What Are the Types of Fire Extinguishers?

To really gain an understanding of the different types of fire extinguishers, you first need to know the most common types of fires. There are three different classifications for household fires, and it varies all on the type of fuels that are burning in the house.

Extinguishers meant for the household are designed to fight different more specific types of fires. It’s very important to know the type of fire and fuel burning the fire before you try to use a fire extinguisher on it, different extinguishers use different chemical agents to put out the fires, and they’re only effective on the specified fuel burning the fire. Unfortunately if you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher you can actually make a fire worse.

Rechargeable home fire extinguishers are a lot heavier, but they are extremely sturdy and can be refilled and reused. Disposable fire extinguishers with plastic valves are light and cheap, but have a short shelf life and can be used only once.

Recommendations for Use, Storage, and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers

The National Fire Protection Agency recommends a fire extinguisher be installed on every floor of your home and that it be inspected annually. The U.S. Department of Agriculture takes that counsel even further: homeowners should install separate fire extinguishers in their kitchen, garage, basement, and car, too. These should be installed in plain view, within easy reach of adults — though out of reach of children — and near an escape route.

It is vital to make sure you regularly inspect your fire extinguisher. Check the manuals that are provided for each extinguisher to get the right recommendations for each extinguisher, but also when to get it maintained as well.

How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher

While the small details might change depending on the different fire extinguishers that you own, most extinguishers are operated the same way. Stand around 6 to 8 feet from the fire and remember to PASS:

Fire Extinguisher Safety

House fires on average can and normally will double in size of the fire almost every minute, so you can imagine how critical the first seconds of a fire starting are critical. Unfortunately normal residential fire extinguishers won’t stop a major fire, but they can control and douse a smaller fire that are common in houses. If a fire does start in your house, follow these steps before you try to put out the fire on your own:

Keep in mind, if the fire that is at hand, is too large to be put out with a home fire extinguisher, then your next step should be to get everyone out of the property and call 911 immediately. If a fire is too large, do not attempt to put it out, no matter what fire extinguishers you own. As tough as it may be to not fight a fire and watch it burn, remember, your safety is more important than the materialistic things that are burning.

Fire Extinguisher Installation & Fire Extinguisher Inspection Services in Arizona

Fire is one of the top ten leading causes, of accidental deaths, for all age brackets. Often times fires start at night, when families are sleeping and not ready to fight for their safety, in that vulnerable state. A fire safety plan and smoke detectors in your house can help keep you and your family safe in case of a fire, but if you want to be able to help combat a smaller scaled fire, then that requires you having a fire extinguisher, and knowing exactly how to use it.

The idea of fire extinguishers sounds intimidating, but Titan wants you to have full knowledge of extinguishers and the safety behind them, so we’ve put together a list of safety points and a review for you to choose the best ways to keep you loved ones safe from a fire.

A fire extinguisher is a valuable piece of safety equipment that can prevent a small fire from turning into a raging inferno. The National Fire Protection Association recommends having at least one fire extinguisher on every floor in a home — particularly in areas that pose the highest risk of fire. Examples include the kitchen, laundry room and garage.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand in the master bedroom in case of a nighttime fire. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also has specific guidelines for the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers in the workplace.

Titan Alarm Inc. Can Help You Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher

If you need fire extinguishers for your Arizona area home or business, look no further than Titan Alarm Inc. We offer a wide selection of top-quality fire extinguisher models from leading manufacturers. We also have the expertise to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget. Contact us for more information today!