How To Properly Use A Fire Extinguisher

​We all need to have a fire extinguisher at home. If there is a fire, you can use it to cease the fire. But it always depends on knowing how to use that extinguisher correctly. Here's everything you need to know about using a fire extinguisher. 

Knowing the Right Fire Extinguisher
First, you need to know that there are different types of fire. You need to identify the fire you're dealing with to ensure your extinguisher can get the job done. 

Here are some classifications of fires:

1. Class A - Fire caused by solid combustibles such as paper, wood, fabric, and more.
2. Class B - Caused by flammable liquids like petrol,  lubricants, and some cleaning products.
3. Class C - Caused by flammable gasses such as butane and methane.
4. Class D - Caused by combustible metals such as aluminum and potassium 
5. Class E or Electrical - caused by equipment that requires electricity
6. Class F - Caused by cooking and vegetable oil or fats

The fire risk at your home will determine which extinguisher you can use and the size and weight necessary for putting out the fire.

How to Use Fire Extinguisher 
After studying the different fire types, you need to operate a fire extinguisher properly. 

Here's the guide on how to use a fire extinguisher:

1. Find an escape route
   Before you put out a fire, you need to make sure you have a clear path for evacuation so that when you can't put it out, you'll need to make a safe exit.
   
   
2. Distance yourself 
   Keep your distance from the fire. Make sure you're near the escape route you found earlier.
   
   
3. Open fire extinguisher
   You may follow this PASS step in discharging a fire extinguisher:
   
   P - ULL the pin 
   A - IM the extinguisher nozzle toward the fire
   S - QUEEZE the lever to discharge
   S - WEEP the nozzle back and forth. 
   
   Keep the aim at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. This is the easiest way to remember how to discharge an extinguisher.
   
   
4. Always keep your eyes open
   Even when the fire is extinguished, always keep an eye out and make sure that it doesn't happen again.
   
   
5. Call firefighters 
   After extinguishing the fire, call firefighters to inspect the site and ensure the fire is gone and won’t start again.
   
   
6. Find a safe place
   After making sure the fire is out, let the firefighters do the rest. Leave the scene and go somewhere safe.

Conclusion
Now that you know how to use a fire extinguisher, you can handle accidental fires on your property. Good luck and keep safe.

At Hayek Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (805) 496-8835. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!