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Home Fire
Extinguishers
If you know how, and when, to use them, portable fire
extinguishers can save lives and property.
Fighting Small Fires
Portable home fire extinguishers can save lives
and property by putting out small fires, or containing
them until the fire department arrives ~ if you know
how to use them.
Before you fight a fire, make sure:
- Everyone has left and someone has called the fire
department
- The fire is small, confined and not spreading
- You have a clear escape route
- Your extinguisher is right for the fire
- You know how to use the extinguisher
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| There are three common classes of fire. Extinguishers
are labeled with standard symbols or letters for the classes
of fire they can put out. |
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Class A fires involve paper, wood and other
ordinary combustibles. Extinguishers labeled only for Class
A fires contain water and are dangerous if used on grease
or electrical fires. |
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Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as oil,
some paints, and gasoline. |
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Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment i.e.
power tools, wiring, fuse boxes, appliances, TVs, computers,
electric motors, etc. |
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An extinguisher labeled ABC may be used on all three
classes of fire. A red slash through any symbol means
you cannot use the extinguisher on that class of fire.
A missing symbol means only that the extinguisher hasn't
been tested for that class of fire.
Extinguisher Size - Portable extinguishers
are rated for the size of fire they can handle. Ratings
appear on the label - for example, 2A:10B:C. The larger
the number, the bigger the fire the unit can handle. Bigger
models are usually heavier. Be sure you can handle the
extinguisher you buy.
Maintenance - Inspect your extinguisher
for damage and make sure it's fully charged once a month.
(See manufacturer's instructions for details.) Rechargeable
extinguishers need to be serviced after each use. (See
"Fire Extinguishers" in the Yellow Pages). Disposable
units can be used only once. |
To operate your extinguisher, remember the word
PASS |
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P - Pull the pin that unlocks the operating
lever. (Some models may have other lever-release mechanisms.) |
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A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher nozzle
or hose at the base of the fire. |
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S - Squeeze the lever above the handle
to discharge the extinguishing agent. To stop the discharge,
release the lever. (Some models may have a button instead
of a lever.) |
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S - Sweep the nozzle or hose from side
to side. Moving carefully toward the flames, keep the extinguisher
aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth. |
| Once the fire goes out, watch
the fire area and be prepared to repeat the process if the
fire re-ignites. Call the fire department to inspect the
fire site - even if you're sure you've extinguished the
fire. |
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