Remember: Always Call The Fire Department First: How Do Fire Extinguishers Work?

Fire extinguishers are special pressurized Contact your local fire department

devices that release chemicals or water to put

out a fire. They keep small fires from
spreading, assist in fighting fires until the fire
department arrives and can help provide an
escape route for you and your family.
REMEMBER: A fire extinguisher is no

substitute for the fire department.
Always call the fire department first – no matter
how small you think the fire is.
HOME FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

provided by:
How do fire extinguishers work?
Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion.

Fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat in order to
burn. Fire extinguishers apply an “agent” that
will cool burning fuel or restrict or remove
oxygen so the fire cannot continue to burn. Office of Fire Prevention and Control
Small household fires can be quickly
controlled by a fire extinguisher. phone: (518) 474-6746
fax:(518) 474-3240
Every home should have at least one fire e-mail - [email protected]
extinguisher. But simply owning an website - www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc
extinguisher is not enough.
One-third of all people injured by fire are hurt

while trying to control or extinguish a fire. You
need the right type of extinguisher and you
must know how and when to use it. NEW YORK STATE
OFFICE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
To operate an extinguisher: Check your own extinguisher's label for detailed instructions.
Don't fight a fire unless:
Pull
1 PULL the pin • you call the fire department first. An
extinguisher is no substitute for the fire
department.
Aim 2
AIM
3
SQUEEZE
• the fire is small and not spreading. A fire
can double in size every two or three
minutes.
Squeeze
nozzle the handle
at base • you can get out fast if you can't control the
of fire 2. fire. Don't get trapped. Make sure the fire is
not between you and your exit.
Sweep 4 SWEEP nozzle

4.
• you have the right extinguisher for what’s
burning. READ THE LABEL! Know what
types of extinguisher you have before there
side to side is a fire.
• your extinguisher works. Inspect

Use the correct extinguisher Know your extinguishers once a month for signs of
For Class A fires in ordinary
extinguisher damage, corrosion, tampering and leaks. A
Before you invest in one or more extinguishers, partially discharged extinguisher is an empty
combustibles, such as wood, one.
paper, cloth, upholstery, plastics and consider where you need them. Where are fires
similar materials: use a water or dry most likely to start? What type of fire would be
chemical extinguisher with either of most likely? Not all extinguishers work on all types • you know how to use your extinguisher.
these symbols on the label. of fires. It’s too late to read the instructions when the
Discuss your needs with your local fire fire is burning. Attend an extinguisher training
For Class B fires fueled by department. They can help you choose the best class at your local fire station.
flammable liquids and gases, such type of extinguisher for your home. Make sure you
as kitchen greases, paint, oil, select an extinguisher which can be easily handled
kerosene and gasoline: use a dry by all family members.
Keep extinguishers in a handy location. The best
REMEMBER:
chemical or carbon dioxide Smoke detectors are your first line of defense
extinguisher with either of these location in most situations is just inside a door or
entrance, out of the reach of children. Avoid against fires. They can warn you of a fire
symbols on the label. while it’s still small enough to put out with an
NEVER USE WATER. locating an extinguisher right next to where a fire
could develop. Smoke, heat or flames from a fire extinguisher and, most importantly, they can
may keep you from reaching the extinguisher. Be provide extra time for you and your family to
For Class C fires involving live escape.
electrical equipment or wires: use sure that everyone in the family knows where
a dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers are located and how to use them.
Purchase extinguishers listed by a nationally DEVELOP AND PRACTICE a home fire
extinguisher with either of these escape plan.
symbols on the label. If possible, accepted testing laboratory, such as Underwriter's
turn off the electricity first. Once the Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
Extinguishers rated ABC are effective on most NEVER GO BACK into a burning building
power is off, the fire becomes class for any reason.
A or B. NEVER USE WATER. types of fire.

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Fire extinguishers are special pressurized Contact your local fire department

devices that release chemicals or water to put

REMEMBER: A fire extinguisher is no

HOME FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

How do fire extinguishers work?

Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion.

One-third of all people injured by fire are hurt

Sweep 4 SWEEP nozzle

• your extinguisher works. Inspect

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