Extinguisher

Which type of extinguisher you need

A fire extinguisher labeled “class A” is meant to be used in fires that involve ordinar y household items, such as cloth, paper and plastic. “Class B” takes care of fires star ted by flammable liquids such as kitchen grease, gasoline and oil-based paint. “Class C” extinguishers are rated for fires involving energized electrical equipment like wiring, circuit breakers, electronics and appliances. Buying a multipurpose extinguisher (“Class A-B-C”) can be used for all three types of fires, making it the most practical for home use.

The right time to use one

To minimize the risk of getting hur t, Alex For te, associate merchant, fire safety at the Home Depot, said to only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area and is not growing. “If the fire is taller than your head, burning beyond the original materials that ignited, or if it's not confined to a wastebasket or other container, leave immediately for a safe location,” he said. Once you're at a safe distance away, call the fire depar tment.

How to operate an extinguisher correctly

If the time comes when you need to activate an extinguisher, know how to use it. Remember the “PASS” technique: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

The best place to put a unit

Pick a spot where the extinguisher is visible and easily accessible, For te said. It's a good idea to put one on each floor of your home, plus additional ones near the garage, in the basement, and by the outdoor grill. “Keep an extinguisher within 40 feet, so you don't have to go far to get it, but out of the reach of small children,” he said.

The most common mistake made when using an extinguisher

“People tend to overestimate the size of a fire that a por table fire extinguisher can handle,”

For te said, “and that's why it's so impor tant to have more than one in a home.”

The importance of testing

The best way to test a fire extinguisher with a pressure pin on top is to press in the pin; if it pops back up, your extinguisher is still pressurized. On models with a pressure gauge, if the needle is in the green/full area, the unit is pressurized. Don't test it by discharging because if any amount is discharged, the unit should be replaced.

The expiration date

Nothing lasts forever, including fire extinguisher. Replace yours ever y six years or if the gauge reads empty.