Fire Extinguisher

Following an earthquake, your local Fire Department may be overwhelmed with calls for assistance and unable to respond to small residential fires frequently caused by arcing wires, downed electrical lines, or damaged wiring in appliances. Having a suitable fire extinguisher in good working condition, and knowing how to use it may save your home - or even your life.
When correctly used, fire extinguishers can keep small fires from becoming big ones, provide you with an escape route through a small fire, and help fight a small fire until the Fire Department arrives (if they are able to respond). However, if there ever is a question of whether to put a fire out or to get out, opt for safety first.

TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS

The type of extinguisher will depend on the type of fire. There are three major classes of fire:

1. Ordinary combustibles (paper, cloth, wood, rubber, many plastics)	Use an extinguisher with a green "A" symbol on the label.
2. Flammable liquids (oils, gasoline, kitchen greases, paints, solvents)	Use an extinguisher with the red "B" symbol on the label.
3. Electrical equipment (for wiring fires, fuse boxes, motors, power tools, appliances)	Use an extinguisher with the blue "C" symbol on the label.
There is also a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher labeld A-B-C that is effective in putting out most types of fires. Halon fire extinguishers "BC" are recommended for use in areas where computer equipment is located. Your local fire department can recommend the proper types, sizes and numbers of extinguishers for your home.

HOW TO OPERATE

For simple operating insructions, remember the word "P-A-S-S":

P = PULL
Pull the pin or ring (some units require the release of a lock latch, pressing a puncture level or other motion)

A = AIM
Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.

S = SQUEEZE
Squeeze or press the handle.

S = SWEEP
Sweep from side to side slowly at the base of the fire until it goes out.


There are also ordinary household items that are useful in extinguishing small, localized fires:

• Baking soda is very effective for extinguisher cooking fires.
• A Garden hose can be used to extinguish ordinary combustibles. Hoses should be connected at all times and provided with an adjustable nozzle. They should reach all sections of the house. (It is also recommended that a hose be provided for the front and back of the house.)
• Buckets and similar containers should be kept near water sources.
• Shovels are very handy for small outdoor areas that can be controlled by spreading or throwing dirt.

EXPERIENCE SAYS...
Fire extinguishers will work for you if they are:

1. Maintained properly (follow the manufacturer's instructions).
2. Checked annually.
3. Replaced or refilled after each use.
4. Securely stored in an upright position.

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