I'm honestly surprised it took this long.
Since I'm in a safety related field, there are a few things I try and engrain in the minds of people. It never hurts to bring this up every now and then as it could be a matter of life and death.
Whether it's your home, business, auto or toy, NEVER.....NEVER cheap out on safety equipment, especially fire extinguishers.
Here are a few points I like to speak about during these conversations.
1) Never buy a cheap extinguisher without a gauge. The failure rate is anywhere between 28 - 50% brand new, out of the box. That's almost like playing a game of russian roulette.
2) Never buy an extinguisher that has it's handles or valves made of plastic. Whoever thought that was a good idea obviously never needed to try and save something on fire. This is especially true for an extinguisher that is in a vehicle where it is subject to constantly varying heat, cold and vibration. This will kill the plastic components quickly. This point also links to #1 above.
3) Initial cost vs value. In all honesty, the cost between buying an extinguisher from a big box store to the local fire supply is not that much different. Most of the time, you get a good test and refill rate if you have them service one they sell. The box store ones may or not be serviceable which adds cost down the road. I would rather have a quality extinguisher that I know will work for years to come even if it cost me a little more on the front end.
4) Inspect your extinguishers regularly. No matter if it's in your home, business or car, get in the habit of looking at it monthly to make sure it is in good condition, the gauge is in service range and the pin is securely in place. Nothing worse than grabbing one when you need it and it is empty or defective.
5) MOST IMPORTANTLY.........take a class on how to use one and refresh yourself annually or so.
There is a right way and a wrong way to use these. Many people that own one, have them because they are required to or told to, but they don't really have a clue how to use it properly. Many fires are made worse by the person behind the extinguisher.
Aim too high and it's ineffective, wasting all the charge before the fire is smothered. Aim too low and you will spread the fire in a hurry, making it too large for the extinguisher. There is a fairly fine line across the base that must be hit in order to smother it quickly and getting the feel of it comes with practice. Since hopefully you are not using extinguishers on a regular basis, that's where the classes come in. Fire Dept's, Fire supply companies and even some local Community Colleges put on a short seminar and conduct hands on training on how to properly use one. To me, I feel it is worth the investment as the class cost is usually cheap and it only takes about an hour or so out of your time.
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