Fire is one of the most important elements of all. Its usefulness is more than the ordinary. However, the harmful effects which it has, if left unheeded, can also be catastrophic. This is why it is essential that one is able to understand fire, and know the means prevent it.

One of the most common reasons why a house or building got razed to the ground is negligence. Always remember that fire, even if it is such a force to reckon with, is actually preventable. You just have to arm yourself with the proper knowledge in order to assure yourself that if there is a threat of fire, you are equipped to handle it!

Fire prevention is something which everybody should at least have an idea of. For certain, this piece of knowledge will prove to be an excellent tool for anyone who has the privilege of having it. After all, the key to stopping fire is preventing it from occurring.

One of the best means of fire prevention is the fire safety extinguisher. This is actually one of the handiest tools which have been designed to stop and prevent fires. This contraption will provide you with the help that you will need in case of the unfortunate event of a fire happening in your home or office.

Now if you want to understand your fire safety extinguisher, it would be best if you are able to know the types which are available for you. This will allow you to know which are to use in case of emergency. Here are some of them:

Dry Chemical Extinguishers – these can usually be used for multiple purposes. It uses compressed and non-flammable gas as propellant and it also contains an extinguishing agent which helps do the job properly.

Halon Extinguishers – these are often used to protect valuable electrical equipment when extinguishing fire. These contain a gas which alters or interrupts the chemical reaction that occurs when fuels burn. These leave no residue to clean up after the fire is extinguished.

Water Extinguishers –these contain water and compressed gas. These can only be used on ordinary combustible fires, such as those which emanate from paper, wood and the like.

Carbon Dioxide – these extinguishers are used against flammable liquids, like gasoline, oil, grease, and electrical fires. The carbon dioxide inside the extinguisher is stored as a compressed liquid, and when it is used, it cools the surrounding air. However, these extinguishers are most effective when used 3 to 8 feet only from the fire, because Carbon Dioxide disappears or disperses quickly after it is released.

Now, in using a fire safety extinguisher, the procedure is the same regardless of the type. And this is: Pull the Pin of the fire extinguisher, Aim the nozzle to the fire, squeeze the handle to discharge, and sweep until the fire is out.

Knowing fire prevention is an advantage to anyone who knows it. With the proper knowledge, you are assured that you can handle any kind of fire which may come your way.

Mark West gives practical tips on choosing the right fire safety extinguisher and Fire Prevention .