Fire Extinquishers
A fire extinguisher is a container filled with an extinguishing agent pressurized with an inert gas like nitrogen. The extinguishing agent is often times a dry chemical or water.
Fire extinguishers are classified by their size and by the fuel types they extinguish.
Class A fires are those which leave an ash. Wood, paper, cloth, rubbish and leaves are examples of Class A fuels.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids. Gasoline, oil, kerosene, paint thinner, and lighter fluid are examples of Class B fuels.
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Motors, heaters or fans are commonly found Class C fires.
Class D fires are fires involving flammable metals like titanium sodium or magnesium.
An "ABC" extinguisher will put out Class A, B and C fuels. This is the most commonly found type of household fire extinguisher.
While not required in single-family homes, fire extinguishers are a good "insurance" policy. It is a good idea to have ABC extinguishers in the boiler/furnace room, kitchen and garage. ABC extinguishers will put out small fires or slow the growth of the fire while the Fire Department responds.
To use a Fire Extinguisher, follow these steps.
- Call the Fire Department and make sure everybody is out of the house.
- Make sure the fire is small and contained (i.e. trash can).
- Be sure you have a way out and that way out is at your back. Do not let the fire get between you and the escape route.
- PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the flames, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep from side to side.
If a single fire extinguisher does not put the fire out, leave the building, and await the Fire Department.
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