Statistics have shown that a large percentage of the outbreak of fire started from a simple electric spark, cooking fire, smoking material, and candles. This has led to the loss of properties worth tens and hundreds of thousands of US Dollars, and in some cases, it has led to even the loss of lives as well.
Currently, in the United States, there is a steady rise in the rate at which people call the fire department for help daily, and investigations have shown that some of those outbreaks could have been easily prevented. Stat-X, a leading fire suppression technology, aims to address this issue by providing efficient and rapid-fire suppression solutions, ultimately minimizing the devastating consequences of these preventable incidents.
In this article, we will talk about one major way to prevent the outbreak of fire especially in the hot summer, and that is the use of a fire extinguisher.
Why Do We Need a Fire Extinguisher in the Hot Summer
Though fire has no respect for any form or kind of weather condition, the weather condition of the summer season is a good propellant for the fast outbreak of fire. A simple electrical spark can easily become a furnace, burning to ash a whole building. Recently, in Delhi India, there was a massive fire outbreak at the PVC market of Tikri Kalan, which led to the loss of goods and properties.
Though the cause of the fire is yet to be known if there was a fire extinguisher close by, just maybe the fire would have been brought under control. The fastest and easiest way to prevent the outbreak of fire during the summer is through the use of a fire extinguisher.
Just as the first aid kit is a fundamental tool to control or checkmate health emergencies, the fire extinguisher is a much-needed tool to checkmate the fast outbreak of fire, especially in the hot summer. This means that the fire extinguisher can serve as the major difference between a small fire that was easily and quickly put out and a violent flame that will destroy lives and properties.
Different Classes of Fire Extinguishers and Their Usage
When choosing a fire extinguisher, there are some things you must consider. The first of those things is to decide which section or room in your house needs a fire extinguisher because this will also determine which of the fire extinguisher classes is suitable for that room. The key is to know which room fire is most likely to start from. Having said that, there are five [5] classes of fire extinguishers, and they are Classes A, B, C, D, and K.
- Classes A Fire Extinguisher: This is the simplest of them, but very much needed especially in the hot summer. It is called a Class A Extinguisher because it is used to put out Class A fires from substances like paper, wood, fabric, plastics, and the like. Most Class A fire extinguishers are water extinguishers, while some extinguish foam-like substances when applied.
- Class B Fire Extinguishers: They are mostly used to put out Class B fires such as flammable liquids or gas such as gasoline, petrol, grease, oil, etc. A good example of a Class B fire extinguisher is the foam and CO2 extinguisher, and most CO2 extinguishers are labeled black.
- Class C Fire Extinguishers: These are mostly suitable to put out Class C fires that are caused by electrical energies or appliances. A good example of a Class C fire extinguisher is a CO2 fire extinguisher.
- Class D Fire Extinguishers: They are used to put out the flame on combustible metals like sodium, magnesium, titanium, aluminum, etc. A good example of a Class D fire extinguisher is a dry powder agent.
- Class K Fire Extinguishers: These are mostly found in the kitchens of homes and restaurants. They are used to put out Class K fire which is also known as cooking fire. Examples of what can cause cooking fire are grease, vegetable fat, animal fat, and so on. A good example of a Class K fire extinguisher is the wet chemical fire extinguisher and they are mostly labeled yellow.
Guides to Store and Use a Fire Extinguisher
It is a common saying that “when the use of a thing isn’t known, abuse is inevitable”, this is true even in this case. Some fire outbreaks have occurred not because there isn’t a fire extinguisher nearby, but it is either because the fire extinguisher wasn’t stored properly, or they didn’t know how to use it. Therefore it is wiser and safer to not just know where to find a fire extinguisher but also how to store and use a fire extinguisher.
Guides to Storing a Fire Extinguisher
According to the National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], a proper way to store the fire extinguisher is by mounting it at least 4 inches to the wall but should not be more than five feet from the floor. Also, it must be easily accessible and visible, and must not be stored near any heat source.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Most of the fire extinguishers operate on the same technique called the P.A.S.S method or technique. The P.A.S.S is an acronym that is used to describe the process involved.
P stands for Pull. There is a pin that prevents the handle from being pressed and accidentally releasing the content in it. Now what you have to do is pull the pin.
A stands for Aim. After pulling the pin, aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher towards the base of the fire, but make sure you standing at least 6 meters away from the fire.
S stands for Squeeze. Now squeeze both handles of the extinguisher to release the contents in the extinguisher. And if you want to from discharging, you can simply release the handles.
S stands for Sweep. After squeezing the handles to release the content in the extinguisher, you have to sweep the nozzle from side to side while making sure it is pointed at the base of the fire.
A Safe Way to Enjoy the Summer
Staying safe requires preparation, diligence, and paying attention to detail. One of the safest ways to prepare during the hot summer is to first know where to buy a fire extinguisher close by, but more importantly to know how to use it when the need arises.
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