Getting To Know Fire Extinguishers

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

There are three types of household extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is a must-have for your home in Hamilton, OH. It can keep a small fire from getting out of hand or give you time to escape a large one. Choosing the right extinguisher is important, as is understanding how to use one.

Types of Extinguishers

There are three types of household extinguishers:

• Type A: Fires from combustibles like wood, cloth and paper
• Type B: Fires caused by flammable liquids like cooking oil or gasoline
• Type C: Electrical fires

Many household models are classified for all three fire types.
Extinguishers are available in disposable and rechargeable varieties. While rechargeable models are more costly, it is usually cheaper to refill them than purchase another disposable one when the gauge indicates low pressure.
The label shows the extinguisher's classification rating. The higher the number, the greater the effectiveness against each type of home fire.

Extinguisher Weights
The weight of an extinguisher refers to the amount of chemical inside. A 2-pound fire extinguisher is best for the car, a 5-pound model is good for the kitchen or laundry room and a 10-pound extinguisher is appropriate for a work area or garage.

How To Use an Extinguisher
For fire preparedness, it's best to know how to use an extinguisher before an emergency arises. An easy way to remember the steps is to use the acronym PASS:

• P: Pull the extinguisher's pin.
• A: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames above.
• S: Squeeze the trigger to release the agent.
• S: Sweep the extinguisher back and forth until the flames are gone.

After a Fire
Don't hesitate to call emergency services if you doubt whether the fire is out. Even a small fire can cause smoke, water and chemical damage in your Hamilton, OH, home. An emergency restoration company can help you clean up and restore your house to its pre-fire condition.
Along with an escape plan, owning a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it is the best way to be prepared for a fire emergency in your home.