A properly used portable fire extinguisher saves lives and property by putting out small fires before they escape and become large damaging fires - safeguarding your family and your household.
In addition, nearly all homeowners insurance policies offer a small discount for having a fire extinguisher in the home.
There are three basic classes of fires. Portable fire extinguishers that have been tested and approved will be labeled with the three classes of fire they are suited to fight.
The old labeling system uses simple icons with an A, B, or C designation to show which class of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight.
In addition, nearly all homeowners insurance policies offer a small discount for having a fire extinguisher in the home.
There are three basic classes of fires. Portable fire extinguishers that have been tested and approved will be labeled with the three classes of fire they are suited to fight.
The old labeling system uses simple icons with an A, B, or C designation to show which class of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight.
- Class A Extinguishers are designed to put out fires in wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguishers refers to the amount of water or dry chemicals the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.
- Class B Extinguishers are designed to put out fires involving flammable liquids, such as kitchen grease, gasoline, kerosene, paint, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of extinguisher states that the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish. NEVER USE WATER on a flammable liquid fire.
- Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving electrical equipment or wires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent in non-conductive. NEVER USE WATER on electrical fires.
- Multi-Class Rated Extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fire and will be labeled with more than one designator, such as A-B, B-C, or A-B-C.
If you have a Multi-Class extinguisher, make sure it is properly labeled.
Choosing and Purchasing a Fire Extinguisher Before you invest in one or more fire extinguishers, consider where you need them. Where are fires most likely to start? What type of fire would be most likely? Not all fire extinguishers work on all types of fires. Make sure you select an extinguisher that can be easily handled by all family members.
Fire departments typically recommend a 2A:10BC minimum size fire extinguisher which weighs about five pounds. The A:B:C rating extinguishes all types of fires, including common combustibles like wood and paper, flammable liquids like cooking oil, and electrical. This extinguisher will provide approximately eight to 25 seconds of extinguishing agent, and has a 12 to 20 foot extinguishing range. Amazon has a great selection of fire extinguishers to choose from.
Have a Plan in Advance
Small, Localized Fires
If the fire is small and not spreading, use the fire extinguisher if you feel it is safe to do so. Be sure to position yourself toward the escape route in case the fire becomes unmanageable.
Larger Fires
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Never Fight a Fire If:
Extinguisher Locations: Extinguishers should be located both in the home and in the garage. Make sure they are easily accessible and will not become blocked by storage or other items. In a multi-family complex, fire extinguishers should be located in the common areas. For added protection, personal fire extinguishers can be placed in each unit. Also put extinguishers in motor and recreational vehicles, such as motor homes, campers, trailers and boats.
For a list of other recommended home safety products, please go to: http://www.sonomavalleyinsurance.com/products-for-the-home.html
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Fire departments typically recommend a 2A:10BC minimum size fire extinguisher which weighs about five pounds. The A:B:C rating extinguishes all types of fires, including common combustibles like wood and paper, flammable liquids like cooking oil, and electrical. This extinguisher will provide approximately eight to 25 seconds of extinguishing agent, and has a 12 to 20 foot extinguishing range. Amazon has a great selection of fire extinguishers to choose from.
Have a Plan in Advance
- Before a fire happens, practice with your family an escape plan. Have different ways to get out of the house, depending on where the fire is. Make sure you have placed suitable fire extinguishers throughout the house. Make sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher.
Small, Localized Fires
If the fire is small and not spreading, use the fire extinguisher if you feel it is safe to do so. Be sure to position yourself toward the escape route in case the fire becomes unmanageable.
Larger Fires
- Evacuate everyone from the fire area.
- Call 911
- Contain it to the room by closing doors.
- If there is smoke, remember to crawl on the floor, since the smoke is toxic.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
- P - A - S - S is an easy way to help you remember how to use a fire extinguisher.
- P - Pull the pin. Some models require you to remove a locking pin on the handle or lever. Some models may have other lever-releasing mechanism, such as a button.
- A - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Aim low and direct the nozzle or cone at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames, which most inexperienced users are tempted to so, the extinguishing agent will flow right through the flames, and be ineffective. You want the extinguisher agent hit the base of the fire. Most portable fire extinguishers must be used from a distance of 1.8 to 3 (6 to 10 feet) to be effective.
- S - Squeeze the handle/lever above the handle to discharge the extinguisher agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. Some models may have a button instead of a lever.
- S - Sweep the nozzle back and forth (from side to side) at the base of the fire. Moving carefully towards the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Never turn your back on a fire; watch the fire area in case the fire re-ignites, and repeat use of the extinguisher if necessary
- P - Pull the pin. Some models require you to remove a locking pin on the handle or lever. Some models may have other lever-releasing mechanism, such as a button.
Never Fight a Fire If:
- You don’t know what’s burning.
- The fire appears to be too large to handle with one extinguisher.
- The fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot where it started.
- You don’t have an adequate or appropriate fire extinguisher.
- You might inhale toxic smoke.
- Your instincts tell you not to.
Extinguisher Locations: Extinguishers should be located both in the home and in the garage. Make sure they are easily accessible and will not become blocked by storage or other items. In a multi-family complex, fire extinguishers should be located in the common areas. For added protection, personal fire extinguishers can be placed in each unit. Also put extinguishers in motor and recreational vehicles, such as motor homes, campers, trailers and boats.
- Near an exit
- Visible Location
- High on a wall
- Out of children’s reach
- Away from heat sources
- No more than 75 feet away from a Class A (ordinary combustibles) hazard
- No more than 50 feet away from a Class B (flammable liquids) hazard
- Kitchen
- Laundry room
- Workshop
- Garage
- Top of basement stairwell
For a list of other recommended home safety products, please go to: http://www.sonomavalleyinsurance.com/products-for-the-home.html
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