The Best Ways to Extinguish a Fire with a Fire Extinguisher
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, including when to use one and what sort of fires they can be utilized on.
Did you know that there are different ways to extinguish a fire using different fire extinguishers? In fact, did you even know that there were different types of fire extinguishers?
Let’s suppose you’ve got a fire in your home. You panic, and the natural thing to do is to try and put it out with the nearest extinguisher, right? WRONG!
If you don’t know how to operate an extinguisher properly, you could be making the fire worse. In this post, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Harrisburg, PA, will teach you the best ways to extinguish a fire with a fire extinguisher so you feel confident in handling any emergency situation that might come up. Stay safe!
Identifying The Right Type of Extinguisher
When operating a fire extinguisher, the first thing you must do is identify the correct type of extinguisher for the job. There are four primary fire extinguishers: water, foam, dry powder, and CO2. Each type of extinguisher is designed for a specific type of fire.
Water extinguishers are best used on Class A fires, which involve combustible materials like paper or wood. Foam extinguishers are best used on Class B fires, which are fires that involve flammable liquids like gasoline or oil. Dry powder extinguishers are best used on Class C fires, which are fires that involve electrical equipment. CO2 extinguishers are best used on Class D fires, which are fires that involve metals.
If you’re looking for a good extinguisher for your house, we recommend a combined AB fire extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is effective on both Class A and Class B fires. Plus, it’s small and lightweight, making it easy to store and use.
If you aren’t sure which type of fire extinguisher to get, our fire safety experts can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Using The Fire Extinguisher
Once you have identified the correct type of fire extinguisher for the job, you need to know how to use it properly. Using a fire extinguisher is not as simple as spraying the fire with water or foam.
Steps You Need to Remember
There are five steps you need to follow:
- Pull the pin at the lid of the extinguisher. This will bust the tamper seal and allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
- Point the nozzle of the extinguisher towards the bottom of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly in order to begin spraying.
- Move the extinguisher nozzle from side to side until the fire is extinguished.
- If the fire reappears, repeat steps 2-4 until it is ultimately out.
Knowing how to utilize a fire extinguisher properly can mean the difference between putting out a smallish fire before it gets out of control and being overwhelmed by a raging inferno. Make sure you and everyone in your home or office know how to use a fire extinguisher and keep one close in case of an emergency.
Ending Note
Every second counts when it comes to putting out a fire. That’s why it’s crucial to have a reliable and functioning fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency. But what do you do if the time comes, and your extinguisher doesn’t work? Or worse, what if you don’t have one at all?
1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Harrisburg, PA, is here to help. We provide 24/7 emergency services in York, PA, for any type of water or fire damage situation. So, no matter where or when disaster strikes, we will be there to help. Request a service today and rest easy knowing that you are prepared for anything.