How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Not all fire extinguishers are created equally.

While nobody wants to think about a kitchen fire or another type of fire in the home, it is important to protect your space with a fire extinguisher. Use this guide to help you.

Choosing the Right Extinguisher

The first step in fighting fire damage is ensuring you have the proper tools. Not all fire extinguishers are created equally.

Class A: Use for solid combustibles such as cloth or wood.
Class B: Use for gases and flammable liquids.
Class C: Use for electrical fires.
Class D: Use for flammable metal.
Class K: Use for grease and oil fires.

When fighting a fire, never use water on electrical fires or oil or grease fires. Water on an electrical fire can cause electrocution. When you put water on a grease fire, it can cause the flames to shoot out and spread.

Where to Store It

At a minimum, have one fire extinguisher on every level of your home. This is especially important in places where fires are most likely to break out, such as the kitchen or garage. Avoid placing your extinguishers near heating appliances or drapes, which can make it harder to reach them if a fire does break out. Instead, mount them near the doors you would use as an escape route during a fire. Make sure they are high enough that small children and pets can't reach them.

Using It Correctly

Before you begin using your extinguisher, ensure it will do the job. If the fire is taller than you are, exit the room and call 911. Only if it is pressurized, shorter than you and the right type of extinguisher for your fire should you use it. To extinguish a fire, pull the pin and keep the nozzle aimed at the bottom of the flames so you can smother them. Squeeze the trigger and move the nozzle from one side to another, pointing at the base the entire time.

A fire extinguisher can help you to avoid severe fire damage in Lemay, MO. If you purchase a disposable one, remember to replace it when necessary.