Real fires aren’t TV fires. You really need to know what you’re doing.
If a stove or oven fire happens, or a space heater gets too close to curtains, or an electrical fire ignites because of an overloaded outlet (please, don’t overload outlets), having a fire extinguisher handy can prevent the loss of your home. Get yourself a good multipurpose fire extinguisher and learn to use it properly.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: Take a PASS at It
If you think you know how to use a fire extinguisher because you’ve seen it done on TV… you do not know how to use a fire extinguisher. Using one isn’t difficult, but when your adrenaline is pumping during a fire emergency, even the simplest information can be hard to recall.
Keep the word “PASS” in mind for an easy, effective way to remember what to do. You can even write it on a note near your fire extinguisher.
P = Pull the pin at the top of the fire extinguisher.
A = Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
S = Squeeze the operating handle.
S = Sweep from side to side to extinguish the flame.
A Fire Extinguisher Isn’t a Fire Department
Remember: fire extinguishers are only intended for small fire situations, such as cooking fires, upholstery fires, or small electrical fires. Don’t try to take on a growing house fire with a fire extinguisher. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
But to keep small fires from becoming big fires, make sure everyone in your family who’s old enough for the responsibility knows how to use a fire extinguisher. Check out this video for a great overview of the basics. It’s made for kids but to be honest, everyone at Be Ready, Butte! enjoyed getting a simple refresher.