Choosing a Fire Extinguisher for a Home or Business

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher is a Great First Step to Developing a Fire Safety Routine

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher for a Home or Business

When developing a fire safety plan for a business or home, choosing a fire extinguisher is a great place to start. It is important to learn about the different types of fire extinguishers, what they do, and how to use them.

The Classes of Fire Extinguishers

There are four classes of fire extinguishers. Each class or type is specialized to put out a specific type of fire.

1. Class A: Used to extinguish fires caused by ordinary combustibles such as trash, wood, paper, and textiles.
2. Class B: Used to extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline, oil, and even paint.
3. Class C: Used to extinguish fires caused by live electrical equipment. When a fire sparks from a short circuit or a kitchen appliance, the constant source of electricity continues to fuel the fire. Class C fire extinguishers contain elements that lack conductive properties, effectively preventing the fire from spreading.
4. Class D: Used to extinguish fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. Class D extinguishers contain an extinguishing medium that does not react with the burning metal.

Today’s most widely used and popular fire extinguisher is the multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher, also known as ABC dry chemical. It is effective at putting out class A, B, and C fires. It is recommended to select a multi-purpose extinguisher in a size that is capable of putting out small fires, but that is not too heavy to properly handle for your residence. It is also strongly advised to have at least one fire extinguisher available on each floor of the home.

Operating a Fire Extinguisher

In addition to knowing which type of fire extinguisher would best suit your needs, it is crucial to know how to operate your fire extinguisher properly, safely, and effectively. Most fire extinguishers operate using the P.A.S.S. technique.

1. Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher nozzle away from you as you do this.
2. Aim low. Always point the extinguisher nozzle (horn, or hose) at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire appears to be out, then watch the area to ensure that the fire does not reignite. If it does, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4.

Call SERVPRO of Media and SERVPRO of Central Delaware County if you are ever faced with fire damage to your home or business. We will guide you through the process and work to restore your property to make it “Like it never even happened.”