What to do before and after, you pull the fire extinguisher pin!

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh, we see many homes and businesses in eastern Baltimore county, experience fires. Many people are vigilant on checking areas of their home and keep smoke alarms up-to-date, keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, but many people don’t know how to use their Fire Extinguisher properly.

Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. An extinguisher rated “A-B-C” is recommended for home use. Many fire extinguisher models are designed for one-time use and cannot be recharged.

Install extinguishers high on the wall, near an exit, and away from heat sources. Extinguishers should be easily accessible to adults trained to use them, and kept away from children's curious hands. Heat may make the contents less effective or cause the extinguisher to lose its charge more quickly.

If you try to use a fire extinguisher on a fire and the fire does not immediately die down, drop the extinguisher and get out. Most portable extinguishers empty in 8 seconds.

Look at your fire extinguisher to ensure that it is properly charged. Fire extinguishers will not work properly if they are not properly charged. Use the gauge or test button to check that there is proper pressure. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing or recharging fire extinguishers. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, replace it or have it professionally serviced.

Before you begin to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher, be sure that:

1. Everyone has left or is leaving the home.
2. The fire department has been called.
3. The fire is small and not spreading.
4. Your back is to an exit you can use quickly.
5. There is not much smoke in the room.

Remember the word PASS when using a fire extinguisher:

P-Pull pin

A-Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S-Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

S-Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

If you've experienced a home fire, and aren't sure what to do, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, or your insurance agent. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

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Resources:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html