You have definitely seen it hanging on a wall, whether in your own home or at your place of work. Some of you have probably even decided you would be the one to grab it should the situation arise. But when it comes down to it, do you really know how to properly use a fire extinguisher during an emergency?

Sure, it comes with detailed instructions written on the red canister, but are you really going to have enough time in an emergency to read them, practice them and successfully use the fire extinguisher? The chances are slim, which is why you need to keep the following steps in mind to properly utilize a fire extinguisher should the situation arise.

Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep

Using a fire extinguisher is actually quite straightforward, but adhering to the directions as stated is paramount to successfully extinguishing a fire. The steps to using a fire extinguisher are detailed below:

  • Pull the fire extinguisher’s pin. This breaks the tamper seal.
  • Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire because that is where the fuel is. Aiming at the flames will not do much since it is not the fuel source. When aiming, position yourself somewhere around eight feet away from the fire. Most extinguishers have a range between eight and 12 feet.
  • Squeeze the handle to spray the base of the fire.
  • As you squeeze, you should begin moving the fire extinguisher side to side in a sweeping motion until the flames die out. As the flames die down, you can move closer to the fire.

Be sure to continue spraying the fire until it goes out completely. This also means putting out any glowing embers, as they can end up reigniting and starting the fire again. The fire should be put out in a matter of several seconds. If that is not the case, then it means the fire might be too big for your fire extinguisher. You should immediately evacuate if this is the case.

Contact Southern California Attorneys if Injured

Fires can be catastrophic to both objects and people. Injuries can range from smoke inhalation to third-degree burns, both of which can impact your well-being for days, months or even years. Some injuries might even end up fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire in California, you need the expertise of the personal injury attorneys at The Paris Firm. If your injuries came as a result of negligence, recklessness, or the carelessness of another party, the Paris Firm will make sure you obtain financial compensation for the damages you have suffered. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call 909-551-4040 to begin discussing your case today.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.