Paul Davis Offers Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips

Can you believe that 372,900 house fires occur every single year? These fires cause 2,530 deaths, 13,125 injuries and $7 billion in property damage each year, according to the US Fire Administration. Astonishingly, fire extinguishers were present in only 4% of these fires. If a fire happened in your home, would you know what to do? Knowing the following safety tips will help you be prepared.   First, you should know which type of fire extinguisher to buy. For a home, choose a multi-purpose extinguisher that is large, but not too heavy so that you can handle its weight. Ensure the extinguisher has an “independent testing laboratory” label. Keep the fire extinguisher close to an exit. If you have multiple floors, keep at least one fire extinguisher on each level of the house. Go over the instructions to be familiar with how the extinguisher is operated.   If and when a fire occurs, before using a fire extinguisher, make sure all of the property occupants have exited and phone the fire department. If the fire is limited to a small space, operate a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. Remember to keep your back to a point of exit while using the extinguisher. This way you will have an easy escape if the fire becomes uncontrollable. If the fire begins to spread or fills the room with smoke, leave the property immediately.   The National Fire Protection Association advises to remember the acronym PASS when operating a fire extinguisher: P = pull the pin. Ensure the nozzle points away from you and release the pin. A = aim low pointing at the base of the fire. S = squeeze the fire extinguisher lever slowly. S = sweep from side-to-side.   For hands-on training, call your local fire department who may have fire extinguisher training classes. On top of the importance of fire extinguishers, it’s also crucial to have working smoke alarms that have been tested regularly, along with having and practicing a fire escape plan with your loved ones. Check out the NFPA Fire Escape Plan for safety advice on escape planning.   If you do encounter fire damage to your property, please don’t hesitate to Call Paul! We’re here for you 24/7 with over 375 franchise offices throughout the US and Canada to carefully and effectively handle all of your property damage emergency service needs.   For added info about fire extinguishers and fire safety, please visit NFPA.