How To Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home?

Are you determined to keep your home and family safe from the dangers of fire? Choosing the right fire extinguisher can be the difference between a small incident and a major tragedy. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the essential steps for selecting the right fire extinguisher for your home, ensuring your family is well-protected from the dangers of fire. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the best fire extinguisher for your home. So read on to learn more about how to choose the right fire extinguisher for your home!

What is a Fire Extinguisher and How Do They Work?

A home fire extinguisher is a device that quickly puts out small fires or prevents them from getting bigger. A fire extinguisher is a vital tool to have in any home that can help protect property and people from the dangers of fire. A fire extinguisher is designed to put out small fires that start before they can spread, saving lives and preventing major destruction. Knowing how to effectively use this device is essential for keeping individuals safe in a potential emergency situation.

Fire extinguishers are filled with a special type of chemical compound that will smother the flames and stop them from spreading further. When using a fire extinguisher, it’s important to remember the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. This directs users to pull the pin at the top of the device; aim at the base of the fire; squeeze or press down on the handle; then sweep back and forth over the flames until they’re completely extinguished. 

Some fire extinguishers are designed for particular types of fires, like ones that are fueled by flammable liquids or electrical components. Knowing what type of fire you’re fighting and having the right extinguisher on hand is important. Fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced regularly to make sure they’re in working order.

What are the Different Ratings for Fire Extinguishers?

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the fire’s devastating effects until it’s too late. That’s why it’s very important to make sure that you not only have alarms installed around your home but also that you know how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are rated by fire type. This rating has two letters, e.g. A, B, or C. The letter (A, B, or C) designates the type of fire the extinguisher can effectively extinguish, while the second letter (I or K) designates the size of the extinguisher. The rating illustration below will help you understand what each type means:

• Class A fire extinguishers: Attack the fire by forcing the water, foam, or chemical agents. These extinguishers are effective against fires involving wood, paper, and some plastics.

• Class B Home Fire Extinguishers: These extinguishers attack the fire by forcing the water, foam, or chemical agents. These are effective against fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol and certain chemicals.

• Class C extinguishers: These extinguishers attack the fire by forcing the water, foam, or chemical agents. They attack fires involving flammable gasses, such as methane, propane, and butane.

• Class D extinguishers: These extinguishers are effective against electrical fires. They attack fires involving burning wires, switches, and sockets.

• Class K extinguishers: These extinguishers attack the fire by forcing the water, foam, or chemical agents. They attack fires involving cooking oils, for example.

• Class K extinguishers should only be used to extinguish fires involving cooking oils. They are too small for fires involving the other classes.

There is one more class of extinguishers you should know, and that’s Class ABC. This extinguisher is designed for fires involving all three classes of fire.

How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home: Step-by-Step

Fire extinguishers are one of the most important pieces of home safety, especially for families living in apartment buildings or townhouses. You want to ensure your extinguishers are up-to-date and fully charged, and that you’re able to quickly access them in the event of an emergency.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the right one for each room of your house.

1. Choose Size

The size of the extinguisher is crucial for determining the type of extinguisher you need. The proper extinguisher type depends on the square footage and type of material within the room. Before you purchase an extinguisher, take note of the square footage for each room. Some extinguishers come with labels that tell you the square footage they can handle.

Check the label on the extinguisher to make sure it meets square footage requirements. Before purchasing, read manufacturer information to confirm what type of extinguisher is best for your home’s square footage.

(Example: Room 206 measures 300 square feet. The fire extinguisher label reads “300 square feet.” This extinguisher will meet the requirements for this room.)

2. Choose the Type

Fire extinguisher types are not universal. Make sure you choose an extinguisher that matches your home’s material. Here’s a list of common home materials and how they should be handled.

(Example: Room 206’s material is wood. The extinguisher label reads “wood, paper, fabrics, etc.”)

3. Choose Capacity

Fire extinguisher capacity is measured in lbs./lbs. Water extinguisher capacity is measured in oz./lbs. Fire extinguishers with manual pull tops usually come in higher capacities than auto extinguishers.

Check the label on the extinguisher. Once you’ve found the square footage and material of the extinguisher, check the capacity of the room.

