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Home / Home Insurance / Articles / Portable Extinguisher

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The ABCs of Using a Portable Extinguisher: Which, When, How

Portable extinguishers are used for putting out small fires. At home, it is a good addition to your smoke alarm, providing you know how to use it…

Which extinguisher to choose?

There are different types of portable extinguishers.  At home and in the car, the ABC dry chemical portable extinguisher is particularly recommended. 

• The letter A means the extinguisher can put out a fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper or fabric.
  
  
• The letter B means the extinguisher can put out a fire involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease in a frying pan or solvents.
  
  
• The letter C means the extinguisher can put out a fire involving energized electrical equipment such as a fuse box, kitchen appliances or electric motor.

When buying a portable extinguisher, make sure the device has a certification seal from an accredited agency such as the ULC.  They also come in several sizes ranging from 2 to 30 lbs (approximately 1 to 14 kg), so you should take the time to weigh the extinguisher to be sure you can operate it in case of an emergency. 

Extinguishers should be visible and easily accessible.  Ideally, they should be installed near an exit, away from any electric appliances.  They are equipped to be fastened to the wall but make sure you install them no more than 5 feet from the ground. 

When to use a portable extinguisher?

You should use a portable extinguisher if, and only if, the fire is small, it is not spreading and there is not too much smoke: 

• Alert all occupants of the house so they can evacuate immediately
  
  
• Dial 9-1-1
  
  
• Position yourself near an exit so you can easily flee the building if you are unable to put out the fire

How to use a portable extinguisher?

• Pull the blocking pin
  
  
• Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
  
  
• Squeeze the lever hard
  
  
• Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire

It usually takes 8 to 25 seconds to empty the extinguisher.  If the fire is not out or if the room fills with smoke, you should flee immediately.  Even if you manage to put out the fire, you should exit the house immediately. Inhaling smoke and particles of dry chemical suspended in the air are extremely hazardous to health.  Wait for the firefighters to arrive: they will check the premises and ensure the fire has not surreptitiously spread within a wall or somewhere else.

Portable extinguishers are easy to use.  Once you have bought your extinguisher, gather all the members of your family and learn how to use it. Then why not take the time to establish a good evaluation plan… because prevention saves lives!

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