FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
In America, a fire starts in a residential home every 83 seconds. Of ALL fires, 74% occur in a home just like yours. That’s why a fire extinguisher mounted within easy reach is so important as part of your Home Safety Plan. If you are able to react to a fire when it starts – whether it starts in the kitchen, garage, or any other room in your home – chances are good that you can stop the fire with the right type of extinguisher.
HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Even though Fire Extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a similar manner.
Here’s an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use:
P.A.S.S. —
PULL, AIM, SQUEEZE, AND SWEEP
- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.
- Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.
- Stand approximately 8 feet away from the fire and Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.
- Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite!
Remember, to correctly use your extinguisher use P.A.S.S.
