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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher?

Fires are scary, especially when you're not sure what to do. Thankfully, fire extinguishers are easy-to-use and can help you put out a fire quickly and safely. Fire extinguishers work best on class A, B, or C fires. If there's a lot of smoke in the air (and it's not just from cooking), it's likely that you have a class B or C fire on your hands—both of which can be put out with water but require different amounts of it based on their source. So, before we get into how to use an extinguisher effectively during an emergency, let’s take a look at some basic information about each type of fire:

Fire extinguishers are portable devices that spray water or wet or dry chemical agents for putting out a fire.

In the event of a fire, it is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher is a portable device that sprays water or wet or dry chemical agents for putting out a fire. It is always best to call 911 once you have activated your fire alarm and called for help, but in the meantime, here's how to use a typical ABC-type (A: water; B: CO2; C: dry chemical) residential extinguisher:

  • Make sure you know where your nearest extinguisher is located and how much pressure it requires before pulling the pin (this will activate an internal valve). It also helps if you can visually confirm there are no obstructions on top of the nozzle before removing it from its mounting bracket. If there's any question about which type of agent should be used on your specific type of flame or fuel source, consult with local authorities or manufacturers' instructions for guidance on what types are suitable for different situations.
  • Squeeze firmly around the handle until you hear an audible hiss from inside—this indicates that pressurized gas has been released into its chamber ready for use.

They work best on class A, B, or C fires.

  • Class A fires are fires that involve combustible materials, such as wood, paper, or cloth. These are the most common type of fire and can be put out with a regular bucket of water—which you should always have near your emergency kit in case of an electrical fire!
  • Class B fires are fires that involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline or oil. The best way to put out this kind of fire is with sand or dirt from outside because it will smother the flames (it’s also why you shouldn’t put water on these types of fires).
  • There is also a third class: C. This isn't really a classification at all—it just means there's no flame involved at all (like an electrical short).

Stand at least 6 feet away from the fire and pull out the pin.

You should always stand at least 6 feet away from the fire when you pull out the pin and aim it at where you think the flames are coming from. The minimum distance varies depending on what type of extinguisher you have and how big the fire is, but this is a good rule of thumb that should be followed unless there are other factors involved (like if you’re trying to put out a vehicle fire with minimal space around it). On average, though, 6 feet should be enough for any home-use extinguisher.

If there is more than one person present during an emergency like this one (and there almost always will be), make sure everyone knows what their role is and where everyone else is standing so that everyone can work together efficiently. If everybody stays within about 8 feet of each other, it shouldn't be too difficult for someone using an extinguisher to hit his target without hitting any bystanders accidentally—and ideally without hitting himself as well!

Aim low and squeeze the lever slowly.

When you're using a fire extinguisher, aim low and squeeze the lever slowly. This will give you time to assess where the fire is coming from and how best to put it out. You don't want to squirt too much foam at once or douse the flames directly; instead, aim for where your eye can see that there is still oxygen feeding the fire (the base). It's also important not to let go of your extinguisher if someone else needs it—if they're closer than six feet away from where they need to be spraying their hose of pressurized liquid, then you should probably just let them borrow yours.

Spray until the fire is completely out.

If you are not sure if the fire is out, keep spraying. If the fire is still burning and is not growing, it's okay to move away from the immediate area of danger (if you're still in a safe place). But if it seems like your extinguisher isn't working, don't waste time—call 911 immediately and get as far away from where you were as possible.

Conclusion

Use your fire extinguisher wisely in your Oklahoma City, OK home or business, and you’ll be prepared for any emergency.

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