Fire Extinguishers
What you need to know about fire extinguishers
In an emergency situation, having the right fire extinguisher on hand could mean the difference between life and death. Portable fire extinguishers are an important addition to any disaster preparedness kit.
There are four different types of fire extinguishers. There isn't really such a thing as a single "best" fire extinguisher--each type is designed to put out a specific type of fire:
- Class A fire extinguishers are used to put out ordinary combustible fires involving materials such as wood and paper.
- Class B fire extinguishers are suitable for flammable liquid fires, including grease, oil and gasoline.
- Class C fire extinguishers will put out electrical fires.
- Class D fire extinguishers are used to put out fires involving flammable metals.
Most fire extinguishers are manufactured for use on multiple types of fires, such as A-B or B-C. The best choice for an emergency fire extinguisher for a home disaster kit is an A-B-C extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers hold different contents, depending on the type of fire for which they are rated:
- Dry chemical fire extinguishers contain extinguishing agents and use compressed gas as a propellant.
- Halon fire extinguishers use halon to interrupt the fire's chemical reaction.
- Carbon dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers contain compressed liquid carbon dioxide.
- Water fire extinguishers, which use plain water and compressed gas as propellants, are only suitable for use on ordinary combustibles, or class-A fires.
Many people are initially leery of using fire extinguishers, but the process is actually quite simple. Just remember the acronym P-A-S-S:
- PULL out the pin at the top of the extinguisher to allow operation of the handle.
- AIM the extinguisher's nozzle at the base of the fire from about eight feet away.
- SQUEEZE the handle to discharge the contents of the extinguisher.
- SWEEP the extinguisher's nozzle back and forth, concentrating on the base of the fire.
Why Is a Fire Extinguisher Important in a Disaster Kit?
- Fires are common in disaster situations.
- Having a working fire extinguisher on hand can prevent damage to property, injury and loss of life.
- Fire extinguishers are more effective at putting out flames than fire blankets.
Things to Consider When Buying a Fire Extinguisher
- What class of fire extinguisher should I buy? As covered above, an A-B-C class extinguisher is generally best for the home.
- What size of extinguisher will fit in my disaster kit? You probably don't need to purchase a heavy duty industrial fire extinguisher for a home emergency kit, but you will want to make sure your model has enough power.
Top Brands of Fire Extinguishers
- Badger fire extinguishers
- First Alert fire extinguishers
- Kidde fire extinguishers
