Do You Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Chances are, you have never been trained on how to select the proper fire extinguisher and use it properly in the event of a fire, and it's even more likely that you've never used a fire extinguisher to extinguish a fire.  In fact, recent studies have shown that over half of adults have never used or received training on proper selection and use of a portable fire extinguisher. 

Because fire extinguishers are readily available and sold commercially throughout the United States, they are great tools to help prevent small fires from becoming big ones in your home or place of work.  As with any tool, proper training and education is the key.  Fire extinguishers are designed to use on “incipient” fires – small fires that can be extinguished quickly.  An Example of this is a small fire in a trash can – as long as it is not spreading or growing beyond the confines of the container.    

 Life safety is always the primary concern regardless of your level of training. Before you attempt to extinguish a fire: 

 -Initiate an evacuation

 -Notify the fire department (Dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number)

 -Make sure that there is a way out for you – never allow a fire to get between you and your exit! 

 Being trained in the proper selection and use of a fire extinguisher is critical if you are to ever consider using one in the event of an emergency.  The following are some useful links to get you started:

 http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/fire-extinguishers

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCSms-jyOao

 It is important to remember that if you have not been properly trained (including actual practice with a fire extinguisher), you should not attempt to extinguish a fire!