Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your fire extinguishers in convenient places so that they can be quickly accessed when needed.

It is important to have portable fire extinguishers on hand in your home or business. Having and knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can save your building and also your life. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends remembering the word PASS in order to properly operate a fire extinguisher:

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. The fire extinguisher should be pointed at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever, applying slow, even pressure.

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Familiarize yourself with these steps and with how your fire extinguisher works before a fire breaks out. Also, read the instructions on your extinguisher and remember that it is important to have the correct type of extinguisher. There are different classes of extinguishers designed to treat specific types of fires. For more information on the different types of fire extinguishers, visit: www.nfpa.org