Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a valuable tool when used correctly. Extinguishers come in all shapes and sizes and deciding which extinguisher is best is a difficult decision. Fire extinguishers are labeled based on the type of fire they are designed to put out. The following are types of extinguishers:

• Type A
  This extinguisher is designed for ordinary combustibles such as cloth, plastics, rubber or wood. The symbol used for this type of extinguisher is a triangle.

• Type B
  This extinguisher is designed for flammable liquids such as gasoline, grease, oil or paints. The symbol used for this type of extinguisher is a square.

• Type C
  This extinguisher is designed for electrical fires. The symbol used for this type of extinguisher is a circle.

• Type D
  This extinguisher is designed for metal fires such a magnesium or sodium. The symbol used for this type of extinguisher is a star.

Some extinguishers are multi-use extinguishers. These types of extinguishers can be used to extinguish different types of fires. They may be labeled as 2A10BC. This type of extinguisher is a good one to have in the kitchen area or garage area of a house. The extinguisher should be placed in plain view and away from heating appliances. Extinguishers need to be checked regularly to make sure they are still charged and they will need to be refilled or replaced after each use. Extinguishers should only be used if the fire is a small fire or is confined to an object (oven, wastebasket, etc.). DO NOT FIGHT A LARGE FIRE WITH AN EXTINGUISHER! Make sure everyone leaves the house, closing all doors behind you to help slow the spread of the fire and dial 9-1-1 from outside the house.