Although most households have a fire extinguisher in their house, they are so rarely used that most people probably don’t know if they still work. What good is a fire extinguisher in an emergency if it has no pressure or the chemicals have separated? In order to be the most prepared as possible in the unfortunate event of a fire, Walker & Frick Construction Co. in Richmond has a few tips about your fire safety.
Where should you keep them?
There should always be a fire extinguisher within a six second reach from anywhere in the house. Some places to keep your fire extinguishers are in the kitchen, laundry room, every bedroom, garage, and vehicles. Since they are not needed often, they tend to get buried under or behind mountains of clutter. Always be sure your fire extinguishers have an unimpeded path for fast access in case of an emergency.
How do you maintain a fire extinguisher?
You don’t need to change the fluids or chemicals in a fire extinguisher; you just need to check that they are still fully functional. At least twice a year you should inspect all fire extinguishers in your home. Make sure they are correctly pressurized, the seals are undamaged, and the tank is free of any rust or damage. If you see any signs that a fire extinguisher may be faulty, it is best to replace it. After you inspect the outside of the tank, give the extinguisher a good thorough shake to make sure the chemicals stay well mixed.
Be Ready
Even though the chances of you having a house fire are slim, you need to be prepared. Get together as a family, and discus fire safety and how to use a fire extinguisher if necessary. Also, you need to have a detailed plan for the entire family to follow in the case of an emergency. Practice this plan a few times a year. In the case of a real fire, call
emergency response immediately. If you need
fire damage services in Richmond contact us today at
804-282-1281.