Fire Extinguisher 101

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Whether faced with a small kitchen fire, flames in a trash can or other minor incident, a fire extinguisher can be your best friend.

Extinguisher 101

If the smoke alarm in your Grasslands, FL, is triggered, it often feels like a scary and chaotic situation. In the case of a small fire, using a fire extinguisher may solve the problem and help avoid extensive repairs by a fire damage and restoration specialist. Before trying to put it out, it is important to consider the situation and know how to use the device.

When to Use

Your home is filled with memories, so trying to save them often immediately comes to mind. Luckily, fires tend to start small. If caught soon enough, having a fire extinguisher is vital to putting it out. Unfortunately, fire spreads fast. Consider the following when deciding if the flames can be extinguished:

• Not all extinguishers are the same.
• Verify that the one in your home is tested and the device is designed for different kinds of fire.
• Ensure everyone in the home has been notified about the fire and emergency services have been called
• Verify you have a safe escape route in case the fires spreads too fast.

Since extinguishers come in many sizes, verify that you are physically able to use them the right way. If in doubt, leave the fire to the professionals.

How to Use

While you may feel confident that you can handle the fire, you may not be as comfortable using the device. Most manufacturers use the same method for use, which is as easy as remembering the word “PASS.”

• Pull the pin
• Aim low
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep side to side

Ensuring the last step is focused on the base of the fire. Continue doing it until the fire is out. If it happens to start up again, repeat the last three steps.

Whether faced with a small kitchen fire, flames in a trash can or other minor incident, a fire extinguisher can be your best friend. Before using it, the safety of everyone in the home needs to be considered first.