The risk of a home fire igniting significantly increases during the winter months when people use heating devices to stay warm. It’s recommended that homeowners install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and store a fire extinguisher on each level of your home. When equipping your home with a fire extinguisher, you need to get the right type to meet your risks. The types are as follows:
- Class A—For use with ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth and plastics
- Class B—For use with flammable liquids such as gasoline, grease, oil and oil-based paints
- Class C—For use with electrical equipment such as appliances and tools
- Class D—For use with combustible metals (often found in factories)
- Class K—For use with cooking combustibles such as vegetable/animals oils and fats (often found in commercial kitchens)
You can find extinguishers that cover more than one fire type and many homeowners select “A-B-C” models to cover a range of home fires. If a fire ignites, only opt to use an extinguisher if the fire is small and you have a clear exit route that is not blocked by the flames. While you retrieve the extinguisher, ensure that everyone in the house vacates the premises and calls 911. If ever you feel unsafe near a spreading fire or excessive smoke, get out immediately and let the firefighters handle the situation.
If the conditions are right for you to fight a small, contained fire by yourself, remember the acronym PASS.
- P—Pull the pin, which enables the extinguisher’s discharge
- A—Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire so the extinguishing materials hits the fuel
- S—Squeeze the handle to begin spraying
- S—Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is put out
Keep a safe distance away, even after the fire is extinguished, in case it reignites. The proper use of fire extinguishers can save lives, as well as your property.
Protecting your home doesn’t end with fire safety. Call Integrity Network Insurance Group at (512) 989-6006 for more information on Pflugerville home insurance.