So I bought my Fire extinguisher, Now what?
Fire extinguishers can be a very useful tool. Unfortunately, if you don’t know how to use one, it might not be of any help to you. Don’t wait till it’s to late, learn about yours today! Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Maintenance:
California regulations state that Fire extinguishers in businesses are subject to maintenance annually. Fire extinguisher manufacturers recommend that home fire extinguishers receive maintenance every 6 years. The yellow pages have listings of businesses that will service your fire extinguisher for a small fee. They even come to your location!
Inspect them monthly. Where is it? Make sure to locate it in the proper place: near doorways, exits, kitchens.
Don’t obstruct access to your fire extinguisher. In case of a fire, you will want to be able to access it quickly.
Make sure the operating instructions on nameplate are legible and facing outward.
Check the safety seals and tamper indicators to make sure they are not broken or missing. Examine for physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.
Safety:
Safety comes first! Since fire spreads rapidly, it is important to make personal safety your top priority. To make sure that everyone is safe, follow these steps whenever you must use an extinguisher.
1. Sound the alarm
2. Call 911
3. Leave yourself an “out”
4. Only fight small or contained fires
5. Call the fire department even if fire is extinguished.
When using your fire extinguisher remember the P.A.S.S. Method
P = Pull the Pin
A = Aim
S = Squeeze the handle
S = Sweep
CAUTION!
While extinguishers are extremely effective, there are some limitations. They have a limited range. Typically you should be 8-10 feet away. There is a limited amount of extinguishing agent, usually around 30 seconds. If you use the extinguisher incorrectly, you can actually make the fire much worse. If in doubt evacuate the building and call 911. Take the time to learn about your fire extinguisher. If you need to, practice using your fire extinguisher so that you know what to expect if a fire occurs. Be sure to read instructions before a fire so you know limitations of your fire extinguishers. Call your local fire department if you have any questions regarding your fire extinguisher.