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Almost everyone knows what a fire extinguisher is and that they are important to have in every home and business. However, there is more to know about fire extinguishers. Many may not know that there are different types of extinguishers; the type you use depends on the type of fire you are putting out.

A water fire extinguisher is used for fires that result from paper, wood, plastic and cardboard. It works by having pressurized air that shoots the water out. Using this on electrical or grease fires would make them worse and could spread them faster.

A dry chemical extinguisher works by having pressurized nitrogen which expels either a foam or powder to put the fire out. It will work on the water extinguisher can take off, plus electrical, and flammable liquids. The powder fire extinguisher is sold in both multi-purpose and regular. Multi- purpose is for everything above; the regular does not work on paper, wood, plastic and cardboard.

Co2 fire extinguishers work on fires caused by flammable liquids and electrical fires. It will not do well on paper, cardboard, wood and plastic. It is highly pressurized and uses carbon dioxide to put the fire out.

It is important to know which type of fire extinguisher you have. As mentioned above, using the wrong one can cause the fire to escalate. When you are looking to buy one notice the number rating each one has. The higher the number the more power to fight fires that particular extinguisher has.

It is a good idea to have one in your kitchen, your garage or workshop, and your basement. Check them periodically, at least every couple of months. Make sure that everyone in the home knows where the foam fire extinguishers are and knows how to properly use them. Anytime you use one, be sure that you have it either refilled or replaced with a new one right away, and put back into its space in your home.

Of course you hope to never have to use your fire extinguisher but it is good to know it is there if you ever do need one.