Choosing Your Fire Extinguisher For Your Home

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in any home

Choosing Your Fire Extinguisher For Your Home

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in any home, but it can be confusing to choose one. It's important to consider what kind of fire you're most at risk for, whether the extinguisher is for your kitchen or garage, and how to use the product when there's an emergency. The following guide will help you make the right decision about which extinguisher is right for you!

Assess the Risk

When you’re deciding which type of extinguisher to purchase, it’s important to consider what kinds of fires you might encounter. If you live in a home with a high risk of fire (say, if there are young children or pets), then you will likely want an extinguisher that can be used on multiple types of fires—such as Class A, B, and multipurpose. However, if your home has low risks for all types of fires combined (for example, no pets or small children), then buying a class A or B unit should serve its purpose.

In addition to assessing your risk level as it relates to the likelihood of experiencing a fire at home, also consider whether any people who live in the house are disabled or elderly—if so they may need assistance using a fire extinguisher during an emergency situation so make sure yours is easy-to-use even for those with limited mobility!

Multipurpose Extinguishers

The class of the fire will determine which type of extinguisher you need to use. Class A fires are caused by flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, or grease. Class B fires are caused by flammable gases, such as propane or natural gas. If you're not sure what kind of fire is burning, use a dry chemical extinguisher on all types of fires until you can figure out what's happening.

If you have a multipurpose extinguisher, it can be used on Class A and B fires. This type of fire extinguisher is usually found in kitchens and garages.

Mounting Brackets

If you're like most people, you want to be able to easily access your fire extinguisher. Many models come with mounting brackets that allow for quick and easy installation to a wall or other flat surface. You'll need to make sure the bracket is strong enough to support the weight of your extinguisher and sturdy enough so that it doesn't get knocked off by everyday kitchen activities.

Consider Your Garage

If you have a garage, the first thing to consider is whether your home fire extinguisher needs to be multipurpose. For most garages, a multipurpose unit will be suitable. However, if you store flammable liquids or other chemicals in your garage and regularly work with them or drive often with them inside the vehicle, you may want to consider getting one specifically designed for fighting fires that involve those materials. Another factor to consider is the size of your garage: Multipurpose units usually come in smaller sizes than specialty ones do. Smaller homes will likely find that a 10-pound multipurpose unit is sufficient; larger houses might need more than one 10-pound fire extinguisher on hand at all times (and another one stored outside).

Multipurpose units are also inexpensive compared with specialty ones—a few hundred dollars versus thousands—so it makes sense for most homeowners who don't know what kind of risks their own homes face from fire hazards.

Knowing what kind of fire extinguisher to get for your home can help you protect the people you care about the most from the dangers of fire. By familiarizing yourself with how each type works, you can be better equipped to make an informed decision when shopping for a new extinguisher.

We hope that this article has helped you understand how to choose the right fire extinguisher for your Yavapai County, AZ home. Remember, a fire can happen anywhere and at any time. What’s most important is that you have an extinguisher close by in case of an emergency. If you experience a fire in your home, give SERVPRO of Yavapai a call, and we will be there quickly to restore your home to its preloss condition!