Safety is key when using a home fire extinguisher

Oklahoma State University - News and Communications



Knowing how to properly operate a home fire extinguisher can minimize damage in the event of a fire. (Photo by sezer66/Shutterstock.com)
Homeowners are pretty savvy when it comes to keeping their home safe. They lock their doors and windows and store harmful chemicals out of reach. They also change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on a regular basis.
Safety is always on the mind of a homeowner. That is why it is important to have an essential safety tool in your home – a fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers are a critical component of saving property and lives, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.
“In the event of a small fire in your home, a fire extinguisher can make the difference of saving your home or the home sustaining a lot of damage,” Peek said. “However, homeowners should only try to put out small fires. If you can’t quickly douse the flames, call 9-1-1 and evacuate the home immediately. It’s far too dangerous to try to fight a bigger fire with a fire extinguisher designed for home use.”
Most hardware and discount stores sell fire extinguishers. They are categorized using an A, B, C or D letter rating system. A good choice for the home is a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher which combines one or more classes of extinguishers. Class A is for ordinary combustibles such as paper and wood; Class B is used for grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints; Class C is used for electrical fires; and Class D is for flammable metals.
Fire extinguishers are useful only if they can be found and used properly while the fire is still small. Store the extinguisher in a highly visible area. It will not do a homeowner any good if the extinguisher is up on ...

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