(Example: Room 206 has a wood material, and measures 300 square feet. The extinguisher label reads “30/16 (A). This extinguisher will handle 300 square feet, and can put out a small brush fire.) 

How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher According to National Fire Protection Association Guidelines

The NFPA recommends you buy ABC-rated fire extinguishers anywhere in your home. However, when you’re selecting a specific fire extinguisher, always make sure it’s the right one for the fire you’re fighting.

This is what the National Fire Protection Association considers to be the most common types of fires you can run into if you’re a homeowner:

Class A fires: These contain paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics. Using the appropriate fire extinguisher for class A fire is crucial, as the wrong fire extinguisher could make matters worse.

Class B fires: These contain flammable liquids, such as oil, grease, gasoline, paint, and solvents. Ideally, you would use an extinguishing agent that has a high rating for class-A fires.

Class C fires: These contain electrical fires. They leave behind a lot of damage because, when electrical fires occur, they leave behind a lot of charred debris. You should choose a fire extinguisher that has a high rating for class B and C fires.

Class D fires: These contain fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium. These extinguishers extinguish metallic fires quickly.

Class K fires: These are fires that involve cooking oil or grease. The National Fire Protection Association recommends using a special fire extinguisher (sold as a Class K extinguisher) to effectively fight these fires. Be sure to use the right fire extinguisher for the class K fire you’re facing.

One of the most important things to remember is to practice using your fire extinguishers regularly so that they remain effective. If you’re wondering how to select the right fire extinguisher, we’re here to help!

How to Use Your Fire Extinguishers Correctly

Most people rely on fire extinguishers to put out small fires, and cooking equipment fires are the most common type.

Most fire extinguishers are relatively easy to use, but it’s important that we do so correctly.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Read the instructions: Each fire extinguisher has specific instructions on how to use it. These instructions should be followed exactly and may take some practice.

Know where the fire extinguisher is: It’s never a good idea to be frantically searching for that fire extinguisher once a fire has started. Locate it and familiarize yourself with its location.

Aim low: The nozzle is narrow so it’s important to point it low and squeeze the handles together. This allows more pressure to be discharged.

Stand a safe distance: It’s important that you stand a safe distance from an explosion. It may be tempting to rush to the rescue of a burning stove, but it’s important that you’re a safe distance away.

Understand one extinguisher per person: Don’t try to share one fire extinguisher between multiple people. Doing so can put everyone in danger. Instead, make sure that each person has a fire extinguisher for their own use.

Test it: If the fire extinguisher is purchased second-hand, it’s important to test it. (Although, fire extinguishers are generally good for 10 years.)

Don’t rely on fire extinguishers alone: Fire extinguishers can put out fires, but they can’t replace regular smoke alarms. Not only can smoke alarms alert you to a fire before it’s too big, but it doesn’t put your life in danger.

How to Properly Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers

Just like any other device, your fire extinguishers require maintenance in order to ensure that they function properly and that they’re ready for their next emergency. This is particularly important if you have them in office buildings, warehouses, restaurants, and other commercial locations.

That’s why we have put together this guide on how to properly maintain your fire extinguishers. By following these steps, you can ensure that your fire extinguishers are going be ready whenever they are needed, whether it’s to put out a small fire on your stove or to put out a major fire in a high-rise building.

1. Keep the fire extinguishers away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

2. Make sure the fire extinguishers are properly mounted.

3. Check the pressure gauge once every 30 days.

4. Grab the fire extinguisher, and check that the seal is intact.

5. Check the pin before using it.

6. Shake the fire extinguisher at least once a year.

7. Recharge the fire extinguisher after it’s been used or once a year.

8. Have the fire extinguisher professionally inspected once a year.

9. Keep a record of all inspections, recharging, and maintenance.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your fire extinguishers will be in good condition and ready to be used whenever they are needed.

Importance of Making Sure Your Fire Extinguishers are Labeled Correctly

An emergency can happen at any given moment. That’s why you should make sure that your home is properly stocked with essential safety tools. This includes fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers are a vital tool to have on hand in case of an emergency. Make sure that your fire extinguishers are labeled correctly and in working condition.

Fire extinguishers should be labeled with their rating, class, and location.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when labeling your extinguishers:

1. Location: Be sure to label your extinguishers according to where they are located. For example, dispensers near art supplies should be labeled with the word ‘art’ instead of ‘general.’

