How do you protect your home or place of business from a fire? You might have a basic understanding of essential fire equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, but do you know how to tell the difference between different fire extinguisher types? This guide will help you more fully understand the essentials or fire equipment, including their purchase, installation, and inspection.

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

When you buy fire equipment for your home or business, you should consider the types of fires that you might have to put out. Different fire extinguisher types are more effective against certain kinds of fires. A water fire extinguisher, for example, is useful for wood or paper fires but should not be used in putting out electrical fires. Such an extinguisher is usually best saved for camping trips and environments when you don’t have to deal with electrical or chemical fires. Foam fire extinguishers help prevent re-ignition in gas or electric fires. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are good for fires that have a liquid base, such as grease or oil. When evaluating different fire extinguisher types, carefully consider the environment in which they may see use.

Choosing Smoke Alarms

Every building should have multiple smoke detectors. In most residents, these alarms run on 9-volt batteries. However, you can make sure to get more reliability out of your fire equipment if you have the smoke detectors wired into your building’s electric grid. This guarantees constant power without having to change batteries. Hardwired smoke detectors have battery backups, so you remain protected even if the power goes out. Even if you wire your smoke alarms into your electric grid, however, you should also schedule a fire equipment inspection at least once a year. This inspection helps to make sure that everything is in good working order.

Inspecting Fire Equipment

Scheduling a fire equipment inspection at least once a year is the best way to make sure that your equipment is still in good working order. A fire equipment inspection usually involves an on-site visit, during which time the inspector reviews your equipment and tests it where possible. Having a professional perform an annual fire equipment inspection also provides you with the opportunity to get advice regarding fire safety in the building. For example, if a certain room represents a bigger fire hazard than others, the inspector might suggest that you place an additional fire extinguisher or smoke detector nearby. This can also help you understand the latest developments and improvements in fire safety technology. The more up to date you are on the matter, the better your fire safety becomes.

Fire safety is something that you should keep in mind whenever you make any changes to your home or business. In addition, be sure to maintain your safety equipment properly and seek out a professional who can perform an inspection when needed. Hopefully, you will never have to use your equipment. Unfortunately, there is always the chance that a fire happens, and you need to do what you can in order to remain prepared.