Smoke detectors and a home fire escape plan are the two most important elements to keeping you safe in your home in the event of a house fire, however, a fire extinguisher can help prevent a small fire from turning into a large fire.
For common household purposes, fire extinguishers generally have 3 class ratings - A, B & C.
- An 'A' rating is used for ordinary combustibles like wood, cloth, plastic, and paper. The class 'A' label is represented by a red triangle.
- Class 'B' extinguishers are rated to put out flammable liquid fires like oil, gas, paints, grease, and solvents. The class 'B' label is represented by a yellow square.
- The class 'C' label is used for electrical fires. The class 'C' label is represented by a blue circle symbol.
The number in the rating of a fire extinguisher is related to its fire-fighting ability. In general, the higher the number, the more powerful the extinguisher.
General safety:
- Make it a yearly habit to inspect your fire extinguisher.
- Because many kitchen fires occur around the holidays, due to an increase of time we spend cooking, it’s a great idea to inspect your fire extinguisher when we ‘fall back’ the clocks in the autumn.
- For recharging, it’s best to follow the recommendations and directions on the manufacturer’s label.
- Business and commercial property owners have an obligation under the Ontario Fire Code to install and maintain a certain number and type of fire extinguishers.
When to use a fire extinguisher?
Only use a fire extinguisher when the following conditions are met:
- The fire is limited to a small area and a safe escape route is available to you.
- Your fire extinguisher is rated to put out the type of fire present, is properly charged and you are confident in how to properly operate the extinguisher.
- Everyone has left the home and the fire department has been called.
- The smoke is not overwhelming.
Before needing to use a fire extinguisher in the case of an emergency, it's essential to be knowledgeable and confident in its operation.
P.A.S.S.
This helpful acronym is a handy reminder of how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.
PULL: The pin to release the handle.
?AIM: The extinguisher at the base of the flames.
?SQUEEZE: The handle to release the extinguishing agent.
?SWEEP: Back and forth across the base of the flames.
If you're thinking of purchasing a fire extinguisher for the safety of you, your family and your home, we recommend asking a knowledgeable fire extinguisher supplier to learn which rating is suitable for your needs, along with the proper training on how to use yours.