No matter the kind of operation you manage or whether it’s your home, one way to increase your level of preparedness in tackling emergencies is by investing in a fire extinguisher. Besides, it should be placed in an easy-to-reach location that anyone can access.
Unfortunately, not every type of fire extinguisher in the market will be the perfect fit for you. Therefore, to ensure that you purchase the right fire extinguisher, here are some of the things that you must look out for;
Size of the Fire Extinguisher
The volume of powder or liquid in the extinguisher should be a consideration. For instance, a larger size could be an ideal option as it will be able to handle a bigger fire. However, you should also put in mind your ability to maneuver around the fire with the extinguisher. It should be an appropriate size that any of your family members can be able to carry.
The UL Rating
Each fire extinguisher has a UL rating. It’s a rating that indicates the extent of the fire that it can be able to comfortably put off. The ratings are usually represented as a number beside the class of fire it handles and ranges from 1 to 40.
Manufacture Date
When buying the fire extinguisher you should also ensure that its indicator shows it’s full. The pressure indicator is required to be visible to be sure that it will effectively fight the fire. Furthermore, you should ensure that you purchase a fire extinguisher manufactured only within the past year since dry chemical extinguishers are required to be discarded after one year.
Type of Fire it Fights
One thing is certain; various fire extinguishers are designed to fight various fire types. Therefore, you should only purchase a fire extinguisher that’s suitable for your fire risk that you’re likely to have at home.
Ideally, it’s advisable to purchase a fire extinguisher that can handle Class A, B, and C fires. This is because most of the fires tend to start from the kitchen.
Rechargeable or Disposable
Usually, disposable fire extinguishers have plastic valves, while rechargeable ones have metallic valves. You can even contact the supplier to help you learn how to distinguish between the two categories. Rechargeable fire extinguishers can be cost-effective in the long-run as compared with disposable ones. The reason being, refilling a discharged extinguisher could be lower than purchasing a disposable fire extinguisher.
Nevertheless, have a fire extinguisher in your home is one of the best steps to staying safe. Ensure that you purchase the right fire extinguisher for your house and one that will be able to handle the fire effectively.