Knowing how to use fire extinguisher could save your life one day, as well as the lives of your loved ones. Very few schools teach anyone how to use fire extinguisher, and many adults still have no idea how to use them. Many adults may even be unaware that there are multiple types of fire extinguishers, and situations where certain extinguishers are more appropriate than others. In some cases, using the wrong extinguisher for certain types of fires can be dangerous.

Fires may spread at different rates, but they tend to start gradually enough that they can be curtailed even with a manual device. Knowledge of how to use fire extinguisher means any potential victim can respond to the situation rapidly enough to prevent most fire damages or injuries. Fires that reach a certain point of severity will be beyond the competence of anything a private citizen can do, and they should evacuate the premises and call the fire department. However, fires can frequently be addressed long before they reach that point. Anyone who knows how to use fire extinguisher could be key in a crisis.

The majority of portable fire extinguishers should not be used on live electrical equipment. Horse Reel, Aqueous Film Forming Foam, and water fire extinguishers should never be used around live electrical equipment for fear of severely aggravating the problem. With water fire extinguishers and many others, it is important to position the device so the jet reaches the base of the fire, and quickly move back and forth as you aim the device until the fire dies down. The area around the fire should be similarly moistened to prevent any further spread of the fire. Carbon dioxide extinguishers, Halon BCF extinguishers, and dry powder extinguishers can all be used on live electrical equipment. Anyone using a carbon dioxide extinguisher should be wary of any of the contents coming in contact with their skin, since it could cause chemical burns. Carbon dioxide can contaminate the air in a confined space, and ventilation after the fire is dealt with becomes even more important. Different fires can raise different problems, and it is important for consumers to know about the distinctions.

Consumers should consider the needs of their particular household or business before purchasing any given fire extinguisher. A professional kitchen and an advertising firm will both have different levels of fire safety risk, and different fire sources. All fire extinguishers should be kept in a convenient location, since even seconds of delay during a fire could cause it to spread dangerously. Keeping them near the exit is a particularly good idea, since anyone should stay as close to exits as possible during even the early stages of fires. Portable fire extinguishers will be small out of necessity, and that may limit the extent of their discharge. Owning a portable fire extinguisher can nonetheless mean the difference between minor surface fire damage and disaster. Contact Kevcor for all the different types of extinguishers and keep fire safe.