However, a fire extinguisher is only as effective as its accessibility when disaster strikes.
Kitchen
Its no surprise that most house fires start in the kitchen.
For this reason, you should have a fire extinguisher easily accessible in your kitchen.
Credit:Getty Images / PhonlamaiPhoto
Garage
Garages are another area of concern when it comes to house fires.
Here are some fire extinguisher tips to remember.
Position fire extinguishers along normal paths of travel.
This way, no occupants ever have to leave an exit to retrieve a fire extinguisher.
Know when a fire extinguisher is worth using.
Before using a fire extinguisher, always assess the situation carefully, notes Shoulders.
If the fire is too large or spreading rapidly, your safety must come first.
Evacuate the house immediately and call 911 rather than attempting to fight the fire yourself.
stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
This is the order of operations for properly using a fire extinguisher to extinguish a flame.
Choose the right class of fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers arent one-size-fits-all.
Different classes of fire extinguishers are suited for different types of fires and situations.
Monitor fire extinguishers to ensure they stay ready for use.
Fire extinguishers dont last forever.
Yours likely has an expiration date printed somewhere on it.
Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines.NFPA
Fire Extinguisher Types.NFPA
