Having portable extinguishers on hand is a basic necessity. On an average, 440 people die every year inside their homes in the United States, while trying to manage a fire on their own. Often, this happens because they do not know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, or they end up trying to firefight for too long and their lungs get filled with smoke and poisonous gasses from the fire.

How to use a fire extinguisher: Fire

extinguishers work by removing the safety ring pin and squeezing the two handles together. Extinguishers differ in specific procedures and the distance you should stand at from the fire while using it, so be sure to read and follow the instructions given in the manual.

This acronym may help you remember how to use it: P.A.S.S.

P – Pull the safety ring

A – Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire

S – Squeeze the handles together

S – Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to put out the flames

Remember: If you try fighting the fire and it does not go out within 30 seconds, get yourself out and call for help. Because of such cases, it is good to have practiced a fire exit routine well beforehand. Have an exit strategy, and a meeting point that is a safe distance away from the building where your family or employees can gather.

Fire Extinguishing Agent Types:

1. Dry Powder Extinguisher – can be used on fires involving paper, wood, flammable and combustible liquids and flammable gasses.

2. Water Extinguisher – can be used on fires involving paper, wood and flammable gasses.

3. Foam Extinguisher – can be used on fires involving paper, wood, flammable and combustible liquids and combustible metals.

4. Water additives and wet chemicals – can be used on fires involving paper, wood, cooking fat and oil.

5. Class D – can be used on fires involving combustible metals.

Remember: Having a fire extinguisher is very important, but you also need to properly maintain it. Not properly maintaining your extinguisher can result in it not working correctly when you’re trying to put out a fire.

Where to get fire extinguishers: Pan Gulf Products provides you with a wide selection of portable fire extinguishers you can choose from such as mobile foam units and carbon dioxide extinguishers. Please contact us today for details on our product range or view our website to choose products yourself.