-Home Portable Fire Extinguishers-
Extinguishers Have Limits
Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. (Extinguishers should never be used by children.)

• The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.
• The extinguisher must be within easy reach, in working order, and fully charged.
• The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.
• The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers containing water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.
• The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight to ten seconds.

Choosing Your Extinguisher
Select only fire extinguishers that have been tested by an independent laboratory and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish. Use these labels as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your needs.

Classes of Fires
There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint.
Class C: Energized electrical equipment including: wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

Multipurpose fire extinguishers, labeled ABC, may be used on all three classes of fire. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse.

Cooking oil fires in a pan can be snuffed out by using a tight fitting lid and turning the heat source off. The only appropriate agents are sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Discharging the extinguisher closer than six to eight feet may spread the fire.

Extinguishers
Read your operators manual to learn how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.

Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the yellow pages under "Fire Extinguishers.") Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.

Remember the P.A.S.S. word
Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the four step procedure: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguishers. Some extinguishers may have other lever release mechanisms.
AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
SQUEEZE the lever above the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)
SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire reignites, repeat the process.

Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.

Should You Fight the Fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire, make sure that:

• Everyone has left, or is leaving, the building, and that the fire department has been called.
• The fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
• You have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• The extinguisher is the right type for the fire.
• You have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is reckless to fight a fire in any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately and close off the area.

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