Today’s topic is one that is important, and while I hope you
never need to use one, I’m going to give you the run down on fire extinguishers.
Why should you care about having fire extinguishers in your home? Because these
things can buy you time and save lives! If you have a small fire, it can put it
out and decrease property damage. If you have a larger fire, it will give you
time…. While you suppress the flames, it gives everyone time to escape.
never need to use one, I’m going to give you the run down on fire extinguishers.
Why should you care about having fire extinguishers in your home? Because these
things can buy you time and save lives! If you have a small fire, it can put it
out and decrease property damage. If you have a larger fire, it will give you
time…. While you suppress the flames, it gives everyone time to escape.
What do you need to know about picking a fire extinguisher?
All household extinguishers are classified A, B, or C (or a
combination of these) on the label. This
letters are used indicate which types of fires you can use them on. Many of the
fire extinguishers sold at home stores are classified A:B:C and fight all three
types of fires.
combination of these) on the label. This
letters are used indicate which types of fires you can use them on. Many of the
fire extinguishers sold at home stores are classified A:B:C and fight all three
types of fires.
A is ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth
B is flammable liquids, such as gasoline or cooking oil
C is live electricity.
Also, keep in mind the weight on an extinguisher refers to
the weight of the chemicals inside. The canister it comes in adds weight. While
bigger might sound better, pick one you can easy maneuver. Some extinguishers
are refillable, while others are disposable. Both will need to be checked from
time to time to make sure the pressure gauge shows they are still in working
order. Disposables are cheaper to buy, but the advantage to refillable
extinguishers are that if the gauge shows low pressure, or you have to use it,
it can be refilled instead of tossing it.
the weight of the chemicals inside. The canister it comes in adds weight. While
bigger might sound better, pick one you can easy maneuver. Some extinguishers
are refillable, while others are disposable. Both will need to be checked from
time to time to make sure the pressure gauge shows they are still in working
order. Disposables are cheaper to buy, but the advantage to refillable
extinguishers are that if the gauge shows low pressure, or you have to use it,
it can be refilled instead of tossing it.
We have disposable extinguishers in our home. We bought them
close to 10 years ago and they are still good. You should check your pressure
gauge whenever you change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
close to 10 years ago and they are still good. You should check your pressure
gauge whenever you change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
How do you use a fire extinguisher?
You should know how to use a fire extinguisher BEFORE you
need to use it, there will be no time to read the how to once a fire has
already started!! Just remember the word PASS, as it is an acronym for what to
do……
need to use it, there will be no time to read the how to once a fire has
already started!! Just remember the word PASS, as it is an acronym for what to
do……
P – Pull the pin
A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames
S – Squeeze the trigger
S – Sweep the spray from side to side
You will want to work as fast as possible because a typical
extinguisher can have as little as 8 seconds of life. And make sure you can
back out as you fight the flames, aka never let the flame get between you and
your exit.
extinguisher can have as little as 8 seconds of life. And make sure you can
back out as you fight the flames, aka never let the flame get between you and
your exit.
If you do manage to “put the fire out,” do not cancel any
calls you have made to the fire department. Let the professionals double check
your handy work. No one wants a flare up! Just because you knock down the
flame, doesn’t mean it is out.
calls you have made to the fire department. Let the professionals double check
your handy work. No one wants a flare up! Just because you knock down the
flame, doesn’t mean it is out.
Where should you keep a fire extinguisher?
-
Garage/home workshop
-
Kitchen
-
Laundry room
-
Car
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you
have at least one fire extinguisher for each floor of your home. Don’t forget the basement!
have at least one fire extinguisher for each floor of your home. Don’t forget the basement!
Now that you know a bit more about the what, why and how
of fire extinguishers, please remember, no matter how many you have, always have
a fire plan and practice it. Make sure everyone in your household know how to
get out fast, where to meet up once they are out, and how to call 911.
of fire extinguishers, please remember, no matter how many you have, always have
a fire plan and practice it. Make sure everyone in your household know how to
get out fast, where to meet up once they are out, and how to call 911.
**Homestead Tips on Tuesday is a weekly series where we help you learn skills, tips, and trick to help you on your journey of homesteading. Many places post list of things you should/could do as far as homesteading skill, but I feel lists are at times overwhelming and can make people give up before they even start. So every Tuesday I share one thing for you to try or consider. I hope you join us every Tuesday and I would love to hear about your adventures with each weeks topic.**
If you have young children (or anyone who cannot help themselves) keep a fire extinguisher in your bedroom so you can get to them.
Can't help themselves? Like grown men with beer? LOL No, I kid, placement is important.
This is a great topic to bring into discussion! Thanks.
I feel it is important any time of the year, but was timely since fall is upon us and folks will be starting more fires. You can never be too careful!
A great & practical post! Thankfully we do have access to one on our property, but this is especially a good reminder for all: day care providers, land lords & really for everyone…
So glad you were able to link this post up at this week's "Inspired By Me Mondays" link-up!! Love this post 🙂 Hope you are able to join us again next week; open from Monday to Friday each week, Rachael @ http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com
Ya know it is one of those simple things that is so over looked but can be such a life saver for everyone.
Thanks for sharing this life saving info at #theWeekendSocial. I always like seeing what you bring to our party. See you Thursday 9:00 PM EST. http://www.theKitchenChopper.com Pinned
I love hopping by 🙂
Great tips, Mindie! I am featuring you at this week's Inspire Me Monday party!
Aww thanks so much!
Thanks so much for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday last week. You are very much appreciated. Hope to see you again this week. Starts tonight at 8PM CST.
Have a great week!!
Thanks for hosting!
I use a mnemonic to remember the A-B-Cs of fire extinguishers:
A is for ordinary things that leave and ASH
B is for flamable liquids, these are the things that go BOOM!
C is for electricity, so I think CURRENT.
I love it!