Overview

Of all causes of death, fire deaths are the most preventable. The statistics prove that prevention is the smart way to protect your family. A charged and fully operational fire extinguishers is another way to protect your family from an unpredicted small house fire.

Every 74 seconds another residential fire occurs.

Have at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher in your home! A single fire extinguisher is capable of putting out or holding back small-contained fires until the firefighters can each your home. It is another part of a practical fire safety plan.

What Extinguisher Fits Your Home?

• Who: Consider the ages and physical strength of your family members. Make sure the extinguisher can be picked up and operated by the intended users. Do not encourage children to use extinguishers. 
• What: Consider the types of fire your home is susceptible to and then choose the size or class of extinguisher that is needed.
• Where: Each home needs at least one extinguisher, centrally located, out of children’s reach and away from potential fire hazards. Consider additional extinguishers for the kitchen and garage.

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

Every extinguisher varies so, be sure to read through your extinguisher’s operations manual! The extinguisher you choose should be listed and labeled by an independent testing laboratory.

Class A “Ordinary Combustible” used on wood, rubber, cloth, paper, and plastic.
Class B “Flammable Combustibles” used on gasoline, oil, grease, tar, lacquer, and oil - based paints
Class C “Electrical Equipment” used on wiring, fuse boxes, breakers, machinery, and appliances
Class D "Combustible Metals” used on industrial metal or metal dust.
Class A-B-C “Multi-purpose” used on all types of A, B, or C fires found in most homes

Using the wrong class of extinguisher can make a fire worse.

Extinguisher Operation

When a small fire breaks out, have someone else call the fire department immediately. If you are unable to put out the fire, valuable time will not be wasted.

Use the PASS word!

	Pull the pin (or other motion) to unlock the extinguisher
	Aim at the base (bottom) of the fire and stand 6 - 10 feet away
	Squeeze the lever to discharge the agent
	Sweep the spray from left to right until the flames are totally extinguished

Watch the area and repeat if necessary, providing your extinguishers has not been fully discharged. Even if it appear to be out, your fire department should check the area for hidden fire or flames that could re-ignite.

Fire Starters

When fire, oxygen, and fuel meet --it's a deadly trio. Within 3 minutes, fire begins to spread from one room in your house and into the next. The more oxygen there is, the quicker a fire spreads.

Home fires most frequently start: 

• Where chemicals are stored
• In the kitchen near the stove or electrical appliances
• Never over-crowded electrical outlets
• As a result of careless smoking.

Fires occur where you least expect them. You may need two or more extinguishers in your home such as in the kitchen and the garage.