A Guide to Fire Extinguishers

If you don't have a fire extinguisher, then you really need to learn more about why it's important to have them in your home, as well as other places. You also want to learn about all of the places that you should have them. You will also more than likely be surprised by how easy they are to use if you have never used one before. This short guide on fire extinguishers can help give you a basic understanding of them.

The importance of having fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are often small, portable, easy to mount, and easy to use. Best of all, they can save lives and properties. When a small fire breaks out and there is an accessible fire extinguisher, you can grab it and use it quickly. This gives you the ability to safely extinguish a fire before it quickly grows and gets out of hand. What started as a small fire that could have been extinguished with a fire extinguisher can end up growing large enough to engulf an entire home, and may even continue on to destroy much more than that. This is why it is so important for you to make sure you have a fire extinguisher. 

Places where you should have a fire extinguisher

There should be a fire extinguisher in certain areas of your home that are more likely to experience a fire. Here are some places where you should be sure to keep a fire extinguisher: 

The kitchen - With all the baking and cooking that takes place in the kitchen, you should be sure you have a fire extinguisher readily available. 

In each bedroom - Fires often happen in the middle of the night. This is why it is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in every bedroom. Children should be educated on how to operate the fire extinguishers, along with all adults in the household. 

Every floor of the home - You want to have a fire extinguisher on every floor of the home so you can get to one fast in case there is a fire anywhere in the home. 

In the garage - Garages tend to have a number of combustible chemicals in them, as well as other things that increase the likeliness of a fire. This is why you always want to have a fire extinguisher in the garage. 

In every car - Along with your home, you also want to have a fire extinguisher in each car so you have one with you if your motor should ever catch on fire. 

In your boat - If you own a boat, then you should also keep a fire extinguisher on board. In fact, you are legally required to have a fire extinguisher on a boat before operating it in the water. 

How to use a fire extinguisher

In order to use the fire extinguisher, you will start by pulling the pin, then release the locking mechanism while holding the nozzle away from you. Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire and slowly squeeze the lever. While keeping it squeezed, move the nozzle from one side to the other at the base of the fire to extinguish it.

For more information, contact a local fire extinguisher store. They will help you learn more about the uses of a fire extinguisher.

Share