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"A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and
property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire
department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations.
Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority
for residents is to get out safely."-NFPA |
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Quick tips on Fire Extinguishers:
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Use a
portable fire extinguisher when
the fire is confined to a small
area, such as a wastebasket, and
is not growing; everyone has
exited the building; the fire
department has been called or is
being called; and the room is
not filled with smoke.
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To operate a
fire extinguisher, remember the
word PASS:
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Pull
the pin. Hold the extinguisher
with the nozzle
pointing away from you, and
release the locking
mechanism.
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Aim
low. Point the extinguisher at
the base of the fire.
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Squeeze
the lever slowly and evenly.
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Sweep
the nozzle from side-to-side.
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Choose a fire
extinguisher that carries the
label of an independent testing
laboratory.
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Read the
instructions that come with the
fire extinguisher and become
familiar with its parts and
operation before a fire breaks
out. Local fire departments or
fire equipment distributors
often offer hands-on fire
extinguisher trainings.
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Install fire
extinguishers close to an exit
and keep your back to a clear
exit when you use the device so
you can make an easy escape if
the fire cannot be controlled.
If the room fills with smoke,
leave immediately.
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Know when to
go. Fire extinguishers are one
element of a fire response plan,
but the primary element is safe
escape. Every household should
have a
home fire escape plan and
working
smoke alarms.
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For the home,
select a multi-purpose
extinguisher (can be used on all
types of home fires) that is
large enough to put out a small
fire, but not so heavy as to be
difficult to handle.
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Class A
Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary
combustibles, such as wood and paper. |
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Class B
Extinguishers should be used on fires involving
flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc.
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Class
C Extinguishers are suitable for use on
electrically energized fires. |
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Class D
Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable
metals and are often specific for the type of metal in
question. There is no picture designator for Class D
extinguishers. |
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Many extinguishers available
today can be used on different types of fires and will
be labeled with more than one designator, e.g. A-B, B-C,
or A-B-C. Make sure that if you have a multi-purpose
extinguisher it is properly labeled. |
| This is the old style of
labeling indicating suitability for use on Class A, B,
and C fires. |
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This is the new style of
labeling that shows this extinguisher may be used on
Ordinary Combustibles, Flammable Liquids, or Electrical
Equipment fires. This is the new labeling style with a
diagonal red line drawn through the picture to indicate
what type of fire this extinguisher is NOT
suitable for. In this example, the fire extinguisher
could be used on Ordinary Combustibles and Flammable
Liquids fires, but not for Electrical Equipment fires. |
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Follow the
Contact Information
link to contact a firefighter or fire officer or visit
FireExtinguisher.com for more information
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