subject: Fire Safety: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher [print this page] Fire Safety: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Before an emergency situation occurs in your home, it is important to know that every member of your family knows where your fire extinguisher is kept and how to operate it properly. Although most types of fire extinguishers operate the same way, be sure you know which type of extinguisher you own.
Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories based on the different types of fires they are used for.
Class A extinguishers are for common combustible materials such as paper
products, wood, and most plastics.
Class B extinguishers are for combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease.
Class C extinguishers are used for electrical equipment like wiring, outlets, circuit breakers and appliances.
Class D extinguishers are only used for chemical fires and are typically found in chemical factories and labs.
When an emergency situation does occur remember this simply acronym in order to properly operate your fire extinguisher: PASS
Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire not the flames.
Squeeze lever slowly.
Sweep from side to side.
Be sure to operate the extinguisher at a safe distance from the fire. Once the fire is out, watch the area for a few minutes to be sure nothing re-ignites. Always recharge a fire extinguisher immediately after use, and keep it in the same, accessible place in the house every time.
A good home security system will not only alert your family that a fire is present, but it will also alert local emergency and fire authorities that you need assistance.
