Would You Be Prepared?

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

This Fire Extinguisher demonstrates where the pressure gauge, class, and instructions are located on the unit.

If you had a fire in your home within the next 5 minutes, would you know where the nearest fire extinguisher is? Would you know how to use it without having to stumble through reading the instructions on the side?  Do you know when the last time was that you inspected your fire extinguisher?

These questions may seem frivolous as you briefly scan over the information in this blog, but if you were put in that situation today, the answers to those questions could mean the difference between complete devastation and minimal soot damage to your home.

 Let’s start at the beginning:

Knowing your Fire Extinguisher

There are 4 basic classes of fire extinguishers; each being specific to put out different types of fires.

• Class A are used for fires involving ordinary materials like wood and paper
• Class B are used for highly flammable liquids such as gasoline and grease
• Class C are used for electrical fires
• Class D are used on fires involving flammable metals

Some extinguishers are multipurpose and can be used for multiple classes of fires. Your particular extinguisher should be labeled or have a diagram specifying what Class/Classes it is designed for.

Fire extinguishers should be inspected at least once a month, and should cover 3 things:

1. Make sure the nozzle is clear of obstructions
2. Ensure that the tamper seal is intact
3. Check that the pressure gauge is in the green zone. If the arrow indicator is in the red, the extinguisher will not function properly.

Proper Use of a Fire Extinguisher In Case of an Emergency

Now that you are comfortable with knowing that your extinguisher is still in good working condition and is the proper Class for said fire, here is the easiest way to remember how to properly use it in case of an emergency.  Remember the acronym P.A.S.S.

1. P. Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher upright
2. A. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire and stand back
3. S. Squeeze the handle
4. S. Sweep the nozzle from side to side

For more tips on how to minimize damage and increase your chances of a successful restoration or for any of your other cleaning and restoration needs, call SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee at (734) 299-7006.