Home fires can have devastating consequences. This type of incident can lead to the injury and death of loved ones and the extensive loss of precious property. Therefore, you should be diligent in establishing measures to prevent the occurrence of fires and the escalation of fires. Naturally, you should take precautions by eliminating and managing fire hazards in your house. For example, you should organise your cleaning and cooking equipment properly and manage your electrical connections to prevent sparking and overheating. However, an accidental fire can arise after taking these precautions. You should therefore invest in fire extinguishers. Here are some safety tips to help you get the most out of your new fire suppression unit.
Choose the Correct Extinguisher
You should purchase the correct fire extinguisher for your residential needs. In general, the units in the market are categorised according to the type of fires that they can handle. Therefore, you can assess the risks in your home and choose the best match for the safety of your home. In a standard home, a multi-purpose extinguisher is the most suitable choice. This type of product will handle fires arising from materials like papers and fabric, electrical equipment and flammable fluids. When shopping for the extinguisher, you should also take note of the sizes. The unit should be big enough to handle relatively large fires but not too bulky to use.
Place the Unit in the Right Place
You should choose the correct position for the placement of your fire extinguisher. Poor placement of the unit can make it useless in the time of need. Typically, it is advisable to place the extinguisher in the kitchen area or the pantry. Most fires are related to this space. Therefore, you cannot afford to have the extinguisher in another place. If you have a workshop that deals with high power equipment or heat, you should also have an extinguisher in the room for safety. When placing the unit, you should make sure that it is not obstructed, and it should be accessible by all residents.
Learn the Best Usage Method
Finally, you and your family members should learn the correct method for using the fire extinguishers. This knowledge will help you respond quickly in an emergency, preventing the spread of fire. Most fire extinguishers are used by pulling the pin and then pointing the nozzle at the fire. Ideally, you should aim at the base of the fire, squeeze and then sweep from side to side.
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