Fire Extinguisher Safety

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

An in-home fire can be devastating, especially if the fire is not quickly put out. It is critical that homeowners understand the value of having and knowing how to use a fire extinguisher. 

There are numerous types of fire extinguishers and it is important to make sure you are using the correct one to prevent major damage. When deciding which kind to use, you may consider what types of fires are most likely to occur in that area. For example, to extinguish a kitchen fire caused by grease, you may want to have a Type B extinguisher. It can also be helpful to have extinguishers that can put out various types of fires.

It is appropriate to place extinguishers in areas that are prone to fires. Common locations to place a fire extinguisher can include garages, where gasoline could catch fire, kitchens, where grease may cause a fire, and near electrical equipment that could spark a fire. Not placing it in certain locations could result in major damage that necessitates help from fire damage restoration. 

It is important to act fast when extinguishing a fire. The acronym P.A.S.S. can be helpful to remember when learning how to use an extinguisher. P.A.S.S. stands for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep; when using an extinguisher, a person should pull the pin in order to break the seal, aim toward the lowest part of the fire, squeeze the extinguisher’s handle, and then sweep back and forth to fully extinguish the fire. 

Knowing how to use extinguishers can help you feel more prepared to handle a fire in your home. It’s often wise to know what type of fire extinguisher to use in different situations, how many extinguishers you should have in your home, and how to use an extinguisher.