Fire Extinguisher In The Home

[FireGurl]

To protect your family and your home -
have a good fire extinguisher close at hand and know how to use it


In case of fire - stay calm

· Get everyone out of the building.

· Call the fire department.

· Then, if the fire is small, use appropriate extinguisher, leaving yourself an escape route.

Every home should be equipped with one or more fire extinguishers and every person in the home should know how to
use them properly.

Before you buy an extinguisher, make sure it has the ABC symbols on it. The type that suppresses all three classes is a
dry chemical multipurpose type extinguisher. The dry chemical blankets the fuel with powder and smothers the fire.

For maximum protection in kitchen and garage fires, a portable fire extinguisher that will extinguish a class A, B, and C fire is recommended.

Class A - Fires consisting of burning wood, cloth, paper, rubbish or plastic.
Class B - Fires of burning paint, grease, oil, or gasoline.
Class C - Fires occurring in electric motors, electrical panels, and electrical wiring.


PROPER LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IS IMPORTANT
Put the right extinguisher in the right places. Place them throughout the house (at least one per floor), near exits, in full
view so they can be reached quickly and easily.


PROPER MAINTENANCE IS A MUST
Check fire extinguishers regularly according to manufacture's instructions.

FireGurl's Note:
When useing an extinguisher, always sweep the base of the fire. By shooting into the flames you may shoot over the fire and miss what is actualy burning.

[FireGuy]

Fire Extinguisher Operation
The information given here describes how a fire extinguisher should be used to fight a fire. However, do not believe, because you have read this, that you know how to use a fire extinguisher! If you really want to learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly (and you should), you should seek out a hands-on training class in which you will have the opportunity to put out some real fires using portable extinguishers. Such classes are often offered free of charge through the Fire Department.

To remember how to use a fire extinguisher, think of putting out the fire as a test you must PASS.
P Pull the locking pin.
A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S Squeeze the trigger all the way closed.
S Sweep the extinguisher discharge side to side over the area of the fire.


When should you fight a fire?
In the event of a fire, your personal safety is your most important concern. You are not required to fight a fire. If all of the following conditions are met, then you may choose to use a fire extinguisher against the fire. If any of the conditions is not met, or you have even the slightest doubt about your personal safety, do not fight the fire.

Attempt to use a fire extinguisher if and only if...

The fire alarm has been pulled and 911 has been called.
The fire is small and contained.
You know your escape route and can fight the fire with your back to the exit.
You know what kind of extinguisher is required.
The correct extinguisher is immediately at hand.
You have been trained in how to use the extinguisher.