Understanding When and How to Use a Fire Extinguisher | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

If you are trying to increase the fire safety efforts in your household, purchasing fire extinguishers for any high-risk rooms is a great place to start. Fire extinguishers are an inexpensive way to take the right steps toward fire prevention, and by having them at the ready, you are reducing the chances that a small flame will turn into a major house fire.

While buying a fire extinguisher is a great first step, knowing when and how to use it is every bit as important. Using a fire extinguisher should only be done if it is safe to do so, and memorizing how to use it is key for being able to take the proper actions in the moment.

### When to Use a Fire Extinguisher

While you may think the answer is obviously, “in the event of a fire,” deciding when to use a fire extinguisher safely is actually a lot more nuanced. While putting out the fire is important, it is more important that you are keeping yourself and any others who may be present out of harm’s way.

Here are a few questions for deciding when to use a fire extinguisher:

• Is the fire contained and only impacting a small area?
• Have I alerted others that a fire has started?
• Do I know how to properly use the fire extinguisher?
• Is someone in the process of calling the fire department?
• Do I have enough fresh air, or is there toxic smoke from the fire?
• If I cannot extinguish the fire, do I have an escape route?

If you are able to answer “yes” to all of these questions, then it should be safe to proceed to using the fire extinguisher. However, if you are not, it is best to simply escape and call the fire department so they can handle the flames.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

If you need to use a fire extinguisher, remember the P.A.S.S. method:

• Pull the pin at the top.
• Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
• Squeeze the handle to release the contents.
• Sweep the extinguisher from side to side until all flames are gone.

*If you have damage due to a fire in your home, you can count on us for restoration. You can call us 24/7 to report damage or to hear more about our services. Contact us today!*