When it comes to safety in the home, fire extinguishers are an essential piece of equipment you can't leave out. While most people have a basic understanding of how they’re used, many have never tried to operate a fire extinguisher and don't know how to keep theirs in good working order. Here's what you should know about yours.

Fire Extinguisher FAQ

How do they work?

Fire extinguishers contain different types of fire suppressants, either under pressure or with a propellant to help spray them toward the fire. Some work by pulling heat out of the fire so it can no longer sustain itself, while others smother the flames so oxygen can't get to them.

What types are there?

The type of material that's on fire makes a major difference in putting it out. Regular wood fires can be extinguished with water, but throwing water on a grease fire has explosive results. For this reason, fire extinguishers with different substances inside are placed into varying classes based on their use.

• Class A: For basic combustibles such as paper and wood.

• Class B: For flammable liquids.

• Class C: For electrical fires.

• Class D: For flammable metals like magnesium.

Where should I keep my fire extinguisher?

You should have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, ideally somewhere central to make it easier to reach. If your home is large or there are high-risk areas like kitchens and garage workshops far from your extinguisher, you may need to have more than one per floor.

How should I maintain my fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers can be either disposable or rechargeable. When a disposable fire extinguisher reaches the end of its life, it should be thrown out, while refillable models can be brought in to fire safety companies for a fire extinguisher recharge. You can tell if a fire extinguisher needs to be refilled or replaced by checking the gauge on the unit.

If you need fire extinguishers for your home or if your existing ones need to be refilled, contact A-1 Fire Protection in Olive Branch, MS. They have been family-owned since 1970 and provide DeSoto County residents with maintenance services from certified technicians for safe, effective performance. To schedule, call (662) 895-2177 or send a message online.