No one plans for a fire to occur. That is why selecting the proper fire equipment for your application is imperative for remaining safe and protected in the event that a small or large fire breaks out. For the average Iowa resident, knowing which equipment and fire suppression systems to invest in can be a bit of a mystery. That’s why finding the right distributer of fire equipment in Iowa with years of experience in the industry can help you make the proper selection for your needs. Here are some of the best pieces of fire equipment for the everyday homeowner.
Everyone Needs a Fire Extinguisher
As you probably guessed, having a fire extinguisher in the home is especially important for stopping any small fires in their tracks. Generally, you should try to have at least two types: Class A and Class K.
Class A Fire Extinguisher
The most conventional fire extinguisher on the market, Class A extinguishers are designed to suppress fires stared with ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastic. These extinguishers could be great for most spaces in the home without special hazards.
Class K Fire Extinguisher
Using a chemical agent specifically formulated for kitchen fires and oils, Class K fire extinguishers are an essential safety tool for any home’s kitchen. Since conventional Class A fire extinguishers use water to put out the flames, using them on lower density cooking oils and grease could actually cause a liquid kitchen fire to splash and spread around the room. Comprised of common alkaline mixtures like potassium acetate, potassium citrate, and potassium carbonate, these extinguishers are specially formulated to interact with various cooking media in such a way that it produces a layer of cooling foam and prevents oxygen from permeating through and feeding the flames.
While many people have one in the home, it may have been sitting in the same corner untouched for years.
Here are some more fire safety tips relating to your fire extinguisher and its use: Fire Safety Tips Size can Make a Difference Depending on the size of your space, make sure you will have an adequate amount of extinguishing power to fight or minimize any small fires, before help arrives.
Smother/Contain the Flames It is wise to contain the fire in a waste basket or damp towel if possible.
Any way you can cut off the fire’s source of oxygen safely is good.
This can also help prevent the spread of the fire, and minimize any damage.
Call 911 One of the first things you should do, calling 911 will send the appropriate emergency response to your door.
CO2 fire extinguisher discharges CO2 gas, also known as carbon dioxide.
This is stored in the extinguisher as a liquid, and the gas is created under pressure when the handle of the extinguisher is squeezed.This causes the CO2 gas to emerge at great speed, which is why CO2 fire extinguishers are not recommended for chip pan fires – they could literally blast the flames into surrounding areas.Unlike water and foam extinguishers, CO2 fire extinguishers do not work by cooling the fire and so are ineffective on fires involving flammable solids.Instead, CO2 extinguisher work by replacing the oxygen surrounding the flames with carbon dioxide, meaning the fire can no longer burn.
Precaution: Fire extinguisher refilling and maintenance is necessary once in a year.
