Fire extinguishers play a vital role in our lives because they can help put out a fire before firefighters arrive. It is essential to keep a fire extinguisher in your home or office to save you in case of fire outbreaks. There are different classes of fire extinguishers that are used to put out different types of fire. Installing a fire extinguisher in your home will act as a lifesaver when combustibles cause a fire in your home. Here are essential factors to consider when finding a suitable fire extinguisher to suit your needs.
Consider the Type and Location of Fire
When selecting the correct type of fire extinguisher, consider the location and class of fire that you are likely to extinguish. It is essential to place your fire extinguisher near an exit to help you escape flames when leaving your home. The ABC fire extinguisher will help you contain a fire in most places of your home because they can handle most combustibles. BC extinguishers are effective on kitchen fires. Since most people do not want a fire extinguisher to display in their kitchen, you can mount your extinguisher in an easily accessible place near exits in your home.
Consider the Placement
It is advisable to place fire extinguishers in places where it is easy to grab and use them if need be. Fires can spread quickly and double within seconds. Therefore, it is essential to locate your fire extinguisher in a place where you can easily reach it to put out a fire because fire spreads quickly. Consider placing your extinguisher on a wall near an exit where you can compose yourself and grab it to enable you to extinguish flames, thus prevent further spread.
Consider the Size and Weight
Different fire extinguishers vary in weights that are indicated on the canister. They have values displayed on the fire extinguishers in pounds and will show how much suppressing agent is in the bottle. Most homeowners use a five-pound fire extinguisher. There are different shapes and sizes when it comes to fire extinguishers. Before choosing the right size of fire extinguisher, consider the space and size of your room.
Consider Regular Maintenance
Fire extinguishers require regular maintenance and refills. It is essential to ensure that your fire extinguisher is inspected regularly to ensure that you have the latest model and is in the best condition. It is necessary to hire inspectors to check the pressure gauges and ensure that the canister does not cause leakages.
It is necessary to keep a fire extinguisher on every floor and in the kitchen because it is the source of the fire. You should avoid keeping your fire extinguisher next to your stove because it is the most likely place for a fire to begin, and it might be challenging to reach your extinguisher when you need it most.