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It’s important to help the public understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers.
Encourage people to contact their fire department if they would like fire extinguisher training or have any questions. Help spread the word by sharing the following information and tips for using and maintaining fire extinguishers.
There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.
For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.
Often found in homes and businesses
For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.
Often found in homes and businesses
For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in.
Often found in homes and businesses
For use with flammable metals
Often found in factories
For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.
Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)
Fire extinguishers can be helpful on a small fire. Consider providing a checklist to help people prepare to use a fire extinguisher on a potential fire.
For example:
Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone. It is not recommended that children use fire extinguishers.
When operating a fire extinguisher, tell residents to remember the word PASS:
Remind citizens to check fire extinguishers for: