You want to be smart so you bought a fire extinguisher for your house. So now, you're protected, right? If you're lucky, yes. But ...
Make sure to chose the right one for the kinds of fires it may be called on to put out. Extinguishers, like fires, are not the same. Check the unit's ratings:
- Type A is for combustibles such as trash, wood, paper, rags;
- Type B is used on burning liquids, such as grease or oil;
- Type C specifically addresses electrical fires since its chemicals won't conduct electricity back to you.
Many units have an ABC rating, making them all-purpose. If you don't buy one of those, though, think about likely fires (grease in a kitchen, electrical near a fuse box) and buy an appropriate model.
If you ever need to use a fire extinguisher, just remember the word P-A-S-S: It is also important to remember - if you use an extinguisher even once, it must be removed and re-serviced because it will continue to leak gas and will be discharged in two to three days. Also never store a fire extinguisher unmounted upright on a table or floor because if it falls over, the nozzle can break off.
Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side
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