4 Easy Steps To Use a Fire Extinguisher

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

You should at least have one fire extinguisher in your house.

How Do You Use A Fire Extinguisher?

If you’re a responsible homeowner, you probably have at least one fire extinguisher in your house. Ideally, you should have one within easy access to all fire hazards (kitchens, furnace rooms and laundry rooms are all great places to keep them). While owning at least one extinguisher is an important step toward protecting your home from fire damage, it’s equally important to make sure you know how to use it when you need it. Here are four easy steps you should follow when using an extinguisher to put out a fire in your home.

1. Call the Fire Department

When there’s a fire in your home, your first reaction may be to pull out the closest fire extinguisher and put it out. However, if the fire is large, it’s important to call the fire department first. Then, if it’s safe to do so, you can attempt to put the fire out yourself while the fire truck is on the way.

2. Identify Your Evacuation Path

The next step you should take before pulling out the extinguisher is identifying a safe evacuation path. The last thing you want to do is focus so much on putting out the fire that you become trapped in the blaze. Take a moment to look around you and ensure you have a safe escape route to use as needed before pulling out the extinguisher.

3. Follow Instructions on Extinguisher

Fortunately, most extinguishers come with easy-to-read instructions printed directly on them. Follow the instructions and make sure you discharge the extinguisher within the effective range listed on the container.

4. Back Away From the Fire

It’s possible for a kitchen fire to flare up again even after you’ve put parts of it out, so make sure you back away from extinguished flames instead of moving toward them.

Once the fire is safely put out with a fire extinguisher, call your local fire damage restoration company in Leonard, OK. They can help repair and restore your home after fire damage has occurred.