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photo: Scott T. Kubo
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The
first step toward purchasing a home fire extinguisher is determining
where it will be used and what kind of fire is most likely to occur.
Fires that occur in homes are classified into three groups.
• Class A fires are the most common, and involve combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber or plastic.
• Class B fires involve flammable liquids, gases or greases.
•
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment or wiring. To put
out electrical fires, the extinguishing agent must not conduct
electricity.
Look
at the fire extinguisher’s nameplate for the Underwriters Laboratories
Inc. (UL) letter rating, which corresponds to the class of fire the
extinguisher is designed to put out. A number before the letter
indicates approximate extinguishing potential. For example, an
extinguisher rated 2A puts out twice as much burning material as one
rated 1A. Class C extinguishers do not have number ratings.
Multipurpose, ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers are recommended to protect your home from all fire types.
Extinguisher
placement around the home is the next consideration. One fire
extinguisher is usually not enough. Three provide good protection for a
three-bedroom home. Place one near the bedrooms, one near the kitchen
and one in the garage.
Do
not mount an extinguisher too close to where a fire is likely to occur,
near a stove, for example. A better place is near the kitchen door, to
avoid reaching into the fire or going into a burning area to get the
extinguisher.
Homeowners
should only attempt to fight minor fires. In the event of a serious
blaze, everyone should immediately leave the house and notify the fire
department from a safe place by calling 911.
Finally,
knowing how to use an extinguisher is important. The extinguisher will
have stipulations on its use, so be sure you understand its
limitations. When using a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
Pull the pin. Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
Squeeze the trigger. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering
the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.
For Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine, this is Frank Suster, saying, “You can do it yourself.” | 
