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Fire Extinguisher Information

Choosing and using fire extinguishers

With proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers.

Contact the fire department if  you would like fire extinguisher training or have any questions. Help spread the word by sharing the following information and tips for using and maintaining fire extinguishers.

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with flammable metals

Often found in factories

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C.” Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

When to use a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can be helpful on a small fire. Here is a checklist to help you prepare to use a fire extinguisher on a potential fire.

Items to Consider:

  • Have I alerted others in the building that there’s a fire?
  • Has someone called the fire department?
  • Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
  • Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
  • Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
  • Do I have a clear escape route?

Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone. It is not recommended that children use fire extinguishers.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

When operating a fire extinguisher,  remember the word PASS:

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

Importance of Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Check fire extinguishers for:

Easy access in an emergency
Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
The recommended pressure level
Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.
Working parts
Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles aren’t damaged, dented, or rusted.
Cleanliness
Remove any dust, oil, or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
Guidelines and instructions
Some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly, others need to be pressure tested every few years.

** Information above is provided  by the U. S. Fire Administration  https://www.usfa.fema.gov **

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