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Tips for Choosing a Fire Extinguisher for Your Home

April 11, 2020
Published by Grayhawk Homes

There are a lot of things to think about when moving into one of the Auburn new homes, such as utilities, decorating, and getting to know your new neighborhood. However, one of the things that people often forget is the need for one or more fire extinguishers in their home. While calling emergency services first is best, it’s also a good idea to have the appropriate fire extinguishers to hopefully lessen any damage and keep you and your family safe.

Ideally, you should have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, and many people choose to keep one in the kitchen, as well as the garage, as those are places more likely to have potential fires. However, there are different types of fire extinguishers and it helps to make sure you have the right one for the most likely potential source of fire.

There are five classifications of fire extinguishers, based on the types of fires they are designed to put out. After all, what works on wood and paper doesn’t necessarily work on electrical or grease fires. The fire classifications are:

• A – Ordinary combustibles such as paper, fabric, and wood.
• B – Flammable liquids and molten plastics.
• C – Electrical fires caused by electrical objects.
• D – Combustible metals, such lithium batteries.
• K – Kitchen fires and similar fires caused by oils and greases.

In some cases, fire extinguishers may be able to be used for multiple classifications, typically A, B, C. However, because they tend to leave behind a white powdery mess, if you’re particularly concerned about electronics in your home, you may prefer one specifically for electronics, typically a CO2 extinguisher or “clean agent”. In some cases, particularly in A and B extinguishers, you may also see a number, such as 2-A or 10-B. The number lists the amount over the minimum required. So the higher the number, the more square footage of fire it will put out under ideal conditions.

With the size of potential fire in mind, it is important to consider the size of the fire extinguisher and how much it will be able to put out. In a garage with a larger volume of flammable items, you may want a larger extinguisher. You may also want to keep multiple extinguishers on hand so that more than one person can help put out any fire.

Finally, make sure your extinguisher is always easily accessible. If it’s hidden away in a cabinet, you may not be able to reach it. Also be sure to check it regularly to make sure the pressure is adequate.

If you’re unsure about the type of extinguishers you should have, as well as the size and location, you can typically contact local fire departments for help. They often have people available to answer your questions and help you in the selection, installation, testing, and maintenance of extinguishers. If you’re preparing to move into one of the Auburn new homes and have an old extinguisher that needs to be disposed of, they can also help with that. While you’re there, discuss your new home’s layout and needs so that you are prepared from day one.

Categorised in: New Home Tips, Tips for Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

This post was written by Grayhawk Homes