Small blazes arenโt that uncommon in the modern household. Fortunately, fire extinguishers can help fires from escalating, if you have the right kind, at the right place, at the right time.
Keep at least one fire extinguisher near your kitchen, where most common house fires start. Another near the exit of your home can ensure a safer getaway if flames are close to your houseโs entry points.
According to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), multipurpose, or ABC, extinguishers are recommended for home use. The โAโ signifies the device can extinguish fires from wood, cotton and cloth; the โBโ means the extinguisher fights fires from flammable liquids like cooking sprays; and the โCโ indicates it will put out fires resulting from live electricity.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers arenโt difficult to use. OCFA offers helpful information and urges homeowners to remember the PASS technique for using one:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the lever slowly
- Sweep from side-to-side
Click ืึผึธืื to watch an instructional video from OCFA on how to use a fire extinguisher.
Click ืึผึธืื to view OCFA flyers on fire safety, available in Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Last but not least, always call 9-1-1 and make sure you have a clear exit route before using an extinguisher.
ืืืืฉืืช ื ืืกืคืืช ืืืคืจ, ืืืฅ ืขื ืืชื "ืื ืงืืจื ืืืคืจ" ืืืื.
