By Albert Zorn
NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist

Have you ever experienced a fire emergency in your own home? If not, chances are that you don't respect your fire extinguisher. Those who have experienced a fire emergency first hand and have resolved it with the use of a fire extinguisher know the value of this first line of defense. Fire extinguishers are meant to be used only on small, contained fires that have just begun. Fire extinguishers are not a substitute for the fire department. If a fire is large and spreading, shift your focus to evacuation rather than extinguishing the fire.

ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers are ideal for homes because they extinguisher most household fires. ABC Fire Extinguishers can be used on paper, wood, burning liquid and electrical fires. They are the least expensive and most effective fire extinguishers. The only drawback is that they make a dusty, powdery mess that permeates the home. Fortunately, ABC Dry Chemical powder is non-toxic and is classified only as an irritant.

Using a fire extinguisher is easy. Regardless, you should review the procedures for proper operation every six months. Regular practice will save precious seconds in an actual fire emergency. Every fire extinguisher has written and pictographic instructions on the front. Do not pull the pin or discharge the fire extinguisher during practice as this will render it useless. The proper procedure for using a fire extinguisher is to stand 8 - 10 feet from the fire and use the P.A.S.S. system, PULL the pin, AIM the hose, SQUEEZE the handle, and SWEEP side to side. After you have used the fire extinguisher, either have it recharged by a qualified service facility or dispose of it properly.

Many home type fire extinguishers with plastic handles are not very reliable. Commercial grade fire extinguishers, such as Amerex Fire Extinguishers, are made of durable materials such as aluminum and brass. These fire extinguishers can be recharged more than once, and will last at least 12 years or more. They should be recharged and internally inspected six years after the manufacture date and pressure tested twelve years after the manufacture date. If maintained properly, Amerex Fire Extinguishers can last a lifetime.

So next time you come across your home fire
extinguisher, give it some respect. Check the date it was manufactured, check the pressure gauge to ensure it is in the operable range, and weigh it to make sure it the weight matches or exceeds the minimum weight on the manufacturers label. Most important, ensure you have a fire extinguisher in a visible and accessible place on each level of your home and in your garage. If you follow these steps, you're first defense against fire will be ready for action!