Knowledge About Extinguishers Can Help With Fire Damage Repair

One of the most underutilized tools to keep homes safe from fires is a fire extinguisher. Sure, you see them in commercial buildings, but many people do not think to keep one in their own home. At 24/7 Restoration Services, we specialize in fire damage repair here in Houston and know how big of a difference a fire extinguisher can make in mitigating damage to your home. If a fire breaks out in your home, you are going to want a fire extinguisher nearby to give you the best odds of putting the fire out before it becomes catastrophic and leaves your home in need of major fire damage repair. Here is all you need to know about fire extinguishers.

Fire Damage Repair In Houston 

• First, keep in mind that fire extinguishers are intended for small, contained fires and should only be used in circumstances that fit in those categories. Do not attempt to suppress or put out a large fire – instead, call 911 and get everyone safely away from the fire. 
• There are different types of fire extinguishers, so it is important to get the right one for your home. Letters are used to denote the type of fire that can be fought with a certain extinguisher, so fires that involve combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth and can be extinguished with water are denoted with the letter ‘A.’ Fires that involve flammable liquids, like oil, require a fire extinguisher denoted with the letter ‘B,’ and, lastly, fires that involve electrical equipment will require an extinguisher that is denoted with the letter ‘C.’ Since all of these are common causes of house fires, you will want an extinguisher that is an A-B-C rated unit so it will work on all types of fires. Be sure that you select an extinguisher that can protect your home from multiple fire threats.
• Make sure you know how to properly work a fire extinguisher. Merely having one in your home will not do you any good if you do not know how to utilize it. If attended to correctly with a fire extinguisher, house fires can be brought under control within the first few minutes of ignition. There are 4 basic steps for using a fire extinguisher that can be easy to remember by using the acronym PASS:
  • P is full Pull: In order for the fire extinguisher to work, you must first pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher to break the seal. Once in place, the pin keeps the handle from being pressed and accidently firing the extinguisher.
  • A is for Aim: While keeping yourself at a safe distance away, aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.
  • S is for Squeeze: Squeeze the handles together to release the extinguishing agent.
  • S is for Sweep: Move the nozzle side to side in a sweeping motion along the base of the flames  
  • Do not ignore the instructions on your fire extinguisher, as malfunction or misuse can result in further harm and damage. It is also important to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and discard it once it is expired (after the expiration date the extinguishing agent is no longer effective). Remember that your fire extinguisher may require maintenance or a ‘recharging’ around every 6 years. If the pressure needle drops to the red zone, have a certified fire services company recharge the extinguisher for you.

Do not overestimate the power, security, and relief a fire extinguisher can provide for your Houston home if a fire happens to break out. If you do find yourself in need of fire damage repair, let 24/7 Restoration Services take care of you.