Fire hazards are perhaps the most serious threat to your residential safety. It is for this reason that a large number of homeowners would not think twice about spending money on items that enhance their fire safety as well as that of their loved ones.

There are several ways through which you can enhance your residential fire safety. These include investing in smoke alarms or detectors and even fire extinguishers. The article below discusses a few things you should known when looking for a residential fire extinguisher.

Understand the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

It is of vital importance that you understand the available types of fire extinguishers before you set out to invest in one. This is because there are different types of residential fire extinguishers used for different types of fire hazards.

The most commonly used residential fire extinguishers are referred to as Class A fire extinguishers. They are the most readily available and the most affordable fire extinguishers. A Class A fire extinguisher is suitable for use in situations where the fire hazard is caused by combustible materials. These include paper, wood, rubber, and plastic among others.

Fire hazards can also be caused by the explosion of combustible liquids such as grease, oil-based paints, alcohol and similar solvents. Such fires are put out using Class B fire extinguishers. Different classes of fire extinguishers have different components that are non-reactive with the material responsible for the fire.  

Lastly, fire hazards around the house can also emanate from common electrical problems such as short circuiting and current over-loads. In order to put out an electrical fire, one would need a Class C fire extinguisher.

Ideally, you preferred choice of fire extinguisher should correspond with the type of fire hazard that you are most exposed to. Understanding the various types of fire extinguishers will help you make an informed decision.

Choose an Appropriately Sized Extinguisher

Once you're settled on the type of fire extinguisher, there are several factors to consider before you choose one Class A fire extinguisher over another, for example.

The size of extinguisher is one of the greatest factors that you will need to consider. You should have it in mind that the size determines the weight of the extinguisher which ultimately determines how easy it will be for you to carry the extinguisher in the middle of a fire.  

Investing in a residential fire extinguisher is a pro-active way of preventing residential fires. For more information, contact Anthony French Property Maintenance.