveway, or a neighbor’s house.
Get out and stay out. Don’t run back in for pets, photo albums or anything like that. Call 911 and let the professionals do their job.
Dwight: To expand on having children practice crawling, making it like a game also makes it a reality to them because it makes them familiar with what they need to do.
Direct them to feel on doors, and tell them if it feels hot, then they should go to the window.
Even though you’re teaching this to them as a game, you’re familiarizing them on how to get out of the house in case there’s a fire.
Every home needs a multi-purpose fire extinguisher. (photo_chaz, Getty Images Signature)
Dwight: A typical home should have at least two fire extinguishers: one for the laundry room and one for the kitchen.
Know what type of fire extinguisher you need. Fire extinguishers are categorized according to the class of fire they extinguish — Class A, Class B, Class C, Class, D, and Class K.
Class of Fire
Description
Class A Fires
Fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
Class B Fires
Fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases.
Class C Fires
Fires that involve energized electrical equipment.
Class D Fires
Fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
Class K Fires
Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
In most cases, homeowners need a multiple-purpose fire extinguisher, which is classified as A, B and C.
The number one cause of fires in a home is unattended cooking. (Pears2295, Getty Images Signature)
House Fires
What are some of the hazards that lead to a house fire?
Stephen: The number one cause of fires in a home is unattended cooking. This usually happens in the kitchen, but depending on the time of year it could happen outside.
During football season and summer when people are grilling, a fire could easily happen outside. If you’re using a deep frier, grill or smoker, you can’t cook if you’re not in that area.
As a fire safety precaution, stay there and attend to whatever you’re cooking, and have an outdoor fire extinguisher nearby, so you’re prepared in case something happens.
Also, before you leave your home, add making sure your iron and oven are off to your mental checklist of things you need to do.
The batteries in most modern smoke detectors last for 10 years, but you should still regularly check them. (Kevin Brine, Getty Images)
Smoke Detectors
What’s some smoke detector maintenance homeowners should know?
Dwight: You should replace your smoke detector after 10 years. Mobile Fire-Rescue has a program to change out smoke alarms and batteries for citizens, and we’ve seen a lot of smoke alarms that are more than 20 years old that are not working.
Stephen: Test your smoke alarm to make sure it’s still operational.If you hear that chirping sound, don’t ignore it. That means it’s time to change out your smoke alarm batteries.
Always place a space heater on a hard, flat surface. (-aniaostudio-, Getty Images
Space Heaters
What are some fire safety tips for space heaters?
Stephen: The best thing you can do when using a space heater is follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and give it space.
You can’t operate a space heater if you’re not in that room. It’s supplemental heat for a small area, so it’s not meant to heat an entire room or home.
Plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord.
Keep it at least 3 feet away from anything.
Operate it on a flat, hard surface. Don’t put it on a carpet or rug or anywhere it might tip over.
Don’t put it on a table or under a desk. It’s tempting to do this in an office setting to warm your feet, but it’s easy to forget that it’s there.
Stephen: An important part of fire safety is sweeping your chimney at least once a year, especially just before you light it at the start of a new season.
Every season, there are all kinds of things that could be in that chimney — squirrels, birds, leaves, sticks, brush, anything that’s accumulated while you haven’t been using it.
Have it professionally inspected, cleaned and swept before you light it for cold weather months.
Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.
Stone wool’s sound-absorbing and fire-resistant properties make for effective insulation. (ROCKWOOL)
In this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast, we’re talking all about stone wool insulation with Dan Edelman, Rockwool’s National Business Development Manager.
Stone wool insulation is fire-resistant and non-combustible, giving your family more time to safely escape a house fire. (ROCKWOOL)
What is ROCKWOOL insulation?
Dan: ROCKWOOL insulation is a rock-based mineral fiber insulation comprised of Basalt rock and Recycled Slag. Basalt is a volcanic rock (abundant in the earth), and slag is a by-product of the steel and copper industry. The minerals are melted and spun into fibers.
ROCKWOOL products contain between 16% or 40% pre-consumer recycled material dependent on the ROCKWOOL manufacturing facility location.
The amount of recycled content is optimized to provide the ideal thermal, acoustic, and fire protection properties from ROCKWOOL products, while still maximizing the recycled content.
ROCKWOOL’s History
Rockwool’s manufacturing facility in Byhalia, Miss., was the company’s first production operation in the United States. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Dan: ROCKWOOL company began in 1937 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the company expanded to the North American market in 1988.
