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Portable fire extinguishers can quickly and
safely put out a small blaze before it gets out of control, whether
at home, in the workshop or on the road. Newer models are easy to
use, refillable and even safe for the environment. A portable extinguisher
is an essential piece of fire safety equipment.
Fires are classified alphabetically, based on
the source of ignition. A fire started by combustible paper is
a class A fire, while a fire started by oil is a class B fire.
For the average homeowner, choosing a model that covers a range
of fires is the best option. Multipurpose extinguishers that are
rated as ABC can handle most fires in the home.
A fire extinguisher available for residential
use is usually filled with a pressurized chemical or gas inside
a portable tank. A dry chemical extinguisher, such as an ABC model,
is filled with a sticky yellow powder that can damage electrical
equipment. A halon fire extinguisher is a good choice as it fights
several types of flames, but leaves no residue. There is concern
that halon is not good for the environment. A halitron extinguisher
provides the same fire-fighting effectiveness as halon, but is
environmentally-friendly.
Fire extinguishers only work for about 10 seconds.
It is an important part of fire extinguisher safety to only try
to put out small controlled fires. As a fire can spread rapidly,
if the blaze cannot be immediately put out, you may find yourself
trapped in a bigger, more dangerous, fire. You should recharge
the fire extinguisher right after it has been used.
It is important to properly store your equipment
at home so that it is accessible and does not get accidentally
damaged. Never put your kitchen extinguisher at the back of the
cupboard. It is a good idea to keep your home extinguishers in
fire extinguisher cabinets.
For added protection, it is a good idea to carry
a car fire extinguisher in your vehicle. These units are smaller
than a residential extinguisher. They come with mounting brackets
to secure the unit in your car to avoid damage from rolling around.
Both Kidde and First Alert make an auto fire extinguisher that
retails for under $20. Kidde fire extinguishers are well-known
for their reliability, and the company is active in educating
the public about fire safety.
A working smoke alarm is your first line of defense
for surviving a house fire. However, it is best to have all the
right tools in place for dealing with such an emergency. If you
have any questions about the right type of fire extinguisher equipment
to buy, or even how to operate your gear, your local fire station
can help with all your questions.
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