The Best Types of Fire Extinguishers for a Home

Fire extinguishers play a big role in protecting your home. When used properly, they can effectively contain a fire while help is on the way. However, it’s important to know they’re not a replacement for other safety features like smoke detectors and calling the fire department in Longview, TX. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing your first extinguisher.

ABC fire extinguishers

Experts recommend what’s called an ABC fire extinguisher for residential spaces. These are most common because their all-in-one design is suitable for putting out any type of fire. The “A” means it can extinguish basic flammable materials like wood, paper, furniture and other household items. “B” extinguishers are reserved for grease and oil fires that frequently happen in the kitchen. “C” means it’s equipped to handle electrical fires caused by circuit breakers and appliances.

Homeowners should buy one of these so they don’t have to worry if their extinguisher will work on a certain type of fire. When panic sets in, you likely won’t think to diligently read the fine print to see which kind of extinguisher you own. It’s easy to make a mistake, and using the wrong one can make a fire a whole lot worse.

If you’re looking for specifics, homeowners in Longview, TX usually opt for a 3A:40-B:C unit. Others prefer a 2A:10-B:C fire extinguisher due to its smaller size, which makes it easier to carry. All extinguishers are slightly different, but the most important thing is to buy one that has ABC in the label.

Special types for a kitchen

Even though ABC fire extinguishers are the best option, you can buy a B:C unit exclusively for your kitchen. As mentioned before, grease fires most commonly happen on stovetops and inside the oven. B:C extinguishers are available in small, compact sizes that fit conveniently in your cabinets. They’re super cheap as well, usually retailing for about $10.

Too many extinguishers is dangerous

One huge misconception among homeowners in Longview, TX is that the more fire extinguishers you have, the safer your house will be. In fact, the opposite is true—having too many extinguishers will likely cause you to get them mixed up. During an emergency situation, don’t waste time trying to figure out which extinguisher takes care of which type of fire. One ABC unit is all you need to get the job done.

If you really want or need to have multiple fire extinguishers, limit them to one per room. It’s recommended that B:C units stay in the kitchen, whereas ABC’s are suitable for all areas of your home. That way, family members will know they’re using the right one in case of an emergency.

Choosing the best fire extinguisher for your house in Longview, TX is an important decision that requires a seasoned expert. The information mentioned above is a good starting point, but is by no means a substitute for professional guidance. That’s why the team at Anchor Safety Inc. is here to help. We offer a variety of top-notch fire extinguishers for both residential and commercial purposes. Get in touch with us, and one of our team members will be happy to answer your questions!

Categorised in: Fire Extinguishers

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