October is National Fire Prevention Month, and Skip has some great ways, new and old, to prevent fires and keep you and your home SAFE!
Stone wool, also known as mineral wool, was discovered on the islands of Hawaii in the early 1900’s where it occurred naturally as a by-product of volcanic activity. ROCKWOOL now makes stone wool insulation from natural basalt stone and recycled slag which is a mineral by-product of the steel making process, creating insulation that provides important benefits.
Safety– Stone wool is fire resistant. The stone and slag mixture can withstand temperatures up to 2150 degrees Fahrenheit (1177ºC), so it doesn’t contribute to either the development or spread of fire or the release of toxic gases. In fact, ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation delays the spread of fire.
Water Repellency – Stone wool insulation is also water repellant, which means that unlike conventional batt insulation, ROCKWOOL insulation won’t slump in the wall cavity if small undetected leaks are occurring. As a result, ROCKWOOL helps to ensure that precious R-value is not forfeited. Also, because rock and slag are inert, ROCKWOOL creates a safer indoor environment because it prevents mold or fungal growth that could be undetected in areas with minor leakage.
Ease of Installation – ROCKWOOL’s stone wool is very easy to install. Simply cut the insulation using a bread knife or other serrated blade. Then, the semi rigid batt is pushed into place easily because it has flexible edges that spring back to fit snugly against the studs.
Cost Efficiency– An exceptional thermal insulator, stone wool helps a home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. That also translates into reduced heating and air conditioning costs – and a house that is easier on the environment. When properly installed, ROCKWOOL saves 128 times more energy than was used for its production, transport and disposal. ROCKWOOL stone-wool insulation may qualify for applicable government rebate programs.
Sound Absorbency – Sound absorbency is critical in homes today, especially with the proliferation of home theaters. ROCKWOOL insulation is sound absorbent, making it ideal for renovations that include home theaters or for other purposes where sound reduction is important.
ROCKWOOL, the North American subsidiary of Rockwool International, is the world’s leading producer of stone wool insulation. For over 25 years, ROCKWOOL has been supplying stone wool insulation for residential and commercial applications throughout North America with production facilities now located in Mississippi in the USA and in Ontario and British Columbia in Canada. ROCKWOOL produces four stone wool insulation products that are suitable for both new residential construction and remodeling.
Lowe’s Fire Prevention Week Event: October is Fire Prevention Month, and a great way to make sure your family is up-to-par on your home safety is by attending an event at your local Lowe’s store on Saturday, October 12! Lowe’s is partnering with First Alert and local fire departments to help educate the community about how to protect families and homes from the threat of fire and carbon monoxide.
Here are some items you want to make sure you have in your home:
- Smoke Alarms: When installing new alarms, consider upgrading to the highest level of safety with 10-year battery alarms, such as the First Alert 10-Year Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice and Location Alerts (PRC710V).
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- PRC710V – MSRP: $59.99
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- Carbon Monoxide Alarms: The 10-Year Alarm Life Carbon Monoxide Alarm (CO710) is a nice table-top option, and offers a digital display with temperature that can be easily added to any room.
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- CO710 – MSRP: $59.95
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- Having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important part of maintaining a safe home for you and your family. For general protection, it’s best to select a multi-rated extinguisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher (HOME1), that’s capable of handling most types of household fires.
- HOME1 – MSRP: $44.99
- Know How to Use It: Every First Alert fire extinguisher includes instructions on proper usage, but a simple way to remember is with the acronym PASS:
- Pull the pin on the extinguisher
- Aim the nozzle low toward the base of the fire
- Squeeze the trigger
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
- An escape plan is an important part of home safety – as well as practicing it twice a year. For loved ones not on the first floor, have an escape ladder, such as this Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder from First Alert (EL52-2), to ensure your family is prepared.
- EL52-2 MSRP: $34.99
- Keep your valuables protected in the case of a fire with a fire-resistant safe, such as the First Alert 3031F Deluxe Security Box. This is a great option to protect small valuables such as your extra cash, passport, social security card or birth certificate.
- 3031F MSRP: $26.95
A fire retardant is a substance that is used to slow or stop the spread of fire or reduce its intensity. This is commonly accomplished by chemical reactions that reduce the flammability of fuels or delay their combustion. … Fire retardants are also available as coatings or sprays to be applied to an object.
Click HERE to see a variety of sprays that you can use on wood, fabrics and other material!
A fire blanket is a highly flame-resistant blanket that can be used to extinguish a small fire or to wrap around a person in case of a fire. Fire blankets are made from 2 layers of woven glass fibre fabric and an inner layer of fire retardant film, or wool. Fire blankets made from wool are often treated with a flame retardant. They work by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire.