So, our product is relatively new to North America, but historically it’s been around for quite some time now. We just opened up a new advanced factory in Ranson, West Virginia.
All of our factories are zero waste-to-landfill, and because stone wool insulation is hydrophobic, we use recycled rainwater to cut it. Even our factories that are wind- and water-powered are self-generating.
Not only is Rockwool insulation extremely fire-resistant, it also works to contain fire and prevent its spread. (Rockwool)
Dan: ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation is naturally fire-resistant because it’s made from rock. We don’t have to add any fire retardants or chemicals that increase flammability, so it’s never going to carry a flame and has zero smoke development.
Another advantage is mold resistance. ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation actually repels water. There will always be moisture in the air, especially when you’re talking about crawlspaces and attics.
Being able to repel that moisture away and forever being a mold and mildew-resistant product, it’s going to help with the durability of your wall assembly as well.
Attic Insulation
An attic is one of the most cost-effective areas to add insulation. (ROCKWOOL)
Dan: ROCKWOOL insulation batts come in 16-inch on center or 24-inch on center by 47 or 48 inches long, which is the perfect size for insulating attics. They fit perfectly between the studs, so you get that full cavity insulation.
Step one when installing attic insulation is to inspect the current insulation. Make sure there’s no moisture, mold mildew, rodent droppings or rodents living there. Rodents don’t primarily care for ROCKWOOL insulation.
After inspection, simply lay the batts down perpendicular to the joists, especially if the existing insulation is only to the joists.
If the existing insulation is below the joists, you’ll want to fill up to the joist line so you get more continuous insulation.
ROCKWOOL insulation typically has a 4.2 to 4.3 per inch R-value, so you actually don’t need quite as much to hit the higher R-value. However, we have products with a higher R-value primarily for attics.
Rockwool Safe’n’Sound is designed specifically for sound dampening to help prevent noise from traveling. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
What About Sound Insulation?
Dan: The best thing for sound insulation is density and mass, both of which ROCKWOOL has.
The other part to sound insulation is friction fit, how tight it fits in that wall cavity. If you have one area that you can’t insulate properly, all the sound is going through that one section and you’re reducing that sound insulation.
Think outside the box and use Quikrete concrete products for more than just sidewalks. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Concrete products have evolved over the years and now you can use them for more than just driveways and patios.
In this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast, Danny speaks with Allison Hunt, social media director and marketing project manager for the Quikrete Companies, the event’s sponsor.
Once you learn about Quikrete’s innovative products, you’ll rethink how you can use concrete.
This product provides a new, durable and wear-resistant surface over worn or scaled concrete. Because it has such great bonding strength, it will hold together even if the concrete under it fails.
Concrete countertops can be used in more settings than outdoor kitchens. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Concrete Countertops
Want a one-of-a-kind countertop surface? Use concrete!
Quikrete Countertop Mix, specially made for casting concrete countertops, requires only a do-it-yourself attitude and the addition of water.
This concrete product, available in classic gray and a tint-based white for a monochromatic look, suits any style.
Concrete countertops aren’t just for the outdoors. Install one in your kitchen or use concrete in your office for desk space! It’s as simple as buying two file cabinets (to support the slab) and adding the slab on top.
Feeling inspired to create with concrete, but don’t know where to start? Quikrete has quantity calculators and how-to videos to help you with your concrete project, so you’ll be confident every step of the way.
With help from our friends at The Home Depot, we’ve compiled this list of timely chores to keep your house clean and comfortable.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast, and follow along below, to learn all about the top summer home maintenance projects!
Changing the air conditioner filter makes your AC work better to keep you cooler. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
1. Change AC & Heating System Filters
Regularly changing your HVAC system’s filters is important because a dirty filter will slow down and strain your system. It should take about two to three minutes to take out your old filter and put in a new one.
Also, once your filter is out, go ahead and vacuum the cavity in case of dust build-up.
Your AC drain line can get blocked with mold and mildew, causing its pan to overflow. Flush it with bleach twice during the summer, when it’s working at its hardest.
3. Check for Loose Railings or Damage on Wooden Decks
Changing weather can take a toll on your deck. Nails and screws can loosen during the temperature change and splinters can pop up once the heat rises.
