Understand The Importance Of Fire Extinguishers
Fire safety is of the utmost importance and fire hazards are a clear and present danger in modern society; one of the best tools to reduce fire hazards and to fight fires is fire extinguishers. It is the law for most businesses to have them but for some reason many people still overlook these potential life savers!
Fire extinguishers are just like decorations to a lot of people; despite their strong red colour. Despite that It is essential that they get regular fire safety inspection.
People have many crazy stories and claims about how they make great toys or they have set one off at a drunken party etc. etc. The real facts we should be focusing on are a little more serious. Over 600 businesses and non-residential buildings are saved from going up in flames by the help of fire extinguishers EVERY DAY!
That is in the USA alone, so imagine how many there are across the entire globe!
Stating The Facts
Recent studies and reports have revealed some interesting facts. The following information was provided by the National Fire Protection Association.
- In 2008 the US fire service responded to nearly 1.5 million fires
- This included 3320 civilian deaths, 16705 sustained injuries and over $15 Billion in direct property loss.
- 112000 of those fires were in public or commercial buildings.
- $3.811 Billion of that damage took place in public and commercial buildings.
That works out at an average loss of $34000 per incident. That is an higher than the average person in the US makes in a year!
If these facts do not raise an eyebrow there is much more to be known! Fire extinguishers can handle and put out 80 percent of fires caused; this meant that 75% of those cases did not require help from a fire engine or the fire services department.
Precautions When Using An Extinguisher
Experts advise that you should only attempt to extinguish a fire when everybody else has been evacuated from the building or area; plus the fire department should ALWAYS be notified.
As much as you want to save your property or items; remember that lives cost more than property!
Always make sure you have a planned exit route before you use the extinguisher to tackle the fire; try to contain the fire so it does not spread further and by all means do not let the fire surround you.
Once the room is completely filled with smoke, it is time to get out of there as damage can be harmful and may render you unconscious. Remember that different extinguishers are designed to put out different fires. You would never use a water based extinguisher to put out an electrical fire!
Do your research on what kind of extinguisher is designed to put out which type of fire, research and keep yourself informed. Failure to be prepared can have tragic consequences.
It is vital that you get an annual fire safety inspection carried out on your fire extinguisher; to make sure that it is in the correct place, clear from obstruction, the pressure is correct and that any seals have not been tampered with nor need replacing.
Stay safe!