- Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home, which can control or extinguish small fires faster than it takes the fire department to arrive.
- There are different types of home fire extinguishers for different classes of fire. An all-purpose extinguisher — ABC type — helps put out most common home fires: wood, trash and paper fires, flammable liquid fires, or electrical fires.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, in a place that’s easily reached, but not too close to where the danger may occur (like a stove).
- Make sure that children do not play with fire extinguishers.
- Before you ever need it, review the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re operating the extinguisher safely.
- Remember the acronym PASS when using your fire extinguisher:
P — pull the safety pin
A — aim at the base of the fire
S — squeeze the trigger or lever
S — sweep the nozzle from side to side
- Always leave yourself an escape path in case you cannot safely put out the fire.
- Don’t ever use WATER to put out a burning oil or grease fire, which will cause the fire to flare.
- Have your home fire extinguishers tested and recharged annually or after each use by a licensed service company.
- Always call the fire department BEFORE attempting to extinguish a fire, and make sure everyone else exits the home before you attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.