SERVPRO of Wilson County : How to use a Fire Extinguisher

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

How to use a fire extinguisher

Wilson County (https://www.SERVPROwilsoncounty.com/)

We should all have at least one fire extinguisher somewhere in our home, but it’s not enough to simply keep one under the kitchen sink. If there is a fire, the safety of yourself and your home relies on knowing how to properly use that fire extinguisher. In case your fire extinguisher has been sitting around collecting dust, here’s everything you need to know before brushing it off and fighting a fire in your home the right way.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for the Job

Most household fires fall into one of the following categories:

Class A: These fires are fueled by solid combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.

Class B: These fires are fueled by flammable liquids such as oil, petroleum, and gasoline.

Class C: These fires are started or fueled by faulty wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances.

Class K: These fires are started or fueled by cooking oils and greases, animal fats, and vegetable fats.

Properly Using a Fire Extinguisher

To use a fire extinguisher, follow the acronym PASS as outlined below:

Pull - Pull the pin on the extinguisher 
Aim - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire 
Squeeze - Squeeze the trigger to release the product 
Sweep - Sweep the nozzle from side to side (slowly)

After Using your Fire Extinguisher

After your first use of your fire extinguisher using the PASS method, follow these steps to stay safe:

• Keep an eye on things: After the flames appear to be out, continue to watch the fire area to make sure it doesn’t reignite. If the fire does start up again, repeat the PASS process.
• Call the fire department: If you didn’t have the chance to call the fire department before discharging the fire extinguisher, do so now. They will be able to inspect the site of the fire and make sure that it is completely extinguished.
• Get to a safe place: Once the fire is out, or if you are unable to extinguish the fire, leave the scene and find a place out of reach of the fire.

Who to Call for Fire Restoration in the Heat of the Moment

Home fires can be highly tense, nerve wracking experiences that can cause anxiety to even the most experienced firefighter. Hopefully, using these tips on how to best use your fire extinguisher in case of a home fire will help you stay safe, it may not always be effective at putting out a fire. In these cases, it’s best to not try to be a hero and instead call the fire department to continue fighting the fire and helping to save your home.

After a home fire has been put out, it’s time to think about getting your home back to its original aesthetic appeal. Although that might be a tall task for some companies, the team at SERVPRO Wilson County is more than capable to restore your property quickly after a home fire. Make sure to call us at (615) 449-5000 for a comprehensive consultation!