By Monica DeVore
Home fire extinguishers save lives and property by helping put out small fires or containing it until your fire department can arrive. But, they do have limitations!! Fires can grow and spread much more rapidly than most of us realize, so the top priority is for your family to GET OUT SAFELY! Does your family know how to use your home fire extinguishers?
When selecting your home fire extinguisher, make certain it can be used on all types of home fires. It needs to be large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy that it’s difficult to handle. Make sure it has a label of an independent testing laboratory. Your local hardware stores carry several options.
Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and always 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!
Know how to use your fire extinguishers BEFORE a fire breaks outs! Read the instructions and become familiar with all its parts and how to operate. Contact your local fire department to see when they offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings. They will be more than happy to help you! Both the City of Knoxville and Knox County provide a list of fire halls and contact information.
Remember ONLY use a portable fire extinguisher when a fire is:
- Confined to a small area.
- Not growing.
- Everyone has exited the building.
- Fire department has been called or being called.
- Room is not filled with smoke.
To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS!
P – PULL the Pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
A – AIM LOW. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
S – SQUEEZE the LEVER slowly and evenly.
S – SWEEP the NOZZLE from side-to-side.
This short Consumer Report video How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Before You Need It will walk you through the process!
The National Fire Prevention Association believes that children should NOT be trained how to operate extinguishers. It runs counter to teaching children to get out immediately if there is a fire. They may not have the maturity to determine if a fire is small enough to be put out by an extinguisher or be able to manage the fire if it spreads. Only informed adults should operate portable fire extinguishers. Keep it simple and safe – tell your children to evacuate ASAP!
Fire extinguishers are an absolute must in your family’s fire response plan, but a SAFE ESCAPE PLAN is primary and WORKING SMOKE ALARMS. With these measures in place, remember – always KNOW WHEN TO GO!
Home fires can happen to anyone, anywhere. We all hope to never experience such a frightful event, but prepare your family just in case! If you own your home and don’t have fire extinguishers, get them now. If you are in a rental property and don’t have them, call your landlords now! Know how to use your home fire extinguishers and educate your family with a fire safety plan today.