2. Class: Fire extinguishers are typically rated by a two-digit number that indicates the type of fire that it can handle.

3. Rating: This number is typically shown as a letter and a digit, such as “ABC”. The rating determines the type of fire that a particular extinguisher can handle.

4. Extinguisher Type: Fire extinguisher types are typically either dry chemicals or wet chemicals.

5. Extinguisher Service: Most fire extinguishers will include a service sticker that shows the date of the last inspection.

 Once extinguishers are properly labeled, it is important to make sure that they are in working condition. Regular maintenance and inspections should be conducted to ensure that the extinguisher is functioning safely and efficiently.

What are the Requirements for Installing Fire Extinguishers in Your Home

Not all extinguishers are the same, and it’s imperative that they’re installed in the correct areas. Here’s a quick guide to the requirements for installing fire extinguishing systems.

The NFPA 10 standard, which is the Standard for Fire Protection of Commercial Buildings, states that fire extinguishers should be installed in “high-traffic areas.” However, for homes, we typically place fire extinguishers in the entryway.

According to the NFPA 10 standard, fire extinguishers should be installed between 15-25 feet away from fire hazards. For homes, this would mean usually in the front hallway or kitchen.

Features to consider, according to the NFPA 10 standard, are:

The extinguisher must be installed by a professional.
The extinguisher should not block exits.
The extinguisher should not be exposed to high temperatures or heavy foot traffic. 
The extinguisher should be hung on a wall or mounted on the floor.

It is also important to note that all fire extinguishers should be tested annually. This can be scheduled by contacting a fire safety professional.

Additionally, it is recommended to have a proper fire evacuation plan in place.

List Steps for a Fire Evacuation Plan:

1. Have multiple exits planned and clearly marked.

2. Familiarize yourself and your family members with the layout of the house and exits.

3. Place smoke detectors (check also how to change the battery in smoke detectors) in all bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms.

4. Have a designated meeting place outside the house to ensure everyone has safely evacuated.

5. Regularly practice fire drills to ensure everyone is prepared in case of a real emergency.

6. Fit self-closing door mechanisms to ensure all doors close behind you as you leave the building.

7. Mark an exit route in all rooms of the house to ensure a safe escape route.

8. Have an emergency power-off switch available to quickly shut off the electricity and gas in case of an emergency.

9. Educate family members about the dangers of fire, including the correct methods of extinguishing different types of fires.

In What Situations Should You Call the Fire Department?

Although we hope you never have a fire in your home or a carbon monoxide leak, these things happen more often than we’d like to admit. If a fire starts while you’re home, call 911 immediately and the fire department will arrive quickly to extinguish the flames. If you’re home alone, call 91 from within the home, but if you’re unable to call out, you can use a phone to call the fire department.

In certain situations, the fire department may be able to assist you remotely without needing to come inside. For instance, they will use a hose and sprinkler to put out the fire, if it’s a small one. They also help if a firefighter is injured, and they’ll use this hose to spray water on the fire. If that’s not enough, they will use a high-rise ladder to get over the fence and into the home. They will then turn off the gas or electricity as needed. 

If you have a carbon monoxide leak, call the fire department right away. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. 

The fire department will be able to assess the situation and use specialized equipment to measure the level of carbon monoxide in the home. 

If there is a fire or smoke, you should also evacuate the building and get at least 20 feet away from the fire.& 

The fire department will also provide any needed medical assistance if any of the occupants have been injured or in danger due to the fire. 

Conclusion

As we’ve discussed, choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home is not complicated but it is important. Taking the time to understand the types available and their specific uses, as well as considering the size of your home and the risks it is exposed to, will ensure you have the best protection in place.

With that in mind, I recommend that you contact a professional fire safety company such as Go Safer Security in Maryland, USA. They provide fire extinguisher inspection services and will be able to help you determine the best fire extinguisher for your home and provide you with the necessary guidance to ensure your family is safe.

Fire is a serious risk, whether it’s in the home or elsewhere. Taking the time to make sure you’re properly protected is essential, so don’t delay – contact Go Safer Security today and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared in the event of a fire.