3 Tips for Proper Fire Extinguisher Use

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Keeping a fire extinguisher at your Perry, OK, home can be an important step for fire safety

Tips For In Home Extinguisher Use

Keeping a fire extinguisher at your Perry, OK, home can be an important step for fire safety. Many fire restoration professionals recommend following tips for in home extinguisher use.

1. Keep in At Risk Areas

It's recommended to have extinguishers kept in easy to reach locations near at risk areas. Extinguishers are most often used to put out a kitchen fire, but you may also want to have them located in spaces such as a patio where a grill may be located, and in the garage which many people also use as a workshop area. It's also a good idea to ensure that every member of your family knows where these units are located.

2. P.A.S.S

Remember to properly use the fire extinguisher to ensure that the suppressant inside is distributed evenly over the flames, as this is considered to be the most effective method. Experts have come up with the acronym P.A.S.S. help make the usage steps easy to remember. This stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the lock pin or tab, aim the nozzle at the fire, squeeze the trigger, and spray in a sweeping motion. For large fires contact emergency professionals.

3. Replace or Refill

To help prevent future fire damage it's best to have your extinguisher replaced or refilled, according to manufacturer's instructions, as soon as possible after its use. Additionally, if you have not used your unit for an extended length of time you may want to have it checked over to ensure that it is still functioning.
It's important to keep a fire extinguisher an at-risk areas such as the kitchen or garage. Doing so will allow you to have one on hand and the event an emergency should occur. If you do have to use your extinguisher it's important to remember to pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep to help ensure the fire suppressant is spread evenly over the flames. For larger fires you will want to contact the appropriate emergency services. After your extinguisher has been used, remember to refill or replace the unit according to its type.