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Testing is the only method for determining if a home is affected by radon. There are typically no apparent symptoms and it usually will take years of exposure before any problems arise. Higher than recommended radon levels have been discovered in every state with stronger concentrations in the North. See the EPA map of Radon Zones.

Exposure to radon in the home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon is a health ...

Radon is an organic radio-active gas that is a known carcinogen (lung cancer). Like many other deadly gases, it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is an inert gas that is created from the natural breakdown of uranium. Radon is typically found in certain rocks and soil. This can be dangerous if these rocks and soil are part of the foundation of your home.

It depends on a few factors. How big is your house? How many rooms? How many levels? You should have one on every level and one in every room of your home. So if you live in a larger house you’ll probably need more. At the very least you should have one carbon monoxide detector. Place it in or near your bedroom.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed and used in the same areas as your current smoke detectors. They should be installed on every level of your home, in or near every bedroom, at least 15 ft from fuel burning heat sources, 10 ft from bathrooms, and at the top of the basement stairs. The availability of dual smoke/carbon monoxide alarms makes it even easier to protect your home and family.

Carbon monoxide is often found in many industrial areas and is created by the partial burning of certain liquids and gases created from carbon. Certain fuels like gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, and wood can produce CO. Carbon monoxide is most often found in the exhaust of a car engine.

Carbon monoxide or (CO) is a poisonous gas. In its natural state it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless so it is possible to inhale it without even knowing. In the US, over 200 people per year lose their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning created by consumer products.

Class A Fires are fires that use ordinary combustibles as their fuel. If items such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, some plastics, and/or trash combust, it is considered class A. Class A fires are the most common and usually the easiest to contain. They also are classified by their ability to produce ash. Class A fires can be controlled by using either water, foam, halotron, or any dry chemical extinguishers.

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First, make sure to verify if your fire extinguisher can be refilled or recharged. If a metal valve is located where the nozzle connects to the tank, it can most likely be refilled. If the valve is plastic you’ll probably have to get it replaced.

Your local fire station may have a refilling program. Be sure to give them a call. If they can’t do it, they’ll know a few vendors that may be able to help. An ABC type fire ...

A multi purpose ABC fire extinguisher has the ability to extinguish class A,B, & C class fires by effectively smothering them, which in turn separates the oxygen and fuel. They are the all around work horses of the fire extinguishing community. The key ingredient to these types of extinguishers is ammonium phosphate. It is a non-conductive, corrosive agent that does a good job of suppressing fire at the cost of making a complete mess.

If a fire should occur in your car you’ll want to act as quickly as possible. A car fire extinguisher should be small enough to store in the center console or glove box or mounted in front of the driver seat. Regardless of the location you want to be able to reach it without having to unbuckle your seat belt. Luckily, there are fire extinguishers built just for cars.

Most car owners are going to want to choose some type of ...

An APW fire extinguisher is a class A fire extinguisher. APW stands for air pressurized water. It uses pressure and water to suppress the heat of a fire. They should only be used for class A fires.

The NFPA recommends having at least one fire extinguisher every 600 sq ft of living area. They should be installed on every level of the home as well as the kitchen, garage and basement. They should be stored in easy to find locations, but should be out of the reach of children. It is also smart to keep a fire extinguisher near escape routes, and away from heating elements. Don’t forget your vehicles. They should also ...

A fire extinguisher should have monthly quick checks to verify pressure and to make sure there are no problems accessing it. It also should be checked yearly by trained personnel to verify if certain basic elements of the extinguisher are still intact.

Fire extinguishers use a classification system that uses letters and numbers. The letter represents the class of fire the extinguisher can be used on. The number represents the effectiveness. For instance, if a fire extinguisher has a 1-A rating, it can control class A fires and can dispense the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. A 2-A rated extinguisher controls class A fires and contains the equivalent of 2.50 gallons of water.
The effectiveness of class B extinguishers are measured ...

The fire extinguisher that should be used will depend on the class of fire that needs to be extinguished. For residential fires a multipurpose ABC class fire extinguisher will usually be sufficient. If you work with hazardous materials or combustible metals you may need a special class of fire extinguisher. See the fire extinguisher information page for details.