SAFETY-FIRE EXTINGUISHERS!

The Houston, Texas Fire Department (HFD) makes a number of very informative recommendations concerning fire extinguishers on its website, including those that I have noted here.

Location

1. Fire Extinguishers should be readily visible.

2. Fire Extinguishers should be uniformly distributed throughout a structure/home.

3. Fire Extinguishers should always be easily accessible.

4. Fire Extinguishers should be kept near normal paths of travel.

5. Fire Extinguishers should be kept away from accidental or malicious damage.

6. Fire extinguishers weighing less than 40 pounds should be installed with the top not more than 5 feet from the floor.

Limits

1. Fire Extinguisher must be the right type for the fire. (see "Types")
2. Fire Extinguisher must be large enough for the fire at hand, and must be readily available and in at least working order, and preferably fully charged.
3. Fire Extinguisher operator must know how to use the extinguisher quickly.
4. Fire Extinguisher operator must be strong enough to lift and operate the extinguisher.

Types

1. Type A : Ordinary Combustibles (wood, cloth, rubber, many plastics, etc.)
2. Type B: Flammable Liquids (gasoline and other flammable liquids, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.)
3. Type C: Electrical Equipment (energized electrical equipment, including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.)
4. Type D: Metal Fires
5. Type K : Kitchen ( For use ONLY where cooking equipment involves the use of vegetable or animal oils)

Note: Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Houston, Texas Fire Department by telephone at 713-247-5000 (Day) or 713-884-3143 (night) and/or online at www.houstontx.gov/fire .