Based on statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration, every home or business should have a fire extinguisher. An estimated 364,000 residential fires in 2016 were caused by cooking, heating, carelessness, and electrical malfunction while almost 100,000 business fires were caused by commercial cooking, negligence, and arson. Having a fire extinguisher, however, won’t do owners much good unless they and others in the building know how to use one properly.

Guide to Using a Fire Extinguisher

Make Sure It’s the Right Type

Fire extinguishers are classified by five types, each of which has a corresponding name. Type A fires are easily eliminated with water, such as paper or wood fires. Type B fires are started by flammable liquids, such as paint or propane. Type C fires are ignited by electrical equipment, Type D involve metals, such as magnesium shavings, and Type K typically involve cooking oils and fats. A fire extinguisher will be rated by these letters to identify the types of fires it is capable of extinguishing.

When to Use One

Before retrieving a fire extinguisher, the most important decision a person should make is whether it’s safer to flee the fire or attempt to extinguish it. Fire extinguishers are only appropriate if the fire is small and in a contained area, it’s easy to retrieve the extinguisher quickly, the device is fully charged and specifically designed to use on the type of fire in question, and you have been trained to use it. It is critical that users don’t put themselves or others in further danger by attempting to fight a fire.

 How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

A simple way to train yourself, your family, or your employees how to use an extinguisher is known as the PASS method. Users will pull the pin on the extinguisher, aim the nozzle toward the lowest point of the fire, squeeze the handle to release the container, and sweep the hose side to side until the flames have stopped.

If you need help purchasing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business, the experts at A-1 Fire Protection in Olive Branch, Mississippi, can match you with the right equipment and show you how to use it. For 32 years, they’ve specialized in fire inspections, training, and alarms. Call (662) 895-2177 or visit them online to learn more about their services.