The Right Way to Use a Fire Extinguisher
It's Fall, and last week we turned back our clocks and gained an hour (my favorite night of the year!) - hopefully we all remembered to check the batteries in our smoke detectors as well - turning back or turn forward the clocks each year is a great reminder to change the batteries in those out of the way smoke detectors. In that light, here's a reminder on the correct use of a fire extinguisher:
First: Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home.
Be sure you have multi-purpose extinguishers and that they are properly labeled. To remember how to use an extinguisher, remember this acronym;
P-A-S-S
· Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed
· Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire
· Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop
· Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire
Pull
Aim
Squeeze
Sweep
Remember to regularly check your extinguishers to be sure they are properly charged. If a unit is low on pressure, it is damaged or corroded; have it professionally serviced or replace it.