Fire extinguishers critical

To guard against small fires or to keep a small fire from developing into a big one, every home should be equipped with fire extinguisher.

Install fire extinguishers on every level of the home and include the kitchen, basement and garage.

Extinguishers are classified according to the class of fire for which they are suitable

Class A - Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash an plastics.

Class B- Class B fires involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers and other oil-based products. Class B fires often spread rapidly. Unless they are properly suppressed, they can re-flash.

Class C - Class C fires involve energized equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery or appliances. They can be caused by a spark, a power surge, or a short circuit and typically occur in locations that may be difficult to see or reach.

Class D - Class D fires involve combustible metals.

A typical home of office fire extinguisher should have an ABC rating.