When there is a fire in your home, you will usually rely on early warning from your smoke detector, but after calling the fire department, how do you handle it? Some smaller fires can be put out on your own with the help of a fire extinguisher. This can help to prevent calling the fire department and reduce how much damage is incurred inside your home.
It is important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for residential use.
Different Classes of Extinguishers
The first thing you should know about fire extinguishers is that there are different types based on the type of fire they put out. These different types are separated into classes.
It is important to know what type of fire you have so you have an extinguisher that puts out that type of fire.For instance, if you have a grease fire and only a class A extinguisher that puts out combustible fires, it isn’t going to be effective. Here are some types of extinguishers and the types of fire they help with:
Class A – This type of extinguisher is for combustibles like cloth, wood, and paper. It helps put out a fire from a candle that was too close to a stack of paper that started on fire.
Class B – The Class B extinguisher is for flammable liquids, such as propane, flammable gas, and gasoline. If your outdoor barbecue starts fire, it is probably due to the flammable liquids.
Class C – With a Class C extinguisher, you can put out fires from electrical equipment, vehicles, and appliances. Use this if your clothes dryer starts fire.
Class D – You need a Class D fire extinguisher for combustible metal fires. It is most commonly used in business and industrial applications.
Class K – The Class K extinguisher is most often used for restaurant kitchens, since it helps with grease and oil.
All-Purpose Fire Extinguishers
Since you probably don’t want multiple fire extinguishers of different types in your home, it is best to get an all-purpose fire extinguisher. These are the most commonly used varieties for residential purposes.
The all-purpose fire extinguisher is an ABC extinguisher, since it can put out Class A, B, and C fires. You may want to get a Class K extinguisher for your kitchen if you do a lot of cooking.
Tips For Using Fire Extinguishers
When you buy your fire extinguisher, storage is important. You should preferably have one on every floor of your home, though having at least one placed in your garage or other safe space is a good place to start.
Make sure everyone knows how to use the extinguisher. The PASS system helps people to learn the basics of using an extinguisher. This stands for:
- Pulling the pin
- Aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire
- Squeezing the lever
- Sweeping the hose
With these simple tips, you will be able to get the right fire extinguisher for your home. Be sure to have sufficient homeowners insurance in the event that you do have a fire in your home and you sustain property damage.
