Extinguisher Tips:

• Have extinguishers in multiple rooms including the kitchen, workshop, utility room, and garage
• Place extinguishers in conspicuous, unobstructed locations with instructions visible and intact.
• Inspect extinguishers monthly for nozzle or hose obstructions, cylinder corrosion, or loss of pressure.  Have faulty extinguishers inspected and repaired or replaced.
• Read the owners manual frequently to review the instructions for use.
• Recognize that not all extinguishers can be used on all types and sizes of fires.
• See the information below for more details.

Types of Fires:
 

Common Extinguisher types:
 

Use on Fire Types	Possible Extinguishing Agent(s)
A only	water
B and C	carbon dioxide, halon, and some dry chemicals
A, B, and C	multipurpose dry chemical

 

General Instructions for Extinguisher use:

1. Determine if the fire is small enough for an extinguisher to be effective.  If in doubt, get out.
2. Make sure that you have a secure escape route in the opposite direction of the fire.
3. Pull the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher, thus breaking the plastic or wire seal.
4. Point the nozzle or hose in a safe direction and discharge a short test burst to ensure proper operation.
5. Move to within 6 to 8 feet from the fire and aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
6. Squeeze the handle, thus discharging the agent, moving the hose or nozzle in a side to side motion.
7. Do not spray the agent into the liquid of a class B fire.
8. Halon and carbon dioxide application should continue after extinguishment to reduce the possibility of reignition.
9. If the fire is not out in 30 seconds, immediately exit the building and call the fire department.