With so many flammable things in the household, is there a provision for a fire extinguisher in your house? And most importantly, where will you keep it so that it is reachable when a fire breaks out. The best thing is to place it in the most vulnerable spot of your house. If it is easily accessible, the spread of a fire that has just broken out can be quickly controlled then and there.
NFPA: The National Fire Protection States that in 56% percent cases, house fires are confined to their point of origin. However, if the same goes unchecked, they can spread fast and become deadly. If a fire extends beyond the room, it usually causes four out of five deaths and major fire injuries, so it becomes critical to position fire extinguishers in an easily approachable house area.
Some General Guidelines To Follow When Placing A Fire Extinguisher
- Every family member should be aware of the fire extinguisher, keep it oblivious. With the label facing outward, everybody must know how to use it.
- Nothing should block the extinguisher area so that you can easily access it when needed.
- Ensure it is always in working condition, audit regularly, and check when it expires.
Listed below are the six most critical places in your home where you should certainly consider putting a fire extinguisher.
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Near Source Of Heat
As per NFPA, one-fifth of the residential fires are from a piece of heating equipment. From the fireplace to room heater, chimney, or a pellet stove, sift through every corner of the house, making it vulnerable to fire given these heating appliances, and consider installing a fire-extinguisher a safe distance from these devices and yet accessible.
The Kitchen
The kitchens are the most vulnerable places where fire can quickly occur and spread across the house. Cooking devices are the primary cause of home fires and injuries.
You should not place the fire extinguisher very close to the stove, but it should be within 30 feet of distance from the cooking top. Mount your fire extinguisher on the wall of an adjacent room if your kitchen is small.
The Bedrooms
The majority of fires take place at night when you are sleeping. Each room should have access to an extinguisher. There’s no age limit for children; even they can operate it and should be trained to use it. It’s always good to be well equipped to anticipate possible accidents at home rather than sitting, waiting, and wishing for the safety of your home and loved ones.
The Garage
Workshops, sheds, and garages are more prone to fire accidents as many people store their cleaning equipment, inflammable stuff like gas canisters, oils, cable wires, etc. If you use your garage for your work purpose, especially welding work, then you better be equipped and have an extinguisher placed in the closer vicinity to stop the fire immediately if it breaks out. Please make sure that your extinguisher has a warning label for volatile substances.
Each Floor of Your Home
If you have a multi-story house, consider keeping one extinguisher on every floor, including the cellar. Fires are unpredictable and can occur anywhere in the house. You shouldn’t leave candles or the heating appliances unattended. Faulty wiring can cause a fire too, having an extinguisher handy can help you combat a sudden fire raging further.
Patio And Grill
Relaxed weekend cooking on the grill is truly a fun experience but dangerous as well, especially around a fire pit. Propane is a flammable substance, and your charcoal grill can catch fire easily with the fumes of hot coals.
Let’s Wrap Up
Make your house fire-proof with an extinguisher placed in the most vulnerable spots, and be mindful of the following safety measures to avoid any fire accident.
- Fire extinguishers should be in a visible spot in your house.
- Everyone in the family should know where an extinguisher is and should be comfortable using it properly.
- You should make sure to timely refill and service or replace if required.
- Place it necessarily near the heating and cooking appliances but at a safe distance.
When placing fire extinguishers and teaching others how to use one, make sure to create a fire plan for the people in your home. This plan should consist of ways to exit the house if there is a fire and a meeting spot once everyone is out of the house. Stay safe, and always have plans and precautions set in place in case of an emergency.
