The what and how of fire extinguishers in your Western Dutchess County home

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Learn what type of fire extinguisher is best for your home and how to use it in an emergency.

Most of us have fire extinguishers of one size or another in our homes, especially in the kitchen. A fire extinguisher can help put out a fire before emergency personnel arrive or they can help you exit your home safely.

Not every extinguisher is for every fire, a little clarification can really help determine if you’ve got the right one for the right type of fire.

What type do you get?

All household fire extinguishers have 3 classifications: A, B or C. Some models have a combination of all three extinguishers in one. 

-A is for ordinary combustibles like trash, wood and paper

-B is for liquids & grease (think more like stove-top fires)

-C is for electrical equipment

-D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals. Not typically used or found in households.

Keep in mind, according to the National Fire Protection Association, each floor of your home should have an extinguisher. 

How do you use a fire extinguisher?

To use the extinguisher properly, you want to use the PASS method:

-Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

-Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire instead of at the flames themselves. Standing at least 6 feet away from the fire is important! Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on a CO2 extinguisher as it gets super cold and may damage your skin.

-Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly while keeping the extinguisher upright. 

-Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side until the extinguisher runs dry.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have limitations so make sure you have the correct extinguisher for your home and type of fire. 

Whenever you use an extinguisher, whether you ran it dry or used it briefly, it's important to replace it or refill it right away. This is also the rule for any gauge that goes down to the red zone over time. 

Even though you take precautions against fire damages, they can still sometimes occur. If you experience fire damage in your home, don't hesitate to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County at 845-831-3600 to help make this disaster "Like it never even happened."