Are you prepared? A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds.
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BRANDPOINT
You check your alarms regularly and practice your emergency escape plan—but are you overlooking an essential component of home safety? Having fire extinguishers—and knowing how to use them—is important to help ensure your home and family are prepared for the unexpected. “A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds in the U.S.—and the rapid protection offered by fire extinguishers can make the difference between minor, insignificant damage and greater tragedy,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety. “Fire extinguishers are an important first line of defense in home safety, therefore it is important to know how to use one should a fire break out.” To practice whole home safety and help ensure your family is prepared in case of fire, follow these tips on fire extinguishers in the home: KEEP IT WITHIN REACH Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA). When seconds count, having an extinguisher within reach is crucial for quick response. Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, plus the common places like the kitchen and garage. The NFPA recommends installing fire extinguishers close to room exits so that you can discharge them and quickly escape if the fire cannot be controlled. 44 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
When selecting a home fire extinguisher, two of the most important features are size and intended use. Select a home fire extinguisher that weighs three pounds or less for easy handling. For home fire extinguishers, other features to look for include a metal valve and trigger, which offer the durability of a commercial grade extinguisher, as well as an easy-to-read color-coded gauge for accurate measurement. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged is no longer effective, so consider rechargeable extinIn addition, make sure that every responsible guishers, which can be recharged by a certified member of your household (including house professional if the unit is used. sitters and babysitters) knows where each fire extinguisher is placed. KNOW YOUR ABCS While they may look similar, fire extinKNOW HOW TO USE IT guishers have very specific ratings that indicate Fire extinguishers generally include instruc- what kind of fire they are designed to extintions on proper usage, but a simple way to guish. Extinguishers with a Class A rating can remember the steps is with the acronym PASS: put out fires caused by wood, paper, trash and • Pull the pin on the extinguisher other common materials, while Class B rated • Aim the nozzle low toward the base of extinguishers are intended for gasoline and the fire flammable liquids. Class C rated extinguishers • Squeeze the trigger are meant for fires caused by electrical equip• Sweep the nozzle from side to side ment, such as frayed cords. For trusted reliable Frequently repeat the acronym when prac- protection, it’s best to select a multi-rated extinticing your family escape plan so that, if a fire guisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable occurs, the response will be automatic. Home Fire Extinguisher, which is capable of handling most types of household fires, includCOMPARE FEATURES ing wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and When it comes to fire extinguishers, there electrical fires. are a variety of types to choose from—from To learn more about fire safety, visit home and kitchen to commercial applications. FirstAlert.com. JUNE 2021
