How to use a Fire Extinguisher

              How to use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are helpful for putting out small fires. You can contact your local fire department for fire extinguisher training. Or, follow these simple recommendations from the U.S. Fire Administration. To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word “PASS:”

 

• Pull the pin. Hold the fire extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and remove the pin to unlock it.
• Aim low. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

 

Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly and tested by a professional every few years.

 

Different types of fire extinguishers :-

It’s also useful to know that there are five different types of fire extinguishers for putting out different kinds of fires.

• Class A extinguishers:-  For use on materials like cloth, wood, and paper.
• Class B extinguishers:-  For use on combustible and flammable liquids like oil,                                                         gasoline, and grease.
• Class C extinguishers:-  Best for electrical equipment and appliances like stoves,                                                    televisions and computers.
• Class D extinguishers:-  For use with flammable metals.
• Class K extinguishers:-  Best for cooking oils commonly found in commercial kitchens,                                             including vegetable oil.

 

Most dwellings have a multipurpose extinguisher that covers Classes A, B, and C. You can purchase these types of fire extinguishers at any home improvement store.

           Create a Fire Escape Plan with your Family

Home fires can rapidly spread, and every second counts. Having a plan in place where you and your family can get out of the house in under two minutes once the alarm sounds is critical for your family’s safety.

Everyone in your family should know how to dial 9-1-1 in the case of emergency. In addition, teach your children what a smoke alarms sounds like and what to do if they hear one. You should also establish and practice a fire escape plan, especially if you have small children. Here some tips for creating your fire escape plan:

• Draw a floor plan of your entire house that shows all the doors and windows.
• Show and discuss the plan with everyone in the house.
• Identify at least two ways out of every room, if possible. This could be through doors or windows.
• Once outside, everyone should meet at an agreed upon meeting place a safe distance from the house. It could be the mailbox or the neighbor’s fence. Just make sure it is easy for young children to get there.
• Teach children that if a doorknob is hot, you should NOT open the door.
• Teach children how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
• Teach your kids to crawl on their hands and knees if they see smoke.
  
• Take your child to the fire house to meet a firefighter. This way, they learn what a firefighter looks like in their fire gear.
• Teach your child to never hide under the bed or in the closet.

There’s no 100 percent guarantee that a fire will never happen in your home. That’s why it pays to be prepared and take steps to reduce the risk of a home fire. Follow the three “P’s” – prevent, plan, and practice. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, your family has a fire escape plan, and you have practiced it.