FAMILY SAFESAFE Keeping your home hazard-free Fire Extinguishers

Make sure these conditions exist before using your fire extinguisher: The fire is confined to a small area and isn't spreading, Everyone else has left the house or building. Someone has called the fire department or dialed 911. The room isn't filled with smoke. Your first priority is to be able to get out of your house safely. Remember that fires grow and spread very quickly. For more safety resources, visit safetycenter.navy.mil

Fire Extinguishers To use a fire extinguisher, remember P-A-S-S: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, standing about 8 feet away. When you release the handle, the fire extinguisher will stop discharging. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side, aiming at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully to make sure it doesnt re-ignite. For more safety resources, visit safetycenter.navy.mil

Fire Extinguishers Buy a multi-purpose extinguisher, which you can use on many types of home fires. You want an extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so big that it is hard to handle. The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in eight seconds. Types of fire extinguishers: Class A – Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, rags, cloth, some plastics) Class B –Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas) Class C – Electrical equipment (wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances) Combination Types – ABC and BC For more safety resources, visit safetycenter.navy.mil

Fire Extinguishers It is dangerous to fight a fire when you don't know what is burning. You must know what is burning in order to decide what type of extinguisher to use. Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that could to explode or produce toxic smoke. Read the instructions and get familiar with the parts and how to use it. Don't wait until something catches fire, because you wont have time to read the directions during an emergency. Keep your fire extinguisher close to an exit. The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged. Keep your back to an unblocked exit when you are using your extinguisher on a fire. You want to be able to escape easily if things get out of hand. If smoke fills the room, leave immediately. For more safety resources, visit safetycenter.navy.mil

Fire Extinguishers Dont try to fight a fire when it is spreading rapidly. It may be best to evacuate the building. Dont fight a fire when it is producing large amounts of smoke that you will have to breathe.. Install your extinguishers in plain view and above the reach of children. Install them near an escape route and away from stoves and heaters. Some extinguishers need to be inspected and serviced. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once, and then must be replaced. For more safety resources, visit safetycenter.navy.mil