Using Fire Extinguishers in Your Home

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Having a fire extinguisher in your home can potentially stop a fire in its tracks

While there are no laws or regulations in placing requiring you to have a fire extinguisher in your house in West Dundee,IL, it can be lifesaving to have one available. Here is some useful information on how to correctly choose and use extinguishers in your home.

How To Use an Extinguisher

While using an extinguisher is very simple, it can be easy to panic and freeze in the case of a real home fire. An easy way to remember how to use one is to memorize the acronym PASS:

Pull: Pull the pin on the top of the extinguisher.
Aim: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep: Sweep the extinguisher side to side until the fire is put out.

What Type of Extinguisher to Get

When purchasing a fire extinguisher for your home, you will need to check the label to learn the extinguisher’s classification type. Many people choose to purchase ABC extinguishers, which are capable of putting out a fire caused by an ordinary combustible material, a flammable liquid or gas, or an electrical source. However, these types of extinguisher can cause damage to your home, so you may need to contact a restoration specialist after using one.

Where To Place Extinguishers

To practice fire preparedness, every home should have at least one extinguisher on each floor. It is recommended to place an extinguisher in the kitchen and garage where fires are most likely to break out.
While having a fire extinguisher in your home can potentially stop a fire in its tracks, it is always best to leave and call for help if the fire is too large or you are not sure how to use your extinguisher. Take time to familiarize yourself with the information in this guide in case you are ever faced with a home fire.