Proper Fire Extinguisher Use

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

There are four main types of extinguishers

A fire in your Lemon Township, OH, home can easily lead to feeling panicked. If the flames are beyond putting out, get out and call 911. Safety should be the top concern. A smoke and fire damage restoration expert can repair the losses. If you have confidence that is a manageable small fire, the best defense is to grab the fire extinguisher. Before that situation ever happens, it is important to understand the type of extinguishers that are in your home and how to properly use them.

Types of Extinguishers

There are four main types of extinguishers typically found in a home that are used for specific causes of a fire.

Class A: Solid combustibles, such as wood, paper, and fabric
Class B: Flammable liquids, such as oil, petroleum, and gasoline
Class C: Electrical, such as faulty wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances
Class K: Cooking oils and grease, including animal and vegetable fats

Every extinguisher is clearly labeled to ensure it is used in the right situation. There are also some combination extinguishers designed for use on A, B, and C fires. For a kitchen fire caused by grease, a Class B or K should be used.

Proper Use
If the time comes to use a fire extinguisher, below are three important steps to take.

Before using it, determine the safest escape route, as well as a backup route, in case you are unable to put out the fire.
Keep space between you and the fire. A good rule of thumb is a minimum of six feet away.
Face the fire and prepare to follow the PASS method of use. Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze lever or handle to discharge. Sweep nozzle side to side until the fire is out.

A fire extinguisher is the first line of defense for keeping a small flame from turning into a big fire. Beforehand, knowing the types you have and how they work can help you stay a little calmer in a real emergency.