Used under proper conditions with an understanding of how they work, a fire extinguisher can save lives as well as property by putting out or containing a fire until professional help arrives.

• Before fighting a fire, it is important to be positive that all occupants have left the building. Saving lives is the top priority! Risking a life to save property is foolish.
• Read the owner's manual; be familiar with the operation of your extinguisher before a catastrophe arises!
• Know how to pull the release on the extinguisher - all have some type of trigger lock.
• Mount the Extinguisher out of reach of children.
• Mount the extinguisher away from sources of heat.
• Any fire extinguisher must be charged.
• The operator should have a clear escape path.
• The user should be aware that the typical fire extinguisher could discharge fully in less than 10 seconds.
• Fire extinguishers should never be used by children!
• Fire Extinguishers are built to extinguish at least one of the three main types of fires; Class A, Class B or Class C
• If an extinguisher is rated as A-B-C, it can be used on all types of fires.
• Do not attempt to fight a fire with an incorrectly rated extinguisher - you could make things much worse!
• Be careful not to get too close - it is possible to spread a fire by using an extinguisher incorrectly.
• Keep your back to the escape route
• Stay at least 6 feet away from the fire
• Aim at the base of the flames, never at the top.
• When extinguishing, sweep gently along the base, advance if the flames retreat.
• Even if flames are extinguished, still make sure the Fire Department inspects the scene.
• If the extinguisher is refillable, have it done as soon as possible. Once discharged an extinguisher will not work until it is refilled.

Extinguisher Classes

Class A: Normal Combustible Materials such as wood and paper

Class B: Flammable Liquids such as gasoline and oil

Class C: Electricity Based such as machinery and fuse boxes