Be set up for any accidents by having fire extinguishers deliberately put around your home — at least one on every floor and in the kitchen (this one should be a generally useful extinguisher, which means it can be utilized on oil and electrical fires), the basement, the carport, or workshop area. Keep them out of reach of children.
Fire extinguishers are best used when a fire is contained in a small area, like a wastebasket, and when the fire department has already been called.
The NFPA says to remember the word PASS when operating an extinguisher:
- Pull the pin. Release the lock with the nozzle pointing away from you.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
The best time to figure out how to utilize the fire extinguisher is now, before you ever require it. fire extinguisher have gauges on them showing when they should be checked regularly to make sure they're still functional.
In case you're ever in uncertainty about whether to utilize a extinguisher on a fire, don't attempt it. Rather, go out instantly and call the fire department.
