rtpkickballer OP t1_j1uuhg7 wrote
I discovered this after seeing this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellthatsucks/comments/zvr8cl/christmas_wreath_burn_down_because_of_candle/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
The product says it can spray for 32 seconds which is 4x longer than other extinguishers and I was ready to call BS on that. But sure enough after a bit of googling, the smaller home extinguishers don’t even last 10 seconds!
Now I’m feeling a bit paranoid since I’ve got a few young kids in the house that can’t even open their bedroom door and would even need to be carried. In the event of an emergency in the middle of the night I can’t even imagine 30 seconds is enough to get everyone out and safe. Am I underestimating how fast we would be moving? Is there a different product I should have to give peace of mind?
Fetlocks_Glistening t1_j1uxh6r wrote
It's smoke that gets people, not fire. Fire alarms and crawling is the answer. So if you're that worried, install smoke alarms and buy a respirator with a filter that works against fire smoke, store it low where you can reach it from all fours with eyes closed. And for some extra fun on a rainy day practice crawling with your eyes closed to the respirator, put it on, crawl to kids bedroom and out the door. (Then see if the neigbours believe your explanation of what you're doing locked out of the house on all fours in your PJs with a gas mask on, and report back pls)
rtpkickballer OP t1_j1x0j9u wrote
We have the alarms and I suppose that really would be what gives us plenty of time to get out and make my new found paranoia unnecessary. :)
thejml2000 t1_j1uxzt2 wrote
Umm, How does fire extinguisher run time correlate to time to escape a fire?
You either spray the fire or you say screw it get out of the house… or spray then throw it down, yell like Bill Paxton in Twister and run like hell to GTfO when it’s insufficient in taking out the fire. You don’t have to be spraying the whole time you’re leaving.
way2funni t1_j1v2bz9 wrote
maybe OP's thinking is worst case scenario with a fire well on it's way to consuming the structure and best hope is just calm/slow/delay the fire's spread to get time to get everyone out which is one way to look at it.
My thought is to have multiple extinguishers prepositioned along with multiple ways out including windows. heavy blankets in the bedrooms hallways. tossed over the back of the couch. etc.
and these throwable extinguishers are amazing in an enclosed space that would challenge a handheld pressurized unit.
They can shut down a kitchen fire in one or 2 shots or make a hole through a larger fire to be able to get out the door.
spend for proper smoke detectors. don't forget the garage if you park indoors.
s-maerken t1_j1va401 wrote
I can only imagine OP is thinking of a scenario where he'll be running through fire filled rooms and extinguishing the flames in his direct path to the exit, like a video game or something.
rtpkickballer OP t1_j1wz4tk wrote
Thanks for coming from a different angle and understanding. Yes worst case scenario where there is a fire on the stairs and section of the floor which is between me and the kids. I would need to be in and out of 3 rooms and then get out of the house.
hannahranga t1_j1z60ac wrote
You're almost certainly better off going out the most convenient door and back in their bedroom window. The way more significant issue is you choking to death from the smoke of whatever's on fire.
PM_ur_Rump t1_j1v10gl wrote
A fire extinguisher either puts out the fire in seconds or it doesn't. If you need more than a few seconds to put out a fire, it's already totally out of control until real fire suppression measures get there, and even then it's generally more of a "prevent spread" thing.
10 seconds is a long time in an emergency. Count ten-mississippis and imagine you're trying to put out a fire.
I've used extinguishers multiple times, and it's usually a couple quick one second bursts to knock the fire out, followed by emptying the thing to be sure it stays out.
thisusedyet t1_j1v3by2 wrote
Seconding what this guy said. If you empty an extinguisher and the fire’s not out, you should’ve been running in the first place
rtpkickballer OP t1_j1wzery wrote
This makes sense. I should probably buy a little one just to get a feel for it. I’ve never sprayed one before so I’m happy thinking I may be underestimating the effectiveness.
adamcoe t1_j1xe7ac wrote
If you go to any fire hall, there's a very decent chance they'll let you blast an extinguisher on something. In many cases (if they have the facilities) they'll even light something up for you and let you put it out. Lots of fire halls do this sort of thing for like, the Boy Scouts or school trips and crap, and most any firefighter will be delighted to show you proper technique and whatnot. Honestly I think every school age kid should get a trip to the local fire hall every so often and get their hands on a real extinguisher, so they're familiar and realize what they're all about, what they can and can't do.
rtpkickballer OP t1_j1xn1jt wrote
I might actually look into this. That’s a really good idea especially if I can get a group involved.
adamcoe t1_j22a9zb wrote
100 percent an awesome idea. As I say, most every fire hall will be more than happy to show anyone who wants to know how to fight a small fire with the tools they're likely to have around them at home or work.
attorneyatslaw t1_j1v7497 wrote
If there is a fire in the middle of the night, you get everyone the hell out first. Then call the fire department. Then if it is safe, get your fire extinguisher and try to put it out.
rtpkickballer OP t1_j1wzly7 wrote
My train of thought was regarding one kept in my room for the sole purpose of getting the family out asap. Everything else is replaceable.
aynrandomness t1_j1voe3h wrote
If plural children is sleeping and there is a non tiny fire I am grabbing the kids and going to the neighboer to wait for the fire men.
Even if there isnt children. I will only put out tiny fires.
My fireman friend told his kids to just leave if it burns. Dont risk your health to save the insurance company money.
rtpkickballer OP t1_j1x00v6 wrote
Absolutely. My thought was regarding a fire separating me from the kids. The stairs are also in between our rooms so if there was a fire blocking the path I would assume it would also be on the stairs and the same extinguisher would be needed to get us out of the house.
aynrandomness t1_j1ys1l5 wrote
Not going to happen. If the fire is such you cannot pass, and you use the exstingisher it will instantly make the room covered in smoke. You are not getting past it twice. I would go outside and break the windows to get the kids out.
Having fire exstibgishers are great for small stuff, and can save a lot of damage and hassle. But anything of size is dangerous.
Focus on prevention. Fire alarms in every occupied room, the ones where all ring if one ring. And being carefull with open flames, used batteries and never cooking unattended.
adamcoe t1_j1xehqe wrote
Yeah there should definitely be one on every floor of your house, plus the kitchen gets its own. As well as any other potentially hazardous area (garage, bbq area, basement if you have like, a workshop or whatever in your basement).
adamcoe t1_j1xdpzp wrote
Fire blankets are also a really good idea, as anyone (including kids) can use them and they're quite effective on say, a stove top that's lit up. Obviously those can get out of hand in a hurry, but in a lot of cases like that, or say, a garbage can or something that's on fire, a blanket can kill it before it gets too big. Obviously if you have any doubt about your ability to fight fire (no matter what tool you have), then get out, but there are plenty of situations where you can contain it if you keep your wits about you, and you have the proper equipment close by. Definitely an extinguisher (hopefully a decent sized one) and a blanket should be mandatory gear on anyone's deck or patio if you have any kind of bbq/grill/smoker happening.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments