Never fight a fire unless you are certain that you know how to use the fire extinguisher properly and that you have a safe route out of the building in case you cannot extinguish the fire. Before you attempt to fight a small fire make sure that everyone has left the building and that the fire department has been called.

There are three common types or classes of fires:

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics
• Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas
• Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuseboxes, circuit breakers, & appliance

Make sure you select an extinguisher rated for the class of fire you intend to fight. Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC or ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.

If you fight a fire with an extinguisher remember the word PASS…

1. P…(Pull) Pull the pin.
2. A…(Aim) Aim low pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
3. S…(Squeeze) Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
4. S…(Sweep) Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire

Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher before an emergency and always keep your fire extinguisher fully charged.

When not to use an extinguisher:

• If the fire could block your only exit! If the fire is spreading too quickly!
• If the fire is too large! If the type or size of extinguisher is wrong!
• If you don’t know how to use an extinguisher!