What Are The Main Types of Fire Extinguishers?

What are the main types of fire extinguishers? This question is important but rarely asked. A weighing of options on this issue might help, what is an easy weight to handle for the average person, what size can be comfortably stored, where in a building is the extinguisher easily accessed and where is it needed most? Fire can break out anywhere in a home or business but some areas are more fire prone than others. The kitchen or workshop or any place flammable objects may be kept is a good place for a unit but every floor of a building is a recommendation. Each fire extinguisher type is built to put out a specific fire category but there are those that are considered multipurpose. Type A which displays a green triangle is geared to fires relating to paper, plastics and other common items that burn easily. A blue circle is the emblem for a canister designed to protect against electrical fires, yellow decagon is a symbol most have seen on items carrying hazardous materials; this canister is for chemical fires. The red square is the recognized symbol for protecting against oil fires; gasoline, kerosene and other oil related flammables. The next main type of fire extinguisher is the canister with a black hexagon; this extinguisher is commonly found in restaurants, or wise to place in any kitchen. Many places use refillable units but they can be purchased disposable. Not only are fire extinguishers a good thing to have in a home or business but they are good to keep in a vehicle. Many cars on the road have caught fire due to wiring or some other mishap. Total loss might have been avoided if the owner only had a reliable fire extinguisher. In a home damage from fire can be limited if fire can be extinguished while still manageable, loss of home and irreplaceable heirlooms may be eliminated when homes are equipped with fire protecting elements If a fire protecting canisters is used incorrectly, terrible problems may occur, so it is vital the proper unit is selected for a fire. A unit that fights all fire types is best suited for overall use in the home to cover the basic domestic problems of cooking or trash fires. Weight size is important, if you cannot handle the extinguisher it will be of little use. No one ever expects a fire but if it arrives you want to be prepared. There is nothing to say you will be able to stop a fire but fire protectors placed throughout a home may very well clear a doorway to safety.

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