Question:
Fire escape/extinguishersI want to put either a drop-down fire escape [do these exist?] inside some upstairs windows or install fire extinguishers. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to buy, where to go etc etc? I'm in SW London.

Answer: There are several makes of upper window escape ladders. They are usually flexible with solid rungs and spacers to keep the rungs away from the wall. The most secure come in a box that is fixed inside the room below the window. You then only need to open the window and throw the ladder out. The alternative is a ladder that has hooks to hang over the window cill before throwing the ladder out. If you choose one of the latter you need to check that hooks are going to hold firmly with a couple of people on the ladder. (You should go down one at a time, but in a fire you may find that is ignored) What fire extinguishers you will need depends on the type of flammable materials around. A lot of domestic extinguishers are ABC powder. That can be used on any type of fire, but is less effective on burning solids (wood, paper etc) than water. It also creates a lot of mess and dry powder needs to be directed at the fire, so is of limited value if the fire is in an enclosed area with limited access - say behind a kitchen unit. Dry powder is safe on fires involving electricity. Water is the best extinguisher for burning solids, but is dangerous if used on burning liquids (e.g. chip pans). Water extinguishers are heavy to lift and a lot of materials are damaged by water. Water is also very dangerous if there is live electricity in the area of the fire. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is expensive, but safe to use for most fires, although it is not particularly good on burning solids. It copes well with fires in enclosed spaces, but it can suffocate you as well as the fire. The noise it makes can also startle anyone who has not used one before. It leaves no residue but the area must be well ventilated after use. CO2 is safe on electrical fires. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is almost as good as water for burning solids and is by far the best for burning liquids. Like water, it can also cause damage. Opinion is divided on how safe foam is on electrical fires. Fire blankets can be used to smother small fires, particularly chip pans. They are also the best way to tackle a person whose clothes are on fire. However, many domestic versions are too small. You need a large blanket with grips on the back so that the blanket wraps around your arms and protects them, your face and your body as you approach the fire. Whichever you choose, buy the biggest extinguisher you can afford and manage to carry. If you want to take fire precautions seriously, there are many fire extinguisher supply companies who can sell or lease extinguishers and who will come around to advise what you need - look in Yellow Pages. They will also carry out the important annual servicing that extinguishers require. However, shop around for the best deals, the market is very competitive but some companies have long contract periods. Fire extinguishers are of limited value and can only stop a fire in its early stages. If in doubt, grab your insurance policy (in a convenient envelope near the escape ladder) and get out. If you have a mobile phone, take that as well and dial 999 when outside.