Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 17
Fire Prevention Tips
TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
There are various types of fire extinguishes designed to fight the three major classes
of residential fires.
ABC Multipurpose
-Dry Chemical Extinguisher
Class A
-Water Extinguisher
Class B & C
-Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher
A Multi-purpose ABC extinguisher puts out most types of fires. It is recommended
that each household have at least one. You can also buy extinguishers designed for
special purposes. These are labeled (A) for fires in paper, wood, or cloth; (B) for
flammable liquid fires; (C) for energized electrical fires. NEVER use water on Class
B or C fires. Discuss your needs with your dealer. For instance, you may want an
extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the garage/workshop areas of your home.
Buy an extinguisher you can lift and handle easily.
TO FIGHT OR NOT TO FIGHT
According to the U.S. President's Commission on Fire, the chances are that the
average family will have one fire in every generation serious enough to call the fire
department. How you react to an emergency can determine whether your house
bums down or you or a family member is hurt or killed. Will you take careful, lifesaving action or do the wrong thing and make the fire worse? Here's how to improve
your chances to stay safe from fire:
NO. Don't Fight the Fire.
Get out! Get others out! Call the Fire Department.
1. The fire spreading beyond the spot where it started.
2. The fire could block your exit.
3. You are not too sure how your extinguisher works.
YES. Use Your Extinguisher.
1. You have called the fire department first.
2. The fire is small (confined to its origin in a mattress, wastebasket, cushion,
or small appliance, etc.)
3. You can fight it with your back to an exit.
4. Your extinguisher is in working order and you know how to use it.
5. You know enough to get out fast if your effort is failing.
6. NOTICE!! If you are in bed when you find out there is
(or may be) a fire in your house -ESCAPE -NEVER use a fire extinguisher to
fight a fire that wakes you up.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance:
The pressure gauges on fire extinguishes should be checked monthly.
An
extinguisher should be recharged after each use, according to the directions on the
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