Keep your home safe with the right fire extinguisher for your space
No one expects a house fire to occur, but fire departments across the United States respond to over 350,000 of them every year. Prevention is the best defense, but if one does break out, having a fire extinguisher handy can keep a small fire from turning into a home-destroying blaze. Here are some essential things you need to know about choosing a fire extinguisher for your Alton, IL home.
Understanding the Types
- Type A extinguishers are designed for use on ordinary household materials, such as fabric, paper, and wood.
- Type B extinguishers are for flammable liquids, including cooking oils, grease, and oil-based paints.
- Type C extinguishers are for electrical fires.
Some fire extinguishers are rated for multiple uses. If you’re only going to keep one fire extinguisher in your home, an ABC extinguisher is the safest option.
Considering Effectiveness
If you read the fine print on your fire extinguisher’s label, you may notice numbers attached to the A and B ratings. These numbers tell you how effective the extinguisher is against that type of fire. Higher numbers are better.
Size and Weight
Rechargeable vs. Disposable
Rechargeable fire extinguishers are fitted with metal valves and can be refilled by a qualified company after you use them, while disposable extinguishers have plastic valves that cannot be replaced. When it comes to safety, there’s no difference between the two. Rechargeable extinguishers are a little more expensive upfront but will save you money if you have to use it. Both types gradually lose their efficacy over time, so make sure you check the valves periodically and replace them after about 10 years.
Having a fire extinguisher on each floor of your Alton, IL home is an important defense against fire, but it’s also essential to have a safety plan to ensure that every member of your household knows what to do. However, the right extinguisher can mean the difference between a small amount of smoke damage and a serious house fire.
