Creating a Fire Shield

Fires can be devastating and destructive occurrences to humans, wildlife and property. One way to lower the risk of this dangerous disaster is by creating a fire shield. Other ways to minimize the potential include making certain that cigarettes are properly extinguished, dry grasses are kept to a minimum and houses are stocked with fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should be in business establishments, as well, and need to be checked and maintained on a regular basis in order to assure their efficacy. Shielding and barrier preventative tactics offer protection from the flames ever breaking out in the first place. There are several different ways to keep the sparks from flying, including:

Flame Retardant Fabrics: Some clothing items for children come with a tag which says “flame retardant.” This means that the cloth has been treated in such a way that should a fire occur, the child’s pajamas or outfit would not ignite. Many other types of fabric and material can be treated with a similar chemical in order to inhibit burning. Great places to utilize these products include curtains, drapes, rugs, wall coverings, silk flowers, bedding and clothing. The way that these chemicals work is to create a transparent barrier around fibers in order to keep the material from bursting into flame.

Shielding through the landscape: There are several ways to achieve landscape shielding. In forests, the rangers create a fire line around certain areas, such as housing developments, by clearing a line of trees. If a fire breaks out, it will naturally spread via the trees. Having a space without trees makes the flames containable before the homes are burned. In a region with tall grasses and weeds, a line may be created by putting fire proofing chemicals around the perimeter.

Building safety: Certain building products are designed to withstand ignition of flames. Fire doors are an example; these are products which will not easily burst into flames and when kept closed will protect adjoining rooms, as well. Wood and drywall may also be treated chemically in order to decrease spark-ability.

Paints and varnishes: Some paints and varnish products are highly combustible but there are also those which have been specially designed to withstand sparks and high temperatures. Not only will these products not easily ignite, but they will turn into an additional barrier when exposed to extreme heat.

Class A items: Fire shield products are ranked according to their level of combustion probability. The ranking goes from 0 to 200; the lower the number, the less combustible an item is. In order to be ranked Class A, a product must be ranked somewhere between 0 – 25.

In addition to creating barriers, households and businesses should have emergency escape plans, designated meeting places and fire-safe boxes in which to keep important documents. Children should be taught about calling 911 in case of an emergency and of the classic “stop, drop and roll” tactic. Safety knowledge and the use of fire shield techniques will keep everyone safe and sound.