Who’s monitoring your alarm? The right home security system puts a professional response team on your side.
Fire extinguisher safety tips
- Use it carefully. The National Fire Prevention Association recommends using the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method when using a fire extinguisher for your safety. Pull the pin. Aim low towards the bottom of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly, and sweep the fire extinguisher from left-to-right.
- Place them near an exit. The NFPA also suggests keeping fire extinguishers near the exit of your home or business. When using the fire extinguisher, walk back towards the exit for a quick, clear way out.
- Check the pressure. Always know your fire extinguisher’s pressure. All extinguishers have a pressure gauge that clearly indicates if pressure is too high or too low to fight fire safely.
- Keep it clean. Although most fire extinguishers are corrosion resistant, keep it free from dust or dirt.
- Read the manual. Understand your fire extinguisher’s directions and label. Every extinguisher is different. Check your extinguisher regularly to make sure they’re free from damage and have the right pressure.
- Know when to go. Keep a fire escape plan in place. If the fire is spreading, exit immediately and call 911.
Dry chemical vs. multipurpose fire extinguishers
Every fire extinguisher is different, and they don’t all fight the same types of fires. There are two popular types of fire extinguishers that most homeowners purchase. Multipurpose fire extinguishers often fight Class A, B and C fires. The second most popular type is a Dry Chemical fire extinguisher that only fights Class B and C fires. Here’s a quick guide to understanding what the different fire classes mean before buying a fire extinguisher.
- Class A – Involve combustibles such as wood, trash or paper
- Class B – Liquid fires that are spread by gas, oil or other flammable liquids
- Class C – Spread by electricity or electrical equipment
- Class D – Metals that are flammable including magnesium, titanium or aluminum
- Class K – Fires that stem from cooking oils and fats
Top 10 Fire Extinguishers
Our take
This fire extinguisher is designed to fight various fires including wood, plastic and gas. This affordable home safety tool is U.S. Coast Guard-approved to be used by marines. Its’ best-selling design is equipped with child-proof safety measures to prevent tampering.
Stand-out features include
- Fights fires that include fires with wood, trash or electrical appliances
- Rechargeable to use more than the one-time standard
- Secured with a metal gauge and metal pull pin to avoid accidental use
- Best Liquid, Electric, and Combustible Fire Extinguisher
Our take
This user-friendly fire extinguisher is designed with a wide range to fight fires in large spaces. It includes a mounting bracket and a recharging unit to use more than once safely. This fire extinguisher helps fight flaming liquid and electrical fires with a UL-rated design.
Stand-out features include
- Fights fires caused by flammable items including plastic, gas and oil
- Uses a mounting bracket to easily secure to the home out of children’s reach
- Includes a 12-year warranty
Our take
This First Alert fire extinguisher includes a metal pull pin that helps avoid accidentally discharging. It’s designed to fight liquid and electrical fires with sodium bicarbonate extinguisher agent. First Alert names this as the best fire extinguisher for your RV.
Stand-out features include
- Includes a mounting bracket and strap to securely place in the home away from pets or kids
- Corrosion-resistant design to avoid rusting over time
- Rechargeable fire extinguisher for multiple uses
Our take
This Amerex fire extinguisher fights against dry chemical, liquid and electrical fires. It includes a fast 14-second discharge time to fight fires quickly. This 5 lb. extinguisher stops the spreading of the chemical response to Class B liquid fires and breaks the electric current to Class C electric fires for your safety.
Stand-out features include
- Includes a wall bracket to safely secure the fire extinguisher within the home
- Fights against liquid, electrical, or combustible fires for your safety
- Fully metal constructed design that’s best to use during fire fighting
Our take
The Kidde Pro 5 fire extinguisher includes a wall mount and 5lbs of CO2 extinguishing agent. The agent is designed to safely use in your home without leaving behind debris or smell to harm your valuables. It uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher to fight fire without contaminating valuables or leaving residue.
Stand-out features include
- Easy to use design by pulling back the safety pin to discharge the fire extinguisher to fight fire
- Fights Class B liquid fires and Class C electrical fires
- Includes a 5-year warranty
Reasons to buy a fire extinguisher for your home
- Environment-friendly – Fire extinguishers have the power to combat fires which can reduce spreading harmful chemicals into the environment.
- Fire control – With the right extinguisher fitting a fire, you may be able to put it out or control it enough to get to safety.
- Home fire safety – A home fire extinguisher is the first step to fire safety preparedness. With a multipurpose fire extinguisher fighting the right fire, it might save your life.
As you prepare your home for fire safety, remember to pick the products that are best for your home. Follow our fire extinguisher safety tips and refer back to our guide along your journey to better home fire preparedness. To compare all of the best fire extinguisher options, browse Amazon’s best selling fire extinguishers or get started with one of our top five picks below.
Fire Extinguisher FAQs
Dry chemical fire extinguishers fight fires when you spray the extinguishers powder agent that controls or smothers the fire. On the other hand, more popular carbon dioxide fire extinguishers spread a liquid turned to gas to smother the fire without leaving a residue.
It’s recommended to stand at least eight feet away from the fire while using the fire extinguisher for your safety, though most extinguishers have a longer range to fight the fire. Remember to always wear protective clothing. Consider keeping gloves, goggles and other safety items near your extinguisher in case of an emergency.
Check your fire extinguisher monthly. Don’t hesitate to take your fire extinguisher to your local fire department for a thorough investigation of pressure, dust, nozzles and more. And remember that after you’ve used the extinguisher, if it’s not rechargeable it should be discarded and replaced.
The average home fire extinguisher costs $15-$25. The cost depends on a few factors including the weight of extinguishing agent in the fire extinguisher and whether or not it’s multipurpose or rechargeable.
