The ABCs of a Home Fire Extinguisher

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't choose an extinguisher that is too heavy to lift.

Homeowners should own a number of critical devices for fire protection and preparedness. Fire alarms in every sleeping room and on every level are a must. It's also important to regularly check that they are functioning and that the batteries still work. A fire extinguisher in the home is also a necessary tool. Equally important is to know how to use the implement and to understand what type of fire it will work on. The extinguisher should be placed in an easy-to-reach place and in proximity to a potential fire zone, such as the kitchen or near a wood-burning stove. In the best of worlds, your home in Oak Ridge, TN, will be equipped with multiple extinguishers, including at least one on every floor.

What Type of Fire Extinguisher

Remember, a home extinguisher is primarily to put out fires quickly. It can prevent a small home fire from engulfing your entire home. When looking for the perfect model for your home, consider these factors:

• Is it the right size for the user?
• Is it rechargeable or disposable after one use?
• Will it put out all types of fires, including an electrical fire?
• How effective will it be?
  
  

Knowing the answers to these questions increases your fire preparedness. Don't choose an extinguisher that is too heavy to lift. Understand what the A, B and C labels refer to: A is for wood, paper and cloth fires; B is for flammable liquids such as cooking oil or gasoline; C is for a live electrical fire.

How To Operate
The acronym PASS is helpful when you have to suddenly operate a fire extinguisher. First, you Pull the pin, next you Aim the chemical at the source of the flames, then you Squeeze the trigger and finally, you Sweep the extinguisher at the flames until it runs dry. When the fire is out, be sure to call in a fire remediation team in Oak Ridge, TN, to begin a professional fire cleanup.