Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home or office building? If not, it may be time to get one now. You may even get a discount on your insurance for having one.
But, what if you do not know how to use the device? What if you never had a need to buy one before now? Investing in the right fire extinguisher is important. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Which Fire Extinguisher Is Right for You?
Several types of fire extinguishers exist. Most manufacturers design them to operate in various environments. This specialization is important. It helps ensure the fire extinguisher can put out the type of fires likely to happen in a home. Anything from household chemical leaks to electrical shorts to ignited paper or trash could spark a fire in a home.
Multiple fire extinguishers are available for purchase. If you look at the fire extinguisher, you will notice a rating on them. Here is a breakdown of what this means.
- A-rating fire extinguishers are ideal for most ordinary materials. This includes wood, paper products and cloth.
- B-rating fire extinguishers handle combustible types of fire risks. This includes oil, oil-based paints, gas and grease.
- C-rating fire extinguishers are helpful with electrical fires. This can help in areas where there are tools, appliances or items plugged into the wall.
- D-rating fire extinguishers are best for flammable metals. Most often, these are for factories and manufacturing locations.
- K-rating fire extinguishers are ideal for larger scale cooking fires. These are best for commercial kitchens.
Look for a fire extinguisher rated B-C or A-B-C when possible. These are generally the most important products for homes, while extinguishers with D-K ratings are for more commercial use.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
There are several ways to learn to use an extinguisher. Doing so in a hands-on manner is important. Many fire departments offer programs to teach local residents about fire safety. You will also find that some fire extinguisher sales agents offer training when selling them. You can watch videos online, but practice makes perfect. It is important to be familiar with the model you own.
You can also contact your home insurance agent. Many can offer advice on how to safeguard your home.
And preventing fires is also important. You will want to keep your home as safe as possible even if you have coverage. It means protecting your family. It also means protecting your valuables.
Bottom line: Do what you can to prevent fires from breaking out. But have a functioning fire extinguisher on hand in case the worst happens.
Also Read: Choosing a Contractor for Home Repairs After an Insurance Claim