Using a Fire Extinguisher
Let’s run through a kitchen fire scenario. From the discussion on the types of suppressant material, we already know the proper extinguisher is a dry chemical or pure carbon dioxide. The latter is preferable in a kitchen fire since it will not contaminate the cooking equipment or exposed food.
The smoke alarm goes off. The occupants identify that the fire has started in the kitchen and begin their escape plan. The flames are still small and contained; the room is not yet filled with smoke. An adult or older child makes sure everyone is safely out of the house and grabs the extinguisher. Keeping his back to the exit so that if the flames get out of control there is nothing blocking his safe escape, he stands six to eight feet from the flames and checks to make sure the nozzle is pointed away from him. He pulls the pin, aims low at the base of the fire and squeezes the lever slowly and evenly.
When the suppressant material initially hits the flames, there may be a flare up. Don’t panic, this is normal. Sweep the nozzle from side to side, keeping the nozzle aimed at the base as you move toward the fire.
The acronym to remember is PASS
P Pull the pin
A Aim low at the base of the fire
S Squeeze the lever
S Sweep the nozzle from side to side
That first sight of flames is not the time to read through the fire extinguisher operating instructions. Read through the instructions when the unit is purchased. Many fire departments and extinguisher distributors will give hands-on training to you and your family members.
While it may seem unnecessary at the time, be on the safe side and designate one of the family members who will evacuate to call the fire department once out of the home. If you are alone when the fire breaks out, call the fire department before you use the extinguisher. While that may seem like a waste of valuable time, the nature of fire is unpredictable. The flames in that kitchen fire may spread beyond the ability of a home extinguisher to control. It is much safer to have fire fighters en route. Even if you have extinguished the flames, the fire fighters can make sure the situation is completely safe before other family members return to the home.
After the flames have been extinguished, it’s time for clean up. If the fire started with cooking oil or other flammable liquid, clean up all the remaining liquid from surfaces. If the fire was a Class A (common combustibles), dispose of the ashes, cooled embers and remaining fuel in a metal container similar to those used for fireplace ashes. If your extinguisher is the dry chemical foam type, clean up all the residual powder to avoid corrosion.
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