Fire Extinguishers

Portable extinguishers are required for most occupancies for the occupants to address an incipient fire in the early stages, minimizing the risk to occupants. Fire Extinguishers are the first line of defense against small fires. With training, they can be used effectively by almost anybody and they can save lives and property.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

The first thing to do when choosing a fire extinguisher is to decide which rooms in your house need one. You should keep at least one on each level of your house. Make sure you keep fire extinguishers handy where fires are more likely to start, like in the kitchen and garage.

Understanding fire extinguisher classes

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper

Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil

Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires

Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Purchasing your fire extinguisher

Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

Learning how to use your fire extinguisher

Once you've made your purchases, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you'll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are easy to use in the case of a fire and most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

P - Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.

A - Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire.

S - Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.

S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.

If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.