Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips from SERVPRO of South & East Stark County

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Remember the acronym pass when using a fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

All households should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home. It is important to know how to use it before the stressful situation of a fire arises. 

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips from SERVPRO of South & East Stark County

There are five different types of fire extinguishers for putting out different kinds of fires. Most household mainly deal with class A, B and C fire extinguishers while businesses with large equipment and machinery deal with D and K fire extinguishers.

Class A: Materials like cloth, word, and paper

Class B: Flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, and grease

Class C: Electrical equipment and appliances: stoves, televisions, and computers

Class D: Flammable Metals

Class K: Cooking and vegetable oils

The most commonly used are multi-purpose fire extinguishers that cover class A, B and C fires. You can purchase these types of extinguishers at any home-improvement store.

When using a fire extinguisher remember the acronym PASS.

P: Pull the pin – Hold the extinguisher with a nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

A: Aim low - point extinguisher at the base of the fire

S: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side on the flame

Fire extinguisher maintenance

• Easy access in an emergency- be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
• Recommended pressure level - many extinguishers have gauged the show when pressure is too high or too low
• Working parts - make sure the can hoses and nozzles aren't damage dented or rusted
• Cleanliness - remove any dust oil or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher
• Guidelines and instructions - some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly others need to be pressure tested every few years

If you experience a fire, soot or smoke damage to your home or business, call the highly trained and knowledgeable staff at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 or visit our website www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com to check out our fire damage services.