Fire Extinguishers at Home

When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers, intended for the home, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. However, even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions:

• The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.
• The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.
• Some models are unsuitable for use on grease or electical fires.

Select Your Extinguisher

Choose your extinguisher carefully. A fire extinguisher should bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory. It should also be labelled as to the type of fire it is intended to extinguish

The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds.

Classes of fires: There are four classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labelled with standard symbols for for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for use on a given class of fire.

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth paper, rubber, and many plastics.
• Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.
• Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.
• Class D: Combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium and potassium.

Many household fire extinguishers are "multipurpose" A-B-C models, labelled for use on all three classes of fire.

Warning: It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labelled only for Class A fires on grease or electrical fire.

Installation and Maintenance

Extinguishers should be installed in plain view above the rach of children near an escape route and away from stoves and heating appliances.

Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual and ask your dealer how your extinguisher should be inspected and serviced. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once; they must be replaced after one use. Following manufacturer's instructions, check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month.

Remember the word PASS

Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the four-step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once.

• Pull the pin out: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
• Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
• Sweep side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and fourth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area; if the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

Should You Fight The Fire?

Before you beging to fight a fire:

• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving the building.
• Make sure the fire department has been notified by dialing 911.
• Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and that it is not spreading beyond the immediate area.
• Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• Make sure that you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is dangerous to fight a fire under any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately and close off the doors and windows if possible.