How can you practice fire extinguisher safety? Fire extinguishers are extremely important to fire safety in the home. Having a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of an emergency fire situation is a great...
Having a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of an emergency fire situation is a great precaution, but it is just as important to learn how to properly maintain and use the device. There are some very simple steps and a key phrase that will help you remember the steps. Always remember P-A-S-S. This is an acronym for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. That is a short summary of the steps needed to properly use a fire extinguisher.
Heather Caldwell is the communications manager for Kidde, the world's largest manufacturer of fire safety products. Caldwell states, "We recommend using or having a fire extinguisher within reach. All major rooms of the house where fires might start should have a fire extinguisher in them." It is important to have fire extinguishers in high-risk areas like kitchens, garages, and bedrooms as many fires are started in these areas. Caldwell adds, "The reason they are so important is because a fire extinguisher could help you create a pathway to safety. If the path is blocked by a fire, you can use a fire extinguisher to create a path for you." A fire extinguisher might also be useful to douse a localized fire. Fire extinguishers are a vital part of a complete home fire safety plan and ideally you should have one on every floor in addition to one near the kitchen and sleeping areas. Smoke detectors are another good fire protection aid.
When you purchase a fire extinguisher make sure you read and are familiar with the directions, procedures, restrictions, and required maintenance for the device. Improper use or care may result in the fire extinguisher malfunctioning during an emergency. The item should be inspected periodically and replaced once it is damaged or discharged. Everyone in your home should know where your fire extinguishers are and how to use them since extinguishers can be used to create an escape path in some fires. They can be very important to improving survival chances and reducing spread of fire or damage.
To properly use a fire extinguisher you should first pull the pin to release the lock and allow the contents to be discharged. Always aim for the base of the fire and never at the flames coming from it. Gently squeeze the handle to release the fire fighting agents in an extinguisher, as they will stop being dispersed when you let go of the handle. Also, use a sweeping motion to cover the entire base area of the fire. Snuffing out the source is the quickest way to contain and control a fire.
Inspection of fire extinguishers is important. They should be checked monthly to make sure you are prepared for an emergency. You should check the locations of these devices to be sure they are free from obstructions and easily accessible. Operating instructions and labels should be legible and facing out. Check to see that the extinguisher is still at least half full by weighing it or picking it up to estimate the weight of the remaining contents. Make sure that safety seals, tamper guards, or the extinguishers themselves are not missing or damaged. Make sure that the gauges on the extinguishers show readings in the acceptable or operable ranges given.
