Selecting and Using Fire Extinguishers For Your Home

The selection of a fire fighting unit for your home is an extremely important decision. While having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is a must for every house, it is even better to have a fire extinguisher in every level of your home. As fire extinguishers come in different size, class and rating, you should select one that is apt for you. The size of an extinguisher refers to the weight of its fire-fighting chemical while its class refers to the type of fire it can put out. The rating is a measurement of the effectiveness of the fire extinguisher.

Generally, it is best to use a 2.5 to 5 pound, all-purpose ARC class fire extinguishers with 5B:C rating in residences. These are ideal for fighting kitchen and garage fires. The fire extinguisher should be mounted near the door or in potential escape routes where they are easily visible. Remember to check the pressure gauge of your extinguisher every month.