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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

     A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

When to Fight a Small Fire

     Personal safety and the safety of others are the most important factors when deciding whether to fight a small fire.  Before you begin to fight a fire be sure of the following:

• Everyone has left, of is leaving, the building.
• The fire department has been called or is being called.
• The fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
• Your back is to an unobstructed exit through which you can escape easily. You must always assume that you may not be able to extinguish the fire you are fighting.  If the fire doesn’t diminish with your first attack or if anything goes wrong, leave the building immediately and do not return.
• There is not much smoke in the room.  Firefighters wear protective breathing equipment because of the dangers of smoke inhalation.  Without protection, you may quickly find yourself unable to breathe or see.  Smoke can also obscure your exit.

     It is reckless to fight a fire in any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately, close off the area to slow the spread of fire and smoke, and wait for the fire department to arrive.

What To Buy

     Most portable extinguishers sold for use in the home use dry-chemical extinguishing agents.  Depending on the chemicals used, these units are labeled B:C (meaning they are rated for fighting flammable-liquid fires and fires involving energized electrical equipment, or A:B:C (meaning they are multipurpose extinguishers – rated for fighting all three common classes of fires).  An extinguisher with a K rating is for cooking media such as oils and fats.

Installation and Maintenance

     Fire extinguishers should be mounted on a wall in plain sight, high, but in easy reach of adults, near exits, so that the fire cannot block your escape.  Portable extinguishers should be mounted away from heat sources and drapes and never directly above the kitchen stove, countertop appliance, or anything else that is likely to catch fire.

     The most important place to have a fire extinguisher in your home is the kitchen.  It is also wise to have extinguishers in your garage, work-shop, and near any room with a fireplace or open-flame heater.

     Most extinguishers sold for home use come with easy-to-use mounting hardware. How the extinguisher is attached to the mounting bracket will vary from model to model.  Be familiar with the release mechanism for the extinguisher you buy so you can detach your extinguisher quickly in an emergency.

     Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be discarded and replaced even after they are partially discharged.  Rechargeable fire extinguishers must be tested and serviced professionally according to the manufacture’s recommended schedule.  (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under “Fire Extinguishers.”)

     The extinguishing agent in a portable fire extinguisher is stored under pressure.  All extinguishers have a dial-gauge or some other pressure-testing mechanism, such as a test button.

     Check all fire extinguishers at least once a month. If the pressure has dropped below the acceptable level, replace or have the extinguisher recharged immediately. 

     Inspect your extinguishers for dents, damage, corrosion and cracks.  If your extinguisher has a hose or horn attached to its nozzle, be sure the rubber and plastic parts are intact.

Using an Extinguisher

When fighting a fire with any portable extinguisher, remember the word PASS.

• PULL the pin.  This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.  Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms
• AIM low.  Point the extinguisher nozzle, hose or horn at the base of the fire
• SQUEEZE the lever above the handle.  This releases the extinguishing agent.  Releasing the lever will stop the discharge (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever).
• SWEEP from side to side.  Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out.  Watch the fire area.  If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.