According to statistics provided by the (NFPA) National Fire Protection Agency, the United States experiences approximately 3,500 incidents of fire outbreaks in residential and commercial buildings each year. This damages millions of dollars of property and sometimes also leads to the death or injury of civilians.
But by taking concrete preventive action, one can safeguard their property and life from meeting a miserable fate. One such action we will discuss here is using fire extinguisher services in your commercial and residential property. Here we will be exploring the importance of fire extinguishers and also look into the inspection and maintenance steps that individuals can take to protect their property.
Table of Contents
Importance of Fire Extinguisher
Fire safety is one of the most vital elements to keep your workplace and house safe from any unexpected destruction, and fire extinguishers play a significant role in handling the situation. Whether a simple apartment or a grand complex, a simple fire extinguisher can provide plenty of benefits for protecting your property from destruction.
Helps in Handling the Situation
Almost 80% of fire incidents are said to be curbed with the help of fire extinguishers. There have been various studies that state how easily fire extinguishers can handle the case.
Protects the Environment
Fire extinguisher services are quite beneficial for getting rid of minor fire incidents. But did you know they also provide benefits to the environment? As fire extinguishers control fire, they limit the amount of pollution which gets created due to burning debris.
Limits Property Damage
A fire can destroy buildings and property in minutes. With the help of a fire extinguisher, one can minimize the damage and suppress the flames before they start engulfing the whole area. This drops the damage and repair costs at a significant rate.
Provides Peace of Mind
By having an operative and accessible fire extinguisher handy, an individual can stay at peace knowing they can safeguard themselves in case of a fire breakout.
Benefits of Insurance Premium
If your home or other property is equipped with proper fire extinguisher services, there are chances that you might get some reduction in your premium. Some insurance providers offer incentives for home or property owners who have installed and maintained extinguishers.
Inspection and Maintenance of Fire Extinguisher
Maintenance and Inspection are the two most essential points to ensure your fire extinguisher is ready to operate whenever required. Here are few steps that needs to be followed to get proper extinguisher services at any time:
Timely Inspection
Fire extinguishers must undergo regular inspections according to various states and cities’ fire codes and regulations. With regular Inspection, one can be assured that they won’t have to face any hassle in times of need. It’s best that the Inspection is performed under a trained and certified professional so that any potential issues or defects can be inspected timely. A professional will go through each aspect, from exterior condition to interior issues.
Component Maintenance
Along with inspecting the fire extinguisher, maintaining each component separately is also important. A qualified technician will always look through the O-ring, valve, and hose areas to check for any blockages, corrosion, physical damage & leaks.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing includes internal and external examination of the fire extinguisher and is one of the major steps when it comes to maintenance. With the help of this process, technicians can detect whether or not there is an issue with the extinguisher. It reassures the owner that the equipment meets the safety standard and will perform well during difficult times.
Refilling and Recharging
Recharging and refilling both are necessary for maintaining the longevity of the fire extinguisher. If the pressure has dropped or the fire extinguisher has been discharged partially or completely, you may be required to recharge or refill it. A technician will replenish the extinguisher with an agent to ensure it is ready for use.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are a crucial safety tool for protecting the lives of people from fire. With the help of this equipment one can protect their property from massive damage and, along with that, also ensure that the environment remains unharmed. As a property owner or homeowner, you must diligently and regularly inspect the fire extinguisher in your possession.
One can create a safer environment and peace around them by prioritising the maintenance and inspection part.
