Major Causes of Home Fires
Careless Smoking: 39%
Heat, Cooking & other Appliances: 26%
Matches & Open Flame: 14%
Electrical: 13%
Hot Objects: 6%
Other Sources: 2%
Studies show that from the time a fire starts, a person has less than
four minutes to escape the overcoming effects of smoke, poisonous gases or
superheated air. A fire extinguisher is your best defense against small,
contained fires that have just begun to burn. Extinguishers can control flames
until the fire department arrives, and buy you enough time to get out of a
burning structure.
What's Your Type of Fire Extinguisher?
Every type of extinguisher is designed to fight a certain class or classes
of fire. There are four classes which are determined by the type of fuel.
Learning to identify these classes will help you select the right fire
extinguisher. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can cause a fire to
spread and place you in greater danger.
Type A extinguishers fight ordinary
combustibles such as burning wood, cloth, paper, rubber, upholstery and
plastics.
Type B extinguishers fight flammable
liquids, gases and greases such as oils, paints and gasoline.
Type C extinguishers fight energized
electrical fires such as burning wires, fuse boxes, circuit breakers,
machinery and appliances.
Type D extinguishers are used on fires
caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium and
aluminum. This type of extinguisher must match the type of metal that is
burning for safety and maximum effectiveness. A list of metals that match the
unit's extinguishing agent should be on the label.
There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that can be used on type A,
B and C classes of fire.
What's the PASS?
To use an extinguisher safely, stand six to eight feet from the fire
with your back to an unblocked exit and use the PASS procedure:
-
Pull the safety pin at the
top of the extinguisher. (Some units have latches or levers instead.)
-
Aim the nozzle, horn or
hose at the base of the flames. Hold the extinguisher vertically to ensure
the unit will have enough pressure.
-
Squeeze or press the handle
to release the extinguishing agent. Contents empty fast.
-
Sweep from side to side at
the base of the fire and at least six inches past the edges of the flames
until completely extinguished.
Keep in a Location Near You
Keep extinguishers close to high-traffic areas, in easy-to-access
locations. Place extinguishers on wall brackets no higher than five feet from
the floor. Install them near exists and hazard areas. Keep one on each level
of the dwelling, in the garage, and near the doors of furnace and mechanical
rooms.
It's About Time
Acting fast can make the difference between and small fire and one that
consumes your whole building. Before fighting a fire, be certain that everyone
has been alerted to the fire and is leaving the building, and that the fire
department has been called. Fight the fire only if the fire is small and
contained, a correct type of extinguisher is within easy reach, and you are
near a clear exit in case you need to escape.
Ready for Inspection
After each use, service rechargeable units and replace disposable models
immediately. Check pressure gauges and carbon dioxide containers monthly.
Inspect all containers on a regular basis looking for damage, corrosion or
tampering. Make sure extinguishers are easy to remove from hooks or wall
brackets. Maintain inspection records of usage and service. Records are
helpful after a fire to prove to insurance companies that extinguishers were
all serviced and in working order.