Inspect and repair any damage to your deck so you can have some safe fun in the sun. Top it off with a coat of sealer to keep it protected all summer long.
Check for any loose parts or rot (if it’s wood). If you have cushions, be sure to wash them. In addition, if your cushions get wet from rain, be sure to hang them out to dry on a sunny day to avoid mold.
If you do this on a regular basis, it makes it a lot easier to keep everything clean.
Your fireplace will be ready for winter if you have it inspected this summer. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
7. Have Chimney Inspected & Cleaned
Now’s a great time to have a professional inspect your fireplace and chimney because you aren’t using them during the summer.
Plus, you’ll have more time for repairs if needed.
Scrape off peeling paint and put on a fresh coat for an exterior refresh. (mehampson, Getty Images)
8. Scrape Loose Paint from Siding & Trim
Boost your home’s curb appeal by freshening up siding. Scrape away any loose paint, sand if needed, then prime and paint on a fresh coat.
If it’s an older paint, be sure to test it for lead as a precaution.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo to 1 gallon of water, or 1-1/2 cups of vinegar to 1 gallon of water, and wipe windows down with newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Involve family members and tag-team to speed things up! Have one person clean the windows inside while another cleans the outside.
Finally, summer blooms are burgeoning! Now is the perfect time to pull any weeds from garden beds and prevent further weed growth by adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more summer home maintenance tips!
Epoxy keeps a flag holder installed in stucco secure. (Adobe Stock)
Want to display your patriotism, team pride, or personality? Fly a flag on the front of your home! But first, you’ll need to install a flag holder.
If you live in a house with wood siding, it’s pretty straightforward to do. But what about stucco homes?
Bob DeHuff, in Reno, Nev., wants to do just that at his stucco home. He’s wondering if he could just use adhesive, not screws, to attach it.
To install a flag holder on stucco, you’ll need to use both.
First, drill lead anchors into the stucco.
Next, put two-part epoxy on the back surface of the flag holder and in the anchors.
Then, screw the flag holder into the anchors.
Use some painter’s tape to keep the flag holder in place while the epoxy dries overnight.
Because it’s stucco, you’ll want to caulk around the flange of the holder to reduce any chance of water getting into the anchor holes.
I recommend getting a good-quality metal flag holder and not a plastic one. The plastic flag holders I’ve had in the past have gone with the wind.
With a higher quality flag holder, you’ll have more surface that attaches to the wall. So, you’ll have more space to apply epoxy.
A marine supply house should have a nice brass flag holder that will hold up to strong winds.
Skip to [6:19] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Also on this episode:
Best New Product
ReVent has created its first smart speaker fan — a bathroom exhaust fan with dual microphone technology and Bluetooth connection. Learn more>>
Simple Solutions
Make longer cuts on a miter saw with this Simple Solution.
Framing Square Stop Block — A power miter saw is ideally suited for making accurate repetitive cuts to all the same exact length. All you need to do is position a stop block at the desired distance from the saw blade and then clamp it to the saw’s fence.
The only drawback is that miter saws have relatively short fences, so you can only make repetitive cuts that are 8 to 10 inches long.
Here’s how to use a framing square to extend the repetitive-cutting capacity of the saw.
Use two spring clamps or short bar clamps to secure the framing square to the saw’s fence.
Position the square with its narrow tongue facing down.
Extend the square out to the length of the desired cut and clamp it to the saw fence. With this technique, you can make repetitive cuts ranging from about 16 to 23 inches long.
Once the square is clamped in place, carefully slide the board up against the square’s tongue and make the cut.
Repeat to make repetitive cuts of all the same exact length.
Droughts can severely damage grass, but there are precautions you can take to salvage it. (Supersmario/Getty Images Signature)
Question of the Week
Q: Last summer, we had one of the longest droughts on record, and our lawn got burnt to a crisp. What can we do to help our lawn survive this summer?
A: The first step to protecting your lawn during a drought is to install an efficient home irrigation system.
Efficiency is key here. Many people set their sprinklers to turn on early in the morning, so they don’t see where the water is spraying. Make sure they’re spraying only your lawn, not the street and driveway.
Here’s what else you need to do during a drought:
Dethatch your lawn
Aerate
Continue to mow as necessary (Don’t bag clippings — this will give your lawn extra moisture and nutrition.)
Stay off the lawn as much as possible
Skip to [26:36] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Other Products and Links Mentioned
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Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.
