How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Know how to properly use a fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is one of the best tools to have in your home for dousing a small fire before it can spread. However, to be effective, everyone in your household needs to know how to use it.

Purchase the Right Kind of Extinguisher

When purchasing extinguishers for your home, select the right kind for the type of fires you may encounter. There are four main classes of extinguisher:

• Class A is for solid combustibles, such as paper, wood and cloth.
  
• Class B is for flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil and petroleum.
  
• Class C is for electrical fires, such as those started by faulty wiring, appliances or fuse boxes.
  
• Class K is for grease fires, such as those that may occur in a kitchen fire.
  
  

Most extinguishers intended for home use are multipurpose and rated for A, B and C classes. Household extinguishers are also rated for the size fire they can extinguish, with higher numbers corresponding to larger fires.

Properly Operate Your Extinguisher

Before you attempt to use your fire extinguisher, first identify an evacuation route, so that if you are unable to douse the fire, you can quickly escape. Stand facing the fire, with your back to the exit. Remain six to eight feet from the fire. Pull the pin on the extinguisher. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Compress the lever or handle to operate the extinguisher. Sweep the nozzle in a side to side motion, while continuing to point the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.

Know What To Do Next

When the flames go out, continue to observe the area for reignition. Call the fire department to inspect the fire damage. Get to a safe place. Contact a fire restoration professional in Roanoke Rapids, NC.
Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can help you reduce fire hazards in your home. However, if you can not safely douse a fire, evacuate and call 911.