What to Know About Choosing a Fire Extinguisher | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to fire safety for your household, there are fewer things more cost-effective than getting a fire extinguisher for various rooms of the house. This small investment can be a lifesaver if a sudden fire were to break out, but it is important that you have the right tool for the job and are aware of how to use it for maximum effectiveness and safety within your home.

How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher

There are five types of fire extinguishers, and each type has a different formula that is designed to be used on certain types of fires. Making sure that you choose the right fire extinguisher for the right room is key, as the wrong fire extinguisher can make a mess without actually stopping the flames from growing. The five types of fire extinguishers are:

**Type A Fire Extinguisher**  

This type of fire extinguisher is designed to be used with ordinary, organic materials such as cloth, wood and paper, and these are the most common fire extinguishers that households and businesses need.

**Type B Fire Extinguisher**

A Type B fire extinguisher is designed to be used with grease, gasoline, oil, paints and other liquids that are combustible and flammable. These are often helpful in garages and basements that store these types of products.

**Type C Fire Extinguisher**  

A Type C fire extinguisher is especially designed for electronics. Appliances, tools or any other equipment that gets plugged in are prone to electrical fires, so a Type C fire extinguisher could be useful in an office area or near personal electronics.

**Type D Fire Extinguisher**

Some types of specialty metals are flammable, which is what a Type D fire extinguisher is designed to combat. These will often be found in factories and metalworking shops.

**Type K Fire Extinguisher**

Typically found in commercial kitchens, the Type K fire extinguisher is designed for use on vegetable oils, animal oils and fats that might build up and catch fire in cooking appliances.

**Multipurpose Fire Extinguishers**

Multipurpose fire extinguishers are a great solution for most households. Many of them will handle categories A, B and C, which is typically enough to meet the needs of any room in the average household.

*If you have fire damage, you can count on us for assistance. We are here 24/7 to handle any fire damage that may arise in your home or business. Contact us today to learn more.*