The Who What and Where of Fire Extinguishers

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

Place your extinguisher in an easily accessible location

A fire is a nightmare situation for any property owner and it’s one that no one wants to imagine.  That’s why having an emergency plan and proper equipment in place to be ready for the worse case scenario.  It’s is also the best way to possibly help prevent major structural damage by containing the fire more quickly.

They key for fire preparation and safety is to have the proper equipment in place. Having fire extinguishers and smoke alarms within reach and located in critical areas of your property.  The best places for fire extinguishers are:

• Near sources of heat-such as fire places and wood stoves.
•  In a garage or workshop
• In A Laundry Room
•  In A Kitchen (not beside the stove where you may have to reach thru flames to access the extinguisher-but 8-10 feet way from stove)
• On Each Floor or Room of your home

There are several classes of fire extinguishers depending on what type of fire they are being used on.  The types classes of extinguishers are

• Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
• Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires
• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals

If you are confused on what type of extinguisher best fits your needs many local fire departments will be more than happy to explain the differences as well as recommend what’s right for your property as well as demonstrate how to use it.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

There are four steps in using an extinguisher and there is an easy acronym to remember it by: P.A.S.S

• PULL-Pull the pen. 
• AIM-Aim the nozzle low pointing it at the base of the fire
• SQUEEZE-Squeeze the handle to release the fire suppressant
• SWEEP – Sweep nozzle from side to size at the base of the fire until it appears to be out

If the fire reignites repeat these steps and if the fire refuses to die out evacuate immediately and call 911

As the old adage says an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  By purchasing a fire extinguisher it can ensure you and your home are protected in case of a fire.