Fire accidents can and will happen no matter how much we try and prevent them.  We must be prepared if they do.  It is always good to know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

Many fire extinguishers are combinations of two or more of these types.  It is very important not to use water or Type A extinguisher on a grease or electrical fire because it can spread or splash the grease and an electrical current can flow up the extinguisher stream and give you a big charge.

When you determine whether or not to fight a fire with an extinguisher, you should keep several things in mind:

1) Make sure everyone in the household or building knows there is a fire.  Get them out before you try to extinguish it.

2) Call 911 before you attempt to extinguish it (just in case it gets out of control).

3) Remember you should only try to extinguish it if it is small and contained and if you think it can be put out in 8 to 30 seconds.

4) If you don’t think you can extinguish it, close off the room and building and call 911 immediately.

To operate an extinguisher remember P.A.S.S.

P –  Pull the pin.  You will not be able to squeeze the handle to operate the extinguisher unless the pin stuck in between the two parts of the handle is removed.

A – Aim the extinguisher.  Point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S –  Squeeze the handle.  This will release the extinguishing agent.

S –  Sweep from side to side.  In order to completely extinguish a fire, it is necessary to aim at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth so as to completely extinguish the fire before it is able to reignite.