Home fires are truly devastating incidents as they can lead to major property damage and the potential loss of a loved one. However, most fires can be stopped if a fire extinguisher is accessible. According to Safety Now, in 75% of the cases where a fire extinguisher was used in the United States, a visit from the fire department wasn't needed. Let’s learn more about the importance of having a fire extinguisher on your property.

Protect Your Loved Ones

One of the most important reasons you’ll want to keep a fire extinguisher on your property is so that you can protect your loved ones. If a fire breaks out in your home, there is no guarantee that family members will all get out safely. This also includes pets. The ability to deter a fire with an extinguisher increases the chances that your family will stay safe from fire injuries.

Protect Your Property

Fires spread quickly, causing property damage to every inch it touches. A fire extinguisher can greatly reduce the amount of property damage your home might sustain should a fire start. A fire extinguisher also doesn’t use water, so you won’t have the added risk of water damage on top of fire damage.

Understand the Types of Fire Extinguishers

Most people don’t realize that there are different types of fire extinguishers. According to our team, there are Class A, B, C, ABC, element fire extinguishers, and Class D and K. Each type of extinguisher does a specific type of job. Some work solely on ordinary combustibles like Class A, while others are intended for flammable liquids such as gas, grease, and oil. You can speak with a professional to better understand the types available and to determine which is the best type for your needs.

Understand the Uses of Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher can be pointless if you don’t know how to use it. A general-use Class A fire extinguisher will require that you pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the lever, and sweep the nozzle across the fire. You can use the acronym PASS to remember to Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

Learn Proper Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Like most things in your home, a fire extinguisher will require some maintenance. You should always make sure the device is accessible, has the correct pressure levels, is in proper working order, and is clean.

These are just a few things you should know about fire extinguishers in the home. If you’d like to learn more about these devices or if you’d like to purchase a device, please contact Gorham Fire Appliance Co today. We are here for your fire safety product needs.