Fire Extinguisher Basics: What to Get, Where to Place It and How to Use It

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher Basics: What to Get, Where to Place It and How to Use It

A fire extinguisher is an essential and potentially lifesaving tool every home in Spring Valley, California should have. Owning the right extinguisher, placing it correctly in the home and knowing how to use it ensure you are ready to use the extinguisher if needed.

1. Choose the Right Extinguisher Class

When purchasing a fire extinguisher, consider a Class ABC extinguisher. These are perfect for wood, paper, electrical and liquid fires, like grease, a common kitchen fire cause. You can purchase these at most hardware and big box stores. Select the biggest extinguisher you can comfortably carry. This will provide you with a longer discharge time, pressure and range.

One thing to remember, if you can, is the suppressant in a class ABC extinguisher will damage your oven. If your kitchen fire is small, confined to a saucepan, for example, try to smother it first.

2. Have an Extinguisher for Each Floor

Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher for each level of your home, including the attic if you use it as living space. Equip your garage with an extinguisher as well. Place extinguishers near rooms where fires are common, such as the kitchen.

Make sure you can access an extinguisher easily and quickly, but also do your best to keep them out of the reach of children. Also, keep them away from heating appliances and household items that could easily catch fire.

3. Know How to Use the Extinguisher

There may come a time when you need to use the extinguisher. If you remember the acronym P.A.S.S., you can quickly recall the steps necessary to use the extinguisher:

P: Pull the pin
A: Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire
S: Squeeze the trigger
S: Sweep side to side

Following these steps is sure to help you remember how to properly use an extinguisher. Proper use can expel a kitchen fire, reduce fire damage and save your home.
Visit http://www.SERVPROspringvalleyjamul.com for more information on fire damage.