The Importance Of Fire Extinguishers

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a crucial piece of safety equipment that can save lives and spare your Needham, Ma commercial and residential properties from extensive damage mandating professional cleanup and restoration. This is why every property owner should maintain at least one functional device. To ensure it’s readily available in an emergency, every owner and manager should also recognize three key facts about this vital fire suppression tool.

Device Doesn’t Last Forever

Extinguishers do not have an indefinite shelf life. Unfortunately, they also do not typically come with an expiration date sticker.
To determine the viability of your device, you should complete annual inspections and check for compromised components. Specific defects that may make it unusable include a broken handle, missing locking pin or a cracked nozzle. The gauge should also be in the green. If it’s not, replace the device.

Multiple Types Exist

A fire extinguisher is designed to battle specific types of infernos. Class K units, for example, can douse a kitchen fire sparked by grease while a Class A device is designated for use with blazes involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. Additional distinctions include Class C for electrical fires and Class B for flammable liquids.
Attempting to smother flames with the wrong type of device can be ineffective. To combat this potential dilemma, evaluate your property's specific fire risks and purchase your extinguisher accordingly. Check the canister’s label to confirm the class. You can also purchase a multipurpose device, which can be used against a variety of blazes.

Should Be Accessible and Visible

Minimizing fire damage requires prompt action. To ensure an expedited response, mount your extinguisher in a safe, accessible place and post signage to identify its location. You should also ensure everyone in your family or all of your employees recognize this area and refrain from blocking the site. Because an inferno can erupt suddenly, having a functioning fire extinguisher easily accessible is a crucial safety strategy. Understanding key aspects of the device can ensure it’s in prime operating condition and ready to perform in an emergency.

If your commercial or residential property experience fire damage we are hear to help. Call the fire remediation experts of SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley to remediate the water damage. and to determine the cause of the burst pipe at (617) 332-9000. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."