Fire Safety: Extinguishers and Their Types | World Insurance

Your home is a safe haven for you and your family. But there are essential safety items you need to have on hand to keep your home protected. One of the most important of these is a fire extinguisher. Having the right extinguisher in your home can save the lives of your loved ones and prevent serious damage to your house, which is why you need to be familiar with everything there is to know about your fire extinguisher. Below is a breakdown of the different types of fire extinguishers, their purposes, and how to use them.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses 

Every extinguisher has a colored shape encasing a letter on the label. This indicates the fire extinguisher class, which informs users about the types of fires it's approved for. These classes include: 

• Class A: Used for simple combustibles like wood, cloth paper, and some plastics. 
• Class B: Used to smother flammable liquids like gas, oil, and grease. 
• Class C: Used to put out electrical or energized fires from live wires or panels. 
• Class A-B-C: A versatile extinguisher that can fight the same fires as Classes A, B, and C. 
• Element: A small, portable extinguisher that can put out fires on the molecular level. 
• Classes D and K: These are commercial-grade extinguishers. Class D can extinguish flammable metals, and Class K is used for oil fires in cooking appliances. 

Most homes should at least have a Class A-B-C extinguisher, as it can help fight fires from most origins in a house. 

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher 

Typical home fires originate from grease or oil in the kitchen, malfunctioning electrical systems, or the clothes dryer. Since house fires can stem from different chemical reactions or fuels, you should purchase a multipurpose fire extinguisher, such as the aforementioned Class A-B-C. The extinguisher(s) should be stored in an easily accessible spot near an exit and/or rooms with the highest risk of fire, like the kitchen or basement. If you ever encounter a fire at home and need to use the extinguisher, follow these steps: 

• Pull the Pin: This is a safety pin that prevents accidental foam discharge when not in use. 
• Aim Low: Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire. 
• Squeeze the Level: This will disperse the fire-fighting foam. 
• Sweep the Nozzle: Ensure you smother the entire base of the fire with foam. 

The National Fire Protection Association refers to these steps by the memorable acronym PASS. 

Maintaining Your Fire Extinguisher 

Buying a fire extinguisher is the first step in protecting your home, but the precautions don't end there. You should periodically check your extinguishers to ensure they haven’t passed their expiration date. They typically have a pressure gauge that will indicate if the extinguisher is no longer useable, and at that point, you need to replace it. You should also regularly dust the extinguisher and apply oil to the lever to avoid any setbacks when you need it most.  

Knowing all this information about fire extinguishers helps ensure you’re prepared in case a disaster strikes and will be able to make a safe escape if needed. You should also regularly test your fire alarms and have an established fire escape plan with your family. Should you ever deal with a fire at home, you'll want to report any damage afterward to your homeowner's insurance agent to expedite the claims process. If you’re looking to maximize your coverage for fire damage, contact World Insurance today. 

This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.