How to use a fire extinguisher
When to fight a fire and when to leave, and P.A.S.S.: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.
How to use a fire extinguisher
Before anything, all three must be true:
Fire: 100%Extinguisher: 100% (about 10 seconds of spray)
- 1Decide: only a small fire, with your exit behind you, and once everyone is leaving and 911 is called.
- 2Pull the pin.
- 3Aim low, at the base of the fire, standing 6 to 8 feet back.
- 4Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly.
- 5Sweep from side to side across the base until it's out. Then back away, watching it.
Extinguishers are labeled by the fires they fight: A ordinary materials, B flammable liquids, C electrical, K kitchen oils. Most homes have an ABC one. On a grease fire in a pan, turn off the heat and slide a lid over it; never throw water on burning oil. Check the gauge is in the green now and then.
Safety
- Your life comes first. Fight a fire only if it is small (wastebasket size) and not spreading, the room isn't filling with smoke, everyone else is leaving, 911 has been called, and your way out is behind you.
- If any of that changes, or the extinguisher runs out: get out, close the door and stay out.
- The fire department and the extinguisher's label are the authority; hands-on training from them beats this practice.
General information, not professional advice: your manual and local rules come first. You use this at your own risk; see our Terms.
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