Fire extinguishers are typically only used in case of emergency. While they are a necessity for home or business, because of how rarely they are used it’s no surprise there would be myths springing up about them.
Fire extinguishers are typically only used in case of emergency. While they are a necessity for home or business, because of how rarely they are used it’s no surprise there would be myths springing up about them. Summer is the time of year where fires are most common, mainly due to hot and dry conditions. But fires can pop up inside residential and commercial all the time.
#1: Tap Fire Extinguishers
The idea of this myth is that by tapping on fire extinguishers, you can ensure that they stay primed for use. What’s inside a fire extinguisher is usually under high pressure. Don’t worry about making sure the fire extinguisher has gone stale. Current extinguishers use chemicals and foams that don’t harden. In fact, tapping on fire extinguishers could actually make them less effective!
#2: Put Fire Extinguishers on Bracket Mounts
The idea behind this myth is that fire extinguishers must always be hung on some kind of bracket. Bracket mounts are great for holding them on a wall. Whether that wall is in a home, a building, or even a boat, it doesn’t actually matter.
The wall and bracket mounts don’t matter because the law doesn’t actually demand fire extinguishers be mounted at all. It does, however, need to be kept in easy to reach places and close at hand, so burying it in the back of the closet is probably a bad idea.
#3: Fire Extinguishers Age Poorly and Expire
Signal flares may be useful to have, but unless you plan on camping or living at sea, you don’t really need them. Fire extinguishers are different from their signal flares cousins in this respect. The key thing is just to keep them in good condition: charge indicator is green, there’s no rust on the cylinder, and the nozzle isn’t blocked.
#4: Legal Codes Require Only One Fire Extinguisher
You should carry as many extinguishers as you need.
Residential and Commercial Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience with design, installation, service, and inspection of residential and commercial fire protection systems. We service clients throughout the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia areas. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.