Make an Awesome DIY Fire Extinguisher in 6 Simple Steps – It is no secret that fires are hazardous and costly. They cost billions of dollars in damages that may never be fixed and, more importantly, cost people their lives. Many studies have found that an astonishing number of people are not prepared to deal with a fire emergency.
There is no better way to learn about fire safety than with a DIY fire extinguisher.
Who Should Make a DIY Fire Extinguisher and Why?
Some homeowners do not even have fire extinguishers, and a startling amount of people do not know how to use the ones they own. Studies have also found that renters are often the most vulnerable because they rarely own a fire extinguisher. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.
Whether or not you are a homeowner, it is crucial to have a fire extinguisher on hand. In the meantime, it is fun and useful to practice making a DIY fire extinguisher in case.
Most fires start as small and preventable, but people panic. They do not know the best way to deal with them effectively.
Another reason to make a DIY fire extinguisher is as a science experiment for anyone working with children. For teachers and parents alike, this is valuable knowledge to give children. This experiment is a fantastic way to make fire safety engaging. It has elements of science and creativity.
How to Make a DIY Fire Extinguisher in 6 Easy Steps
But first, here are a few safety tips!
- While the experiment is not designed for application with a large flame, take all the normal fire safety precautions. There are chemicals in the fire extinguisher and open flame, so be careful about letting younger kids take part.
- If you are working with children, please make sure to supervise them carefully at all times.
- Have nothing flammable near the area you are working in and keep a clean environment.
- Have a plan, just in case something happens.
Now that safety is taken care of, here are all the ingredients you will need to make a DIY fire extinguisher.
- Lighter or a box of matches
- Transparent bottle or jar
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Candle
- Towel
Everything is finally ready. Here are the six steps to making a DIY fire extinguisher.
1. Punch a hole in the lid of the bottle or jar so that the reaction can escape.
2. Place a towel under the bottle or jar to catch the ingredients when they spill over. I advise against using paper towels because of the open flame, just in case.
3. Take the vinegar and fill the bottle or jar with it until they are about halfway full.
4. Put a tablespoon (or just a spoonful) of baking soda into the bottle or jar and screw the lid on tightly.
5. The mixture should now bubble, so light the candle with a match or a lighter.
6. Grab the bottle or jar and place it next to the candle’s flame. Aim the hole of the lid at the flame, so the gas pours out but not the liquid inside the bottle or jar. The candle should go out once that happens.
The Science Behind the Scenes
It is probably surprising that such a basic scientific experiment could produce a fire extinguisher. Almost everyone in elementary school has created a reaction with vinegar and baking soda to make a volcano science project or something similar, but how many people knew the same reaction could help put out a flame?
By mixing the vinegar and the baking soda, it created a chemical reaction that made carbon dioxide. The clever thing about this experiment is that fire needs fuel and oxygen to burn, but carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen. By taking away the oxygen, the flame goes out, which is what we did in this experiment by aiming the carbon dioxide from the jar over the flame. Carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen and replaces it, so the fire goes out.
Want to Make the DIY Fire Extinguisher More Powerful? Do Some Experimentation!
The DIY fire extinguisher is not over yet. If you are doing this experiment, why not try different variations?
Add more vinegar and baking soda to produce more carbon dioxide while using a smaller bottle or jar to increase the pressure. Increasing the pressure will make the stream shoot further. If you want something more low-key, then do the opposite. Add less vinegar and baking soda with a larger bottle or jar for less pressure.
Another fantastic addition is adding a straw in the lid’s hole. You may need to widen the hole to get the straw to fit. Then grab some duct tape and secure the straw, and now you can aim your DIY fire extinguisher.
Finally, if you are doing this experiment with children, let them decorate their jars or bottles. With paint or markers, they can have a lot of fun personalizing their DIY fire extinguishers and making them more colorful.
A Final Warning: When You Should NOT Use a DIY Fire Extinguisher
Before you create a DIY fire extinguisher, here are some vital things you must know and tell others if you are sharing this experiment.
This DIY fire extinguisher should not be a substitute for a real fire extinguisher. Unless it is a small and controlled fire, do not attempt to use this to combat a fire. If you are experiencing a fire emergency, please call 911 and evacuate immediately.
While this may seem like common knowledge, I believe it is vital to emphasize that this is not a substitute for a real fire extinguisher and that people must help any children understand this. The last thing anyone wants is a child thinking the first step is to rush into danger with a DIY fire extinguisher instead of evacuating.
As long as everyone knows the correct fire safety protocol, making a DIY fire extinguisher is a great and engaging way to learn more about fire safety. It is useful for children and adults to know how to make a fire extinguisher using basic supplies in six easy steps. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.