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Most home fires start in the kitchen. While they can begin small, they can spread very quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher somewhere in this room.
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Pictured here is a fairly typical kind of fire extinguisher you’d ideally have in the kitchen. While this is one of the most effective fire prevention tools to have in the home, its size can make it tough to find a convenient spot for it in the kitchen that's close at hand in case of a fire.
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With that in mind, First Alert has come out with a fire suppressant in an aerosol can.
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| To demonstrate how well it works, and how best to use it, here are simulations of several levels of grease fire in a controlled, outdoor setting.
In this example, the fire is contained just to the pan. |
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The fire was quickly extinguished by spraying with the aerosol from a distance of 3 to 4 feet.
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In the next test, we’ve allowed the fire to get larger, spreading onto the stovetop.
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It takes just a bit longer, but the aerosol is up to the task again. As with any fire extinguisher or suppressant, concentrate your spray on the base of the fire.
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In the final version of our non-scientific trial, the fire has engulfed the stovetop and is beginning to spread to the wall behind it.
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After about 30 seconds of slowly, steadily sweeping the suppressant back and forth across the base of the flames, they subside and are extinguished.
Step gradually closer as the fire diminishes for maximum effectiveness.
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Overall, the suppressant performs fairly well. Of course, the choice as to whether or not to use a fire suppressant or extinguisher is an individual one. And remember, regardless of what tools you have on hand to deal with a kitchen fire, your first priority should always be to get your family safely out of the house and to call 911.
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A few important points about extinguishers:
First of all, never place them near where a fire might start. You don’t want to be reaching toward the flames to get your hands on the extinguisher.
At the same time, you might want to keep them out of the reach of smaller children. The high cupboard picture to the right, several cupboards away from the stove, might be a good storage place.
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Second, and most important,
always leave yourself a clear escape route just in case your efforts at putting the fire out are unsuccessful.
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