No one expects a house fire to happen to them, but it is always a possibility. Faulty wiring or an unattended stove can lead to a fire. A fire extinguisher can keep a small fire from turning into a blazing inferno that could destroy your home. However, fire extinguishers can only protect you if placed and used appropriately. Here are four fire extinguisher safety facts that every homeowner should know:
1. Old fire extinguishers may not work.
When you squeeze the trigger on a fire extinguisher, a propellant forces fire-suppressing material out of the nozzle in a constant stream. By spraying the contents of the fire extinguisher on the fire, you can put it out before it can do more damage. In order to work effectively, the fire extinguisher needs to have adequate propellant. Over time, fire extinguishers can become depressurized, which means they won't work in an emergency. Replace any fire extinguisher that's more than a few years old, even if it's never been used. You can purchase new fire extinguishers from a fire extinguisher distributor.
2. Fire extinguishers should be kept in easily accessible places.
When a fire occurs, you may not be thinking perfectly clearly. Fire has a way of making people panic, so your fire extinguisher should be somewhere intuitive and easy to reach. It's a good idea to keep your fire extinguisher near doorways so you can make a hasty retreat if the fire starts to get out of hand. Whenever possible, mount your fire extinguisher at eye level where it is easier for both residents and guests to see.
3. The pressure gauge gives you important information.
All fire extinguishers have a gauge that shows you how much pressure is in the tank. The gauge will indicate a green zone, which shows you the range of normal operational pressure. Check the gauge on your fire extinguisher on a regular basis. If the indicator falls outside the operational range, call a fire extinguisher service. They can perform maintenance to get your fire extinguisher operational once more.
4. Training can be helpful.
It's best to figure out how to use a fire extinguisher before an emergency situation arises. You don't need to discharge your fire extinguisher unless there is a fire, but reading the instructional manual and watching demonstration videos can ensure you know what to do. Take some time to familiarize yourself and your entire family with the mechanics of a fire extinguisher so you'll know exactly what to do when necessary.
You can reach out to businesses like Fire Foe Corp to learn more about fire extinguishers.
