Having a fire extinguisher at your home is a great idea and we recommend it! Remember that your safety comes first. You should always call the fire department first and get everyone safely out of the house. Fire extinguishers can be helpful to use on a small fire that is contained and not growing.
Should I Teach My Child To Use a Fire Extinguisher?
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) does not believe in teaching children to use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers should only be handled by adults.
Instead, teach your children to “Get Out and Stay Out”. Make sure your family has a home fire escape plan.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
- Remember the acronym “PASS”
- P: Pull the Pin. Hold the fire extinguisher with the nozzle facing away from you, and pull the pin.
- A: Aim low. Point the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- S: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- S: Sweep the nozzle in a side to side motion.
There are five classes of fires, depending on what caused the fire. There are also five classes of fire extinguishers. Extinguishers are labeled with letters and symbols for the class of fire that they can extinguish. For your home, choose a multi-purpose fire extinguisher & be sure it carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. These are easily found at your local hardware store or big box store.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Class A: Ordinary Combustibles. Examples: wood, cloth, and paper.
- Class B: Flammable Liquids. Examples: gasoline, oil, and solvents.
- Class C: Electrical Equipment.
- Class D: Combustible Metals.
- Class K: Combustible Cooking Components, as found in commercial cooking equipment.
Fire Safety Resources
- nfpa.org National Fire Protection Agency
- cpsc.gov Consumer Product Safety Commission
- cafiresafecouncil.org California Fire Safe Council
- fire.ca.gov CAL FIRE, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
- rvcfire.org Riverside County Fire
We recommend that everyone have a fire extinguisher at their home. Just as important, is for your family to have a fire escape plan. Take the time now and prepare your home and family for a fire event. Rancho Cal Insurance Services wants you to be safe and prepared in the event of a fire.
