Each year, there are almost half a million house fires in the US and almost 3,000 people are killed. You Should Own a fire extinguisher. Most do and the funny thing is, many have no idea how to use one. I made it a point to ask a chunk of people in the last week if they have ever used or know how to use a fire extinguisher. Most said no. Being properly prepared if a fire were to creep into your world, could mean the difference between life or death.Typically a fire extinguisher contains about 10 seconds of extinguishing power. Always read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and familiarize yourself with its parts. It is recommended by fire prevention experts that you get training before using a fire extinguisher. Most local fire departments offer this service. Buy an extra extinguisher for everyone in the house to practice on. It's worth the money to potentially save your home and life. Below is an acronym describing the basic instructions for a standard home fire extinguisher.
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Pull the safety pin completely out.
Aim nozzle at the base of the fire, 5-10 feet away.
Squeeze the handle slowly.
Sweep the extinguisher side to side until the fire is out. _______________________________________
There are various types of fire extinguishers used for different types of fires; using the wrong type can worsen the fire, so it is critical to match the fire extinguisher type to the situation. Multiple use (ABC) types are the best for the home. You can find which type yours is on the label. They should also have a gauge on them to determine the life and amount of pressure inside and it should be checked yearly.
posted by Cecilia Sherrard at
3/09/2008
6 Comments:
In the Philippines, multiple use types are painted green. The red ones are single use.
I don't know about the US
Mine is an ABC type and it's red. I've seen fancy chrome ones...but not a green one. Americans aren't much on "green"
Yet.
Gotta admit, you got me. I don't own one at the moment and definitely should.
I'll put that on my shopping list.
I have been a volunteer Firefighter and certified for most of my life. I have seen many many fires that could have been slowed down if someone had had a fire extinguisher. They are a great thing to have. Fire safety is so important. A good post, you may go through life and never need one. But it is better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
Curt, that's good to hear! I see them in homes and often times they're tucked away in odd, hard to reach places or so old and dusty, I doubt they work.
Dwayne you're right, a fire can be contained by acting quickly. Thanks for your expert thoughts. =)
** Oh and one more tip, many stash them away because they don't match decor...You can paint them! Keep the directions and gauge visible just keep them turned facing away.
I also read this article about asbestos walling. They say it's fire retardant but asbestos dust is, they say, harmful to humans.
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