Fight Fire With An Extinguisher

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Aim correctly towards the base of the fire

In case of Fire, do you know how to properly use a Fire Extinguisher? How about which to buy? It is always best to be prepared to fight a fire if it is possible, small enough and controlled enough to do so. If a fire is already getting out of control, or your extinguisher is not handy or blocked by the fire than for your own safety get outside and do not try to extinguish.

How to use a fire extinguisher:

Do you know what PASS stands for? It is something everyone in your home and business should know in order to be able to best try to extinguish a fire. PASS refers to how to use a fire extinguisher properly.

P- Pull the pin out

A- Aim the nozzle towards the bottom and base of the fire

S-Slowly squeeze the lever on the extinguisher

S-Sweep the extinguisher by moving the spray side to side over the bottom and base of the fire

If you are not using a fire extinguisher properly, you may avoid extinguishing a fire that otherwise you would have been able to put out.

Which type(s) to choose:

It is important if you are the one purchasing an extinguisher, to make sure that you have the right fire extinguishers, plural, in your home and business. That’s right. There are FOUR different classes of fire extinguishers. Knowing what each class may help to extinguish will help you to best choose the right one(s) to protect your home or business.

Class A- Will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper.

Class B- Are for use on flammable liquids like grease, oil and gasoline.

Class C- Suitable for use only on electrically energized fires.

Class D- Are designed for use on flammable metals only.

There are multipurpose fire extinguishers available which can therefore be used on different types of fires. These multipurpose extinguishers will be labeled with more than one class. For example, it may say A-B, or B-C, or

A-B-C on it.

Make sure that you are getting the correct one that could worst best for the type of fires you might experience.

Safety first:

Larger fire extinguisher are not better if you, your family or colleagues will not be able to lift it. One must be able to lift and hold a fire extinguisher while in use. It is not possible to use one properly if it is too heavy for the person using it.

Where to keep them:

Think about where you will need them. The kitchen or garage are two rooms to definitely store fire extinguishers in as they are two of the most likely locations where a fire may start. You should also always make sure to have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of your home. The larger your home or business, the more fire extinguishers you should have throughout and on each level.

Make sure that fire extinguishers are labeled, visible and easily accessible to everyone. Be certain to ensure that each family member or colleague knows where they all are kept throughout your home or office.

Don’t forget about your car! It is just as important to keep the right fire extinguisher in your car as it is in your home and business.

Practice, practice, practice:

It is a good idea to ensure that every family member or colleague knows how to operate a fire extinguisher. If you need assistance contact your local Fire Department. They would be happy to demonstrate for you on how to properly use a fire extinguisher. They will also allow for you, your family or colleagues to try to extinguish a fire by using an extinguisher in front of them. Often, they will schedule to come to you, but you can also go to them.

By making sure to purchase and have the right fire extinguisher(s) on hand where you may need them, ensures that you may be able to protect your home, car or business in case of a fire. Most importantly you’d also be protecting your family, colleagues and yourself.

If your home or business experiences fire damage SERVPRO Greensboro North, Burlington, Kernersville is here for you. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772.