OK, I'll bet most of us don't have one or it's real old...I'm honest, I did but don't anymore. Well folks, that changes ASAP...and we're getting one for the kids as well.
Here's what I found out:
According the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. public fire departments in 2004 responded to an estimated 266,500 highway-type vehicle fires. These fires claimed 520 lives and caused $969 million in direct property damage. NFPA estimates that one (17%) of every six reported fires involves a highway-type vehicle and 13% of all civilian fire deaths. On average, more than 30 highway vehicle fires were reported per hour. More than two-thirds of highway vehicle fires resulted from mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions.
Highway vehicles include cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles commonly driven on roads or highways.
Get one that UL approved:
The reputation of Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. for testing for the public safety is renowned (see http://www.ul.com). As a major retailer, it is no doubt known to you and valued by your internal risk managers who assess the products you offer for sale. On a dry chemical extinguisher, the UL® Mark is a positive representation to the consumer that the extinguisher meets or exceeds the requirements of the NFPA 10, ANSI/UL 711 and ANSI/UL 299 safety standards discussed above. For the retailer, it is a valuable independent third-party validation of an extinguisher's compliance with these requirements-requirements that by law must be met in order for the retailer to lawfully sell the extinguisher in most states.
UL does more than allow a manufacturer to display the UL® Mark on a fire extinguisher. As an integral part of this authorization is a continuous process of scrutiny by UL of the manufacturer's manufacturing and quality assurance processes by regular on site in-plant inspections of the manufacturing facilities, QC controls and recordkeeping. All of this adds up to an increased level of comfort to you, the retailer that the fire extinguisher you are selling to the public will perform, and will protect life and property.
Rating symbols:
What you need:
What Type of Fire Extinguisher is Best-Suited for a Car?
Your vehicle presents several different fire hazards: oil, gas, electrical wires and upholstery. Your car fire extinguisher must be able to handle every possible mishap.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are the best choice for a vehicle or boat. The fire repellent inside is rated for use on any A, B and C or E class of fire (depending on your national fire classifications). This means that a dry powder car fire extinguisher will fight fuel and electrical related fires, as well as common organic combustibles such as upholstery, paper, cloth and wood products that are integral to your vehicle.
Therefore you will need...
Dry Chemical, standard type: Useful on Class B and C fires. Leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned up immediately to prevent damage to electrical equipment. Best uses are automotive, grease fires and flammable liquids.
or
Halogenated Agents: Useful on Class A, B and C fires depending on agent used, check label. Expensive but very versatile and clean. Leaves no residue. Mildly toxic. Excellent for delicate computers and electrical equipment. Also good for flammable liquids and automotive use. This is one of the best all around choices for offices, however, environmental restrictions and rising costs limit availability.
And get the biggest one you can STORE SECURELY in your vehicle...
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General Properties of a Quality Car Fire Extinguisher
Shopping for a fire extinguisher to store in your vehicle for safety purposes can be overwhelming. Here are some essential features to look for:
- Light weight - under 2 lb is ideal
- Compact shape – an elongated, cylinder shape is practical
- Durable body – preferably aluminum as that material is corrosion-free and light
- Ready filled – available for immediate use
- Easily serviced – can be filled and serviced by a regular fire services company
- Storage clip or mount included – an under-seat or trunk mount is convenient, and some have useful clips that hook unto other places in the vehicle
- Controlled discharge – should have a durable and controlled trigger
- Good warranty – to ensure you are protected from faulty manufacturing
- Certified to Local Fire Standards - always buy a fire extinguisher that has been labeled with local certification.
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I got extinguishers (car and kitchen) for us and the kids from Smoke Alert Home Fire Safety. While they are small and their prices, while still good, are not the cheapest, they are owned and operated by firemen, gave me great service and advice (via several long Emails). This is well worth the buck or two more in my book.
Here's our units...and they are in the vehicles!
The Kidde Auto unit is fitted with a pressure gauge that provides at-a-glance status. It is manufactured from lightweight aluminum and a tough nylon valve assembly. Suitable for use on Class B (liquids and gases) and Class C (energized electrical equipment) fires. Easy-to-read gauge tells you fire extinguisher is charged and ready for use. Clear instruction label using graphics to show steps required to operate extinguisher. Easy-to-pull safety pin. Rust and impact resistant nylon handle. 2 pounds of fire extinguishing agent (average). Six year limited warranty. UL approved strap retention bracket.
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Joe Doakes
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