Responsibly Using a Fire Extinguisher

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Use the PASS method when using a fire extinguisher.

How To Handle a Fire Extinguisher

By now, fire extinguishers have become staples in most disaster-ready homes and provide billions worldwide with a quick, straightforward way to respond to sudden blazes. Generally, if you’ve used one fire extinguisher, you’ll use them all, as they typically follow the same usage procedure known as PASS:

• Pull the pin to break the tamper seal
• Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire
• Squeeze the handle and release extinguisher chemicals
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it’s extinguished
  
  
  

Knowing these steps can save you a ton of hassle with instances like the average kitchen fire in Harrison, TN but to really mitigate as much fire damage as possible, there are a few other things you need to take into account.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

The first thing you should always be aware of is that not every fire extinguisher is good for every job. For example, when dealing with a grease fire, you’ll need a class B extinguisher to really get the job done safely. It’s a good idea to research different extinguisher uses before deciding where to allocate these appliances around your home.

Emergency Services

Just because you have an extinguisher on your side doesn’t mean you won’t need emergency services. Ideally, you should have someone calling 911 as you attempt to extinguish the flames. This ensures you’re able to get the assistance you need in the event that your attempts are unsuccessful.


Furthermore, know when to leave the house. If the blaze becomes too large or your extinguisher runs out of juice, it’s time to get outdoors. You can pass over the firefighting responsibilities to emergency responders and work with a fire cleanup crew afterward to get your home back to normal again.


Keeping proper fire extinguisher handling tips in mind may be able to save your home and your family in the coming years. Be sure to discuss the above tips with every member of your family.