As you plan home improvement projects, consider focusing on fire safety. As the National Fire Protective Association explains, home fires occur more frequently during winter than any other season. Candles, open flames, and holiday decorations cause winter fires, but home heating equipment is the biggest contributor. You need fire extinguishers in your kitchen, garage, and other critical areas of your home.
Just as with any home improvement project, you have options. When you choose fire extinguishers for your home, it’s essential to make the right choice. Consider these options:
- Get the Right Type
It’s important to buy the extinguisher type that best fits your circumstances. Type A for wood, paper, and plastic, etc. Type B is for flammable oils and vehicle fluids. As Type C units don’t conduct electricity, you can use them on electrical fires.
Use Type D extinguishers on flammable metals in industrial operations. Restaurants use Type K extinguishers for vegetable and animal oil fires. Type ABC is a multi-use extinguisher. You can also purchase a BC extinguisher for use on class B and C fires. - Get the Right Size
Home fire extinguishers come in a variety of sizes. You should choose the largest size you will feel comfortable handling in an emergency. - Rechargeable versus Disposable
As you plan your home improvement safety project, you should consider whether you want to purchases rechargeable or disposable extinguishers. Disposable units have plastic fixtures while rechargeable units are mostly metal. The metal units are more durable and also more expensive. They’re your best option when you want to cut back on plastic products.
A rechargeable fire extinguisher could be more cost efficient in the long run, but you’ll have two fundamental issues:
• You’ll have to remember to get it recharged.
• You have to find a location that will recharge it. Firstalert.com advises consumers that only certified fire equipment dealers or service companies should refill them. Refill costs vary depending on the contents and unit size. Local fire departments in some areas will do a recharge for free or for a reasonable price.
Disposable extinguishers are a good option if you don’t want the hassle of finding a service company for a refill. They’re disposable, but because they’re hazardous waste, you can’t put empty units in your household trash or recycle bin. You’ll have to check around for a recycling center that takes them. - Know If It’s Charged
Each extinguisher has a small round gauge that tells you if it’s time to recharge or buy a new one. When your extinguisher is charged, the needle inside the gauge points to the green or full area. If it points to red/empty, that means it’s empty, or it’s lost pressure. - Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips
To make the most of your fire extinguishers, you should place them in convenient locations in rooms with potential fire hazards: kitchen, workroom, garage, etc. You should also keep them in good working condition and understand how to use them. Think PASS: Point, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Never try to use an extinguisher to fight a fire that’s out of control and never get too close.
Your Home Safety Plan
Fire extinguishers are a perfect idea when you’re planning a home improvement project with a focus on safety. They work hand-in-hand with your smoke detectors in keeping your home and family safe.
