Properly placed fire extinguishers are excellent tools that you, the homeowner, can take in the event of a small fire. However, always remember that fires can re-ignite if not properly extinguished, so in the event of a fire be sure to contact your fire department just to be on the safe side.

Just like there are different types of fires, so to there are different types of fire extinguishers. Many people believe that water is the general extinguisher on any type of fire. Not so! If an unwary person uses water in some fires it could result in injury or further damage to your home. Also, water on an electrical fire can lead to very tragic consequences. So before you install your own extinguisher(s) in your home be sure you know what their limits are.

There are three basic classes of extinguishers. All of these extinguishers are labeled clearly and most of the new ones are labeled with a picture to assist the user. Let's take a moment to discuss the different types.

Here's the "ABCs" of fire extinguishers:

Class A fire extinguishers are used on ordinary fires such as wood or paper. One might use a Class A extinguisher to put out a campfire or perhaps a mulch fire. A Class A extinguisher is labeled with a Green Triangle outlining an A.

Class B fire extinguishers are used for putting out flammable liquid fires such as gasoline, grease, oil, etc. Anyone that stores any kind of flammable liquids should have at least one. A Class B extinguisher is labeled with a red square and a B inside of it.

Class C extinguishers are used for electrically energized fires. Class C extinguishers are not as commonly seen in homes. Class C extinguishers can be identified with a blue circle and a C on the inside of it.
 

There is also a Class D extinguishers, but that's a specialized extinguisher normally not found in a home.

Unfortunately, these different classes of extinguishers can be easily confused to untrained persons, especially in the "heat" of the moment. The time to learn about the different types is NOT during an actual fire, but rather before.

However, today's modern fire extinguishers can be purchased for all three ratings. When you purchase your extinguisher be sure that it is rated for all three types of fire, by taking time to see if it has all three of the fire rating images on it. In addition, some fire extinguishers can be re-filled, making it less expensive than purchasing a brand new unit.

In order to quickly attack a small fire by yourself, and prevent it from becoming a larger and uncontrollable fire, the units must be easily accessible. It's important that you properly place the extinguisher in the home where they can be quickly reached.

A good example of where NOT to place an extinguisher is where it's placed so that a person has to reach over a stove for it. Not a good thing to do in a stove fire.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommends that all homes have at least one or better yet, two extinguishers. The kitchen and garage might be appropriate places for your extinguisher. Depending on the layout of your house, consider that an extinguisher on each floor would allow for much quicker reaction time.

It is important that extinguishers are placed high on a wall, preferably near an exit so it can be reached from more than one point in the house, and away from heat sources. Heat could possibly make the extinguisher less dependable in the time of emergency as well as cause it to lose its charge earlier. They should also be plainly visible at all times, but at a height that will keep them away from small children - it's not a toy.

Furthermore, you should check the extinguisher's charge gauge and general condition at least once per month.

Using a fire extinguisher is not particularly difficult, but you should know how to use it before an actual fire. A good idea is to keep the directions near the extinguisher and review them during your monthly inspection. An emergency is no time to be reading directions.

Make certain that when you purchase the extinguisher there are enclosed directions for placement and operation of it.

If you are forced to use your extinguisher and you are assured that you can knock down the fire with the extinguisher, remember P.A.S.S.

P.A.S.S. has four simple steps:

P- pull the pin on top of the fire extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.

A- aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.

S- squeeze the handle to discharge the contents of the extinguisher, while standing a safe distance of around 8 feet away.

S- sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire.

Make sure that you immediately call the fire department, or have another person call, to be certain that the fire has been safely extinguished. This is very important as fires can re-ignite. You should not just assume that it's out. Make certain that you are prepared to use the extinguisher again while waiting for the fire department to respond. If at any time you feel that the extinguisher cannot stop the fire, drop it, get out of the home and wait for the fire department.

Fire extinguishers are a good way to attack small fires in the home. For any adult, they are simple enough to learn. Remember that when purchasing an extinguisher for the home to make sure that it is rated for Class A, B, and C fires. Be sure that your extinguishers are quickly accessible, and remember P.A.S.S.!

If these guidelines are followed, your response to a small house fire could make a big difference while waiting for the fire department to arrive.

To learn some more about fire extinguishers, here's some information from Suffolk County's Fire Rescue Emergency website.