Connect with us

Tech

Modern Fire Technology And What It Means To Your Home Security

Many homeowners will purchase insurance coverage to protect them against losses from damage due to fire. But what many homeowners don’t realize is how much more secure they really are these days due to the technology that’s now been made available to firefighters. In days of old, fires were fought by bucket brigades, or a line of people who would pass a full bucket of water until it reached the structure that was on fire.
But today, firefighters enter burning structures, climb walls, and can even see inside a fire without ever having to go near it. Not only does this save their lives, but it can ultimately protect a homeowner’s life, as well as the lives of their family.

Personal Alert Safety Systems

Personal alert safety systems, otherwise known as PASS devices, are responsible for saving the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have become trapped in fires.
Firefighters are just as vulnerable to the effects of heat and smoke as anyone else. But in the firefighter’s case, being overcome by these factors can mean an inability to call on their teams for help.
When a firefighter enters a fire wearing a PASS device, however, they can drastically increase their chance of survival. This is because PASS devices are designed to signal help via an audible alarm once they sense movement or a lack thereof after a certain period of time.
Not only does a PASS device alert other team members that one of their own is in trouble, it also provides an audible method by which members can be guided to the firefighter who is in need of rescue. Today’s PASS devices also include thermal exposure sensors which further assist firefighters. Research into the effectiveness of PASS devices continues so that better standards governing these devices can be developed.

Light Technology

Communication is absolutely crucial to the successful operation of any firefighting crew. Although verbal communication is often used, it is not enough when limited visibility in a fire is the issue. This is where technology involving lights can offer a great deal of assistance. Some of the technologies used by crews today include LEDs, personal strobe lights and light sticks. All of these can provide firefighters with the visibility they need in dense smoke environments.
A new addition to this family is thermal imaging. Unfortunately, this technology has yet to become available to all fire departments and individuals on a firefighting crew.
Hand lights, which are carried by each firefighter that enters the interior of a burning structure. However, this too has limitations, as it automatically reduces firefighting ability to one hand. Another alternative is a hands-free system, which can greatly improve a firefighter’s efficiency.
Another new technology is called optically enhanced illumination. Using electroluminescence, optically enhanced illumination has been used in the military sector for quite some time. This technology offers ambient light that can be tuned to various frequencies of light. In firefighting, the frequency operates at the exact wavelength that the human eye reaches peak sensitivity in night vision.

The Future of Firefighting

What kind of technology could firefighters use in the future? One interesting possibility is the use of electrical charges instead of the need for a vast amount of water to be available. Experiments involve a 600-watt amplifier that is connected to a ‘wand’. The wand directs the current into a beam which can then be used to put the fire out.
The experiment was conducted by scientists and presented at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. However, the size of fire tested only reached one foot. But it’s the technology behind the potential solution which is most exciting. During combustion, soot is produced. And this soot is very easily charged by electricity. Once they have been charged, their response to electric fields affects flame stability.
The potential benefits of this kind of technology are staggering, and could save both homeowners and companies billions of dollars in lost and damaged property. Although some technologies like the one mentioned above could still be years in the making, it could mean the increased safety of millions of homeowners in years to come.

Citations:
  • 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society
Featured images:

License: Royalty Free or iStock
source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/447270
Guest author Emma Prior writes on a variety of topics related to technology, including how home security systems can be leveraged by homeowners to not only keep out burglars and protect from home hazards, but also to manage their homes remotely.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Autos2 days ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education3 days ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement4 days ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Health2 weeks ago

The Power of CBD Oil for Relaxation: How to Use it for Sleep and Stress Relief

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or feeling stressed, try CBD oil. CBD oil has a moment...

General2 weeks ago

Benefits of Getting your Mobile Phone Repair

Mobile phone repair is a task that needs high skills and experience. That is why we always recommend users trust...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

Great Ways To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back In Full

Moving is almost always stressful as there are tons of things to plan and do. Getting your security deposit back...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

DIY Garage Door Repair: Tips and Tricks for Fixing Common Problems and Maintaining Your System

If your garage door needs to be fixed, wait to call a repairer. Many common problems can be fixed quickly...

Education4 weeks ago

7 Tips to Choosing the Right University for You

Are you considering continuing your education at university? If so, it can be overwhelming to decide which school is right...

Finance1 month ago

3 Ways Loans from Credit Unions Are Different From Major Banks

If you’re in the loan market, you may wonder if a credit union is the right choice. Here are three...

Food1 month ago

The World of Coffee: Exploring the Aromas, Flavors, and Benefits of the World’s Most Popular Beverage

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s also one...

Education2 months ago

New Driver? 5 Things to Consider When Looking for Driving School

When it comes to choosing a driving school, there are many factors to consider. Not all driving schools are created...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Landscape Irrigation Systems: The Basics

If you’re a homeowner, you know that keeping your lawn and landscaping looking nice can be a lot of work....

Travel2 months ago

5 Things to Look for in Luxury Hotels

When it comes to luxury hotels, there is a lot to look out for. Here are five key things that...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Is There a Difference Between Commercial and Residential Concrete?

If you’re a contractor, you know that concrete is a versatile construction material. But did you know that there are...

Law2 months ago

5 Tips to Find the Right Litigation Firm

When it comes to selecting the right litigation firm for your legal needs, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. It’s...

Categories

Archives

Trending