All About Fire Extinguishers:
Why you probably need more than one in your home
Ready for some fun facts?
Beer foam was the inspiration behind the substance put into the fire extinguishers that we use today. That foam-like substance is actually a mixture of monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. Mmmm, yeah, not so tasty, but very effective.
Using a substance other than water to put out fires was actually thought of first by Leonardo Di Vinci, and the story is, he ruined his dinner party when the kitchen caught on fire. But then, with his crafty invention, he saved lives. We’d say that’s worth celebrating; so cheers to that!
Fire extinguishers have certainly evolved, but the one thing that has remained the same is kitchen fires, which cause about 48% of the fires at home.
Besides your kitchen, here are other places and spaces in your life that should have a little metal can filled with fire-extinguishing foam for your home:
- your garage
- your bedroom
- your basement and/or attic
- your car
Oh, and your boat!
Psst, if you have a boat can we come over?
Tips on buying a fire extinguisher like a readiness pro:
Fires are classified as A,B,C or K. When shopping for one, look for the letter(s) on them - this let’s you know what fire they’re made to put out. Thankfully, many fire extinguishers nowadays are multi-purpose, but it still helps to double-check for this stuff.
A = ASH - This one’s for firewood, plastic, cloth and paper. This class is best next to a wood-burning fireplace.
B = BARREL - Use this for combustible gas such as gasoline, propane or ethanol. You’d want a class B fire extinguisher in your car or your garage or on a boat.
C = CURRENT - Always C for electrical fires, which by the way CANNOT be put out using water (you risk the chances of being electrocuted). Since electrical fires could break out anywhere in the home, it is best to have one or two of these handy. Think closet, kitchen, basement, or attic.
K = KITCHEN - Oil and fat fires are typical in kitchens and if you throw water on it, it can cause the fire to spread. Class K fire extinguishers turn the fuel into soap, causing the fire to stop.
NOTE: Keep in mind that if you have a fire extinguisher labeled “ABC” it will work for kitchen fires as well.
Check These Out!
The Mini Firefighter All in One:
Where it will work: Home, Car, Kitchen, etc.
Why we love it: First of all, they’re adorbs. These mini fire extinguishers look more like hairspray cans than the traditional red cylinders we’re all used to, but they’re perfect for apartments, small spaces and your car - or just simply because you don’t want it to take up a lot of space.
Class: ABC + K
The Sassy Kitchen Fire Extinguisher:
Where it will work: Kitchen, by your BBQ, proudly displayed on a mantel?
Why we love it: Well who wouldn’t want a blue lobster-printed fire extinguisher proudly displayed in their kitchen!? It’ll definitely be the subject of many conversations for future fire-free dinner parties.
Class: ABC + K
Oh, and if you need to know how to use a fire extinguisher and want some helpful tips to maintain them over time, make sure you download the harbor app if you haven’t already! You’ll discover not only fire safety tips, but also helpful advice for just about any risk you might face.
No matter what, remember:
Don’t worry.
Be ready.