The importance of a fire extinguisher

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

One could argue that fire extinguishers are just as important as the smoke alarm. Having a smoke and/or fire alarm in a home or business is very common but do you have a fire extinguisher in your home or business and know how to properly use it?

Being prepared is extremely important. Fire extinguishers are essential as they are the most commonly used device for fire protection. In many cases they're the first line of defense and can often contain or extinguish a fire, and prevent costly damages. 

They are often overlooked devices but they can be a key component in keeping you and your family safe and possibly alive during a fire emergency. Although they're only suitable for use on small fires, extinguishers are nonetheless a crucial piece of equipment in combating a home or workplace fire. Larger fires need the attendance of emergency services.

It's important that everyone in your household and your employees have the proper training and education to use a fire extinguisher. 

Do you have the proper type in your home, business, or other places that may require a certain one?

Here is a link of the five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/extinguishers.html

A Few Key Tips Everyone Should Know:

• It's a good idea to have multiple fire extinguishers around in your home or business depending on the size.
• The kitchen, garage, main workspaces, and warehouses are all places that should have one.
• Although there are many different types for various classes of fires, it's important to provide the right type depending on your business. 
• A common ABC Extinguisher will put out just about any kind of fire except hot metal fires, in which case you would use aClass D.
• Fire extinguishers should be placed in a clear, un-cluttered, and opened area where everyone knows how to locate them.
• Extinguishers should always be up to date, tested annually, and properly inspected. 
• As always have your emergency fire escape plan ready and if the fire continues to grow despite your fire extinguishing efforts, exit and call 9-1-1 immediately. 

SERVPRO of Longview/Kelso is proud to serve in our community and we are always ready to help in the event of a fire. SERVPRO specializes in smoke and fire damage cleanup and restoration. We are locally owned and operated and can be reached at (360)703-3884.