Saginaw Street and Strip

FIRE SAFTY!!

Does anyone have any Fire Extinguishers in there Garage?

If so what kinds?

I have 2
A 2.5 Lb. one and a 5Lb. one.
they are the ABC Dry Chemical stlye.

but I hear that they are a real mess after the FIRE...
Dry chemical extinguishers can be quite corrosive to metals.


SoI'm looking into getting some of these..
Halotron Fire Extinguishers
http://www.smokesign.com/5lbhafiex.html

but there only b and c rated.


Halotron I extinguishers, like carbon dioxide units, are "clean agents" that leave no residue after discharge. Halotron I is less damaging to the Earth's ozone layer than Halon 1211 (which was banned by international agreements starting in 1994). This "clean agent" discharges as a liquid, has high visibility during dischage, does not cause thermal or static shock, leaves no residue and is non-conducting. These properties make it ideal for computer rooms, clean rooms, telecommunications equipment, and electronics. These superior properties of Halotron I come at a higher cost relative to carbon dioxide.


video on how they work
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1213900614/bctid1437089851

Extinguisher Ratings
Fire extinguishers are rated by the type of fire they can put out.




Class A extinguishers can put out fires from "ordinary combustibles" such as wood, plastic or paper. Class B can put out burning liquids such as gasoline or grease. Class C can put out electrical fires. Extinguishers marked A, B and C can put out all types. Class D extinguishers, designed to put out burning metal, are rare. Check the letters and pictures on your extinguisher to find out what it can handle

Garage Safety: Fire Prevention
An unplanned fire anywhere is dangerous --- sometimes even deadly --- but garage fires can often wreak a great deal more havoc. Not only are they detected less quickly than fires that begin in the house, they often spread more quickly and more violently. A simple spark in the garage can lead to a house explosion if you are not careful as to what materials are kept in this volatile area.

Garages are prime places for fires to start. This is because many people store both combustible materials and fire starters in their garages. While it's better that you keep these items in your garage rather than inside your house, it is vital that you store them properly and in an organized fashion.

Flammable Liquids
Substances like gasoline, oil, and paints are very flammable and are commonly found in garages. If you need to store these materials, make sure that you do so only in very small amounts. Keep each flammable substance in a small, sealed contained that is clearly labeled with its contents. Store these containers away from appliances, heaters, pilot lights and other sources of flame or heat.

Never store propane cylinders indoors. They are sturdy enough to stay outside, and the risk of them catching fire indoors is just too great. Propane is highly combustible, and a tank full of it would promptly cause a deadly explosion.

Always clean up any spill that occurs in the garage. If you find an unidentified liquid, look for the source, and make sure to remove it all. Don't just leave it there --- it could mean your life.

Fire Starters
It's inevitable that you will store some flammable items or substances in your garage. But you can control the risk of these combustibles catching fire. Educate yourself on the things you should avoid.

For one, never smoke in your garage. Forgotten matches and cigarettes butts start millions of fires each year.

You'll also need to be aware of the electrical situation in your garage. A spark from a careless wiring job could mean a huge fire. Be careful to use light bulbs with the proper wattage in your garage. The light fixture should indicate how many watts it can support. Do not exceed this limit, or you will risk starting an electrical fire. Also, do not overload outlets. Keep all cords and wires taped down so they are not yanked or twisted.

Mess
One of the easiest things you can do to prevent a garage fire is to keep the area clean. Do not allow piles of junk to build up. Install shelving units and simply throw things away. Make sure that you dispose of trash at every opportunity. Household trash is full of flammables, and easy to get rid of. Once a month, clean the garage of dust, cobwebs, and trash, which can interfere with the electrical system.