PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

 How to Select the Proper Fire Extinguisher for Your Home or Business......and How to Use It Safely

 What Those Symbols on Portable Fire Extinguishers Mean

 There are different kinds of portable fire extinguishers which are designed to extinguish different types of fires.

 All fire extinguishers will carry one or more of the following symbols:

 Ordinary Combustibles - paper, clothing , etc. that can be extinguished with water or a dry chemical fire extinguisher.

 Flammable Liquids - gasoline, kerosene, oil, grease, and other materials that requires a dry chemical fire extinguisher- WATER SHOULD NOT BE USED ON THESE FIRES.

 Electrical Equipment - live electrified equipment such as outlets, televisions, etc.  That also require dry chemical fire extinguisher. Again, WATER SHOULD NOT BE USED.

 Combustible Metals- metals like magnesium, which are highly flammable under certain conditions.

 We recommend an ABC Multi-Purpose fire extinguisher for most residential and business applications.

 What Those Numbers on Portable Fire Extinguishers Mean

 The numbers that appear on the fire extinguisher label are a rating system used by the fire extinguisher manufacturer as an estimate of the amount of fire an extinguisher can effectively handle.

 Generally, an extinguisher with a 4A rating will put out 4 times as much fire as an extinguisher with a 1A rating.  For home use, pick a fire extinguisher with at least a 1A:10BC rating.  The numeral 10 found in front of the letters “BC” indicates that the fire extinguisher can handle a flammable liquid fire 10 square feet in size; and that the extinguishing chemical is a non-conductor of electricity, making it safe for use on a Class C fire.

 For a business use, a minimum 4A:60BC rated fire extinguisher is required by the Fire Code for installation at each location a fire extinguisher is required.  Check with the Fire Prevention Division for the quantity and placement of fire extinguishers whenever you are unsure of the requirements as they pertain to your business.

If you use a fire extinguisher, have it serviced and recharged immediately by an independent fire extinguisher service company. 

How Do I Use My Portable Fire Extinguisher?

 In order to use your extinguisher safely, always remember the word P.A.S.S:

 PULL THE PIN.  Some extinguishers require releasing a lock latch, pressing a puncture lever, or taking another first step.

 AIM LOW.  Point the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.

 SQUEEZE THE HANDLE.  This releases the extinguishing agent.

 SWEEP FROM SIDE TO SIDE.  Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until it appears to be out

 Watch the fire area.  If fire breaks out again, repeat the process.  If it enlarges or spreads, GET OUT. 

How Do Fire Extinguishers Work?

 Fire extinguishers put out fires several ways.  Some cool, some displace oxygen, while others interfere with the chemical reactions that create a fire, or coat the material burning, causing the fire to go out.

 Remember, they are a first-aid firefighting tool designed for small fires.  If the fires is large in size, moving rapidly, or if you feel uncomfortable fighting it, get out and close doors and windows to confine the fire to the smallest area possible to limit damage and call 9-1-1.