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Portable home fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish small fires or to contain fires until the fire department arrives. It is important to remember however that before any attempt is made to extinguish the fire, the fire department should be called and then an attempt made to extinguish the fire.

Before you attempt to extinguish a fire make sure......
everyone has left and someone has called the fire department.
the fire is small, confined, and not spreading.
you have a clear escape route.
your extinguisher is the correct type for the fire.
you know how to use the extinguisher.

To operate a fire extinguisher remember PASS
P - Pull the pin that locks the operating lever.
A - Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguisher.
S - Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side moving carefully toward the flames.


Classes of fire extinguishers
There are three common types of fire extinguishers which you will find. Each extinguisher is designed for certain types of fires.

Class A Fire Extinguishers
Class A fire extinguishers are used for fires which primarily involve paper, wood and other ordinary combustibles. They are marked with one or both of the symbols shown below:

Class B Fire Extinguishers
Class B fire extinguishers are used for fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and paints. They are marked with one or both of the symbols shown below:

Class C Fire Extinguishers
Class C fire extinguishers are used for fires involving energized electrical equipment such as fuse boxes, wiring, appliances, TV's and electric motors. They are marked with one or both of the symbols shown below:

Many extinguishers are labeled for different types of fires. For instance, a fire extinguisher with the following markings can be used for Class A, B & C fires

A red slash through one of the symbols indicates that the extinguisher cannot be used on that type of fire. The following marking indicates that this extinguisher cannot be used on a Class C fire.

Properly maintaining your fire extinguisher is important to ensure that it will operate in the time of need. Each month, check to make sure the extinguisher is fully charged and is not damaged. It if is not charged or is discharged in a fire, check the yellow pages for an authorized retailer who can refill fire extinguishers.

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