What happens if you have an unexpected electrical cord fire? Or maybe you accidently leave your iron on in the morning? If you are like me, you might panic, not because I’m nervous, because I just realized I don’t have a Fire Extinguisher! Safety is my middle name and I have overlooked one of the most important things to have in my home.
When I was little, I was very scared of house fires and as you can read in my last fire safety post, I kept my possessions near me, just in case. Now, being responsible for keeping my own home and family safe is a constant responsibility and lacking a fire extinguisher is not an option. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) says that one of the most important steps is to purchase a multi-purpose extinguisher and most importantly, if you can’t contain the fire, get out to safety!
Everyone should have at least one of these safety devices in their home, and after writing this, I’m going out to buy one to keep my home safe. Fire extinguisher 101 offers some great information on how to purchase extinguishers and loads of safety tips. Also, I learned some tips from the NFPA that helped point me in the right direction:
- Purchase. When buying an extinguisher, there are many different classes (A, B, C, D and K) for different materials and homes. For a standard home, look for one that has a combination A, B and C rating. (Also, make sure the device carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.)
- Install. Close to an exit and by your kitchen. Ideally, homes should have more than one, depending on the size of the home.
- Operate. Remember the word PASS: Pull the Pin. Aim Low. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
- Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.
Here at Foremost we specialize in insuring special homes and want you to be safe. Check out our interactive fire safety page for more information on keeping your home safe. And, if you are in the market for home insurance, look no further than a Foremost agency to help.
