Fire Extinguishers

Portable Fire Extinguishers

A portable fire extinguisher is a special pressurized device that releases chemicals or water to put out a fire. EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE ONE !!!

When used correctly, they can help:
v	Keep small fires from becoming big ones
v	Provide an escape route through a small fire
v	Help control a small fire until the fire department arrives

There are three major classes of fires:
v	Class A - Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth and many plastics
v	Class B - Flammable liquids and gases such as kitchen greases, paints, oil, gasoline
v	Class C - Energized electrical equipment such as electric motors, tools, appliances

Another class of fire that is not usually found in the home is a Class D fire. These are fires involving combustible metals and require a special dry powder extinguisher.

The identifying marks for each of these classes are:
v	Class A - A triangle (may be green) with an “A” inside
v	Class B - A square (may be red) with a “B” inside
v	Class C - A circle (may be blue) with a “C” inside

You must use the right kind of extinguisher for each kind of fire.
v	For Class A fires use water-based extinguishers or multi-purpose dry chemical
v	For B and C fires use carbon dioxide or dry chemical
v	For Class A, B or C fires use multi-purpose dry chemical

Remember, using the wrong type of extinguisher can make a fire worse.
v	Never use water on a Class B fire (it could scatter the fire)
v	Never use water on a Class C fire. Water conducts electricity and could give you a shock.

Choose the right extinguishers for your needs. Identify the probable hazards in your home.
v	The living room, Class A and C hazards
v	The kitchen, Class A, B and C hazards
v	The utility room, Class A, B and C hazards
v	The basement, attic or garage, Class A, B and C hazards
v	Outside the house, Class A and B hazards

Choose an extinguisher that most members of your family could handle, not too large, but big enough to fight a fire. Choose the correct extinguisher for the hazards present. Instruct all family members on the use of extinguishers.

Placement of extinguishers is important. They should be placed along a path of travel, near an exit, close to hazard areas, upstairs, in the basement, in the garage and in the car.

An extinguisher will only work correctly if maintained correctly:
v	Check the pressure gauge
v	Examine the container
v	Have them inspected by a professional
v	Use wall brackets to mount them in an accessible location

If you discover a fire:
v	Look to see what is burning (to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher)
v	Make sure that you have a clear escape route behind you
v	Pull the pin
v	Hold extinguisher upright
v	Get within 8 feet of the fire
v	Aim extinguisher at the base of the fire
v	Sweep extinguisher back and forth
v	If an electrical fire, disconnect the electricity as soon as possible

If the fire gets too big, leave at once.

Report any fire (even a small one) to the fire department.

Remember that smoke alarms are the first line of defense against fires. They will warn you about a fire before it becomes too big to fight or escape.