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Fire is friendly when used with utmost care but it is often destructive when not handled properly. A combination of oxygen, heat and fuel is required to ignite a flame. Fire gathers oxygen from the air around it; and the more oxygen the fire gathers, the fiercer it becomes. A fire needs fuel to grow. Fuel is an object that burns. Heat is the required temperature to ignite the fuel into flames. How a Fire Starts There are a number of reasons that can start the fire, Radiation: When the heat is transferred to the fuel through heat waves and rays, these waves warm the fuel; and when the fuel gets hot enough, it can ignite itself. Electricity Electricity causes severe fire damages. When an electrical circuit becomes overloaded, it begins sparking and causes fire into the contents of the building and surrounding. Electric heaters are a concern during the winter if they are placed near clothes and flammable objects. Over heated plugs, sockets and the blown fuses can also start fire. Also “Lighting” can ignite the fuel. If the lighting having intense heat strikes any fuel, it sets the object on fire. Electrical gadgets for fire safety (This Picture is Contributed by "Subhash") Chemicals Flammable chemicals can cause the fire. Fire may break out during chemical experiments made in the labs. Household chemicals such as turpentine oil, floor cleaners or insecticides may get ignited when they are left carelessly. An open can of flammable liquids such as varnish, petrol, kerosene oil etc. can result into dense fire. Friction Friction ignites the fire. When two things are rubbed against each other, they generate heat and eventually cause the fire. For example when you rub your hands in the winter, you make them warm. A meteor in the space burns up due to friction against the air. If you strike a stick on the match box, it gets ignited. Heating and cooking equipments Cooking stoves are the main cause of fires. This fire often breaks out due to unattended cooking rather than mechanical failures of stoves. Oil and ghee (fat) are common causes of fire in the kitchen and they can set the whole kitchen on fire if not treated properly. Basements and Garage Basement and garage usually provide storage for rags, papers, worn out electric cords; plastic boxes etc. Many electric fires occur in these areas. These items should be treated immediately. Some other concerns are combustible items such as wallpaper, curtains, and clothing which are left unattended around the heater. Candles The tiny flame of a candle can also do big damage if not handled properly. Candle related fire starts due to draughts that catch burnable objects towards the candle. Smoking Careless smoking causes the fire. The cigarette starts fire if it’s not put out completely. The famous california fire which damaged several acres of forest was also started by a cigerette. Falling asleep while smoking can also result into serious fire damages. Suspected arson Arson is major reason of residential fire which results into the deaths. It’s the second largest cause of residential fires. Don't play with FIRE (This Picture is Contributed by "Subhash") NOTE: Besides the above mentioned objects, some other facts like spontaneous combustion, open flames and sparks, chimneys and fuels, children playing with matches can cause the fire. Fire Safety Tips: 1. Install Fire Extinguishers Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen. Fire extinguisher is a protective device used to control fire. It is often extinguishes fire in emergency conditions. Some fire extinguishers are following. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extinguishers: CO^₂ extinguishers are useful for short distances i.e. from 3 to 8 feet. Carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas, is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher. It cools the surrounding air as it expands. The cooling air often causes ice to form near the surface where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Such extinguishers should be installed in the kitchen, garage or workshop. You should know the functionality of the extinguisher very well to stop any mishap caused by fire. CO₂ extinguishers (This Picture is Contributed by "Subhash") Halon extinguishers Halon extinguishers are used to protect electrical equipments. The gas contained in these extinguishers stops the chemical reaction that takes place when the fuel burns. They usually range from 4 to 6 feet. Water extinguishers: Water extinguisher uses water and compressed gas to blow out ordinary types of fire. It may be one option to dump water on the fire but it is not always the best option in case live electric wires are involved. Fire blankets: Fire Blanket is safety device used to extinguish small fires in early stage. Fire blanket covers the burning object completely and makes a solid surface around the fire. 2. Set Fire Safety Alarm: Set a fire alarm on Fire Control Panel which detects fire and signals to fire services. Fire Service or Master Control traces the exact location of fire alarm on a building map and put out the fire. “Manual pull-type alarm” should be located at the places such as Master Control, Generator Building, Fire Pump Room, Corridor, Recreation Room, Library, and Kitchen. Fire safety alarm to safegaurd your home (This Picture is Contributed by "Subhash") 3. Do not play with fire Never let anyone play with matches, lighters and other the fire sources which can cause fire and damage the property. Keep them away from fireplaces, and stoves or ovens. Children are often responsible for most of the fires caused by such negligience. 4. Do not open Closed Doors in case you feel that the room on the other side may have fire If you see the smoke coming from the cracks around the door, do not open the door. Check whether the doorknob is warm. Do not touch the door if it is very hot. Quickly shut the opened door if you feel a burst of heat. 5. Escape through the door or window Try to escape through the door that leads to the outside. But it is necessary to know about the doors’ functionality. Even the windows on a higher floor can be escape routes. Open the window and stand in front of it. Put a piece of clothing or a towel over your mouth to keep smoke away from breathing in. Never hide under the bed or in a closet. Firefighters and the elders will have a hard time to search for you. They shall get you out of the fireplace as soon as they find you. 6. While the clothes catch the Fire Do not run in case your clothes catch the fire. Instead of running away, stop and lie on the ground and then roll covering your face with your hands. This will cut off the air and put out the flames. Learn the procedure easily with “Stop, Lie and Roll”. 7. Be prepared for emergency It’s always better to make perfect practice to save from the fire. “Fire Drill” at home gives a chance to escape in such hard times. You and other members can get out of the house quickly and safely by using this fire equipment. Keep “Fire Drills” at home regularly.

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