Do You Have A Fire Extinguisher?

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With the time change just occurring, it is once again time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Have you already put new batteries in? You do have at least one smoke detector don’t you? If you don’t have one then you really need to go purchase one immediately. Also If it has been acting weird, it may be time to replace it. Better safe than sorry. Did you know that Fires have a greater chance of starting in your kitchen than anywhere else in your home? These tips are for common fires. There are three kinds of fires; handling each one the right way will help keep the flames from spreading. For the best overall protection, purchase a multipurpose, dry-chemical extinguisher rated for Class A, B and C fires. Hang it in your kitchen, in an easily accessible place away from the stove. I am afraid that I may need to move mine, it may be too close to the stove. Make sure that each of the members of your household understands how to use the fire extinguisher. Instructions For Putting out Common Fires 1: If your clothes are burning, immediately drop to the ground and roll back and forth quickly. 2: If the fire is large or spreading fast, evacuate the residence immediately, then call emergency to report the fire. 3: For fires on wood, paper and cloth, use water or a Class A fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Place small objects in the sink to help contain the fire. 4: If fat or grease in a pan starts burning, quickly slide a lid over the pan to cover it completely and cut off the oxygen supply. Turn off the heat. 5: For small grease fires, throw baking soda over the flames or use a Class B fire extinguisher. 6: For electrical fires, throw baking soda over the flames or use a Class C fire extinguisher. 7: If you have a fire in your oven, close the oven door and turn off the heat to smother the flames. 8: In general, try to put out a fire if it's small. But if the flames begin spreading, do not remain in the kitchen. I keep a box of opened baking soda on the back of my cook stove at all times. I have it open because when a fire starts, you want to react quickly. You will not have time to open it then. 9: To use a fire extinguisher, pull the pin to release the lock, aim the nozzle at the back of the fire and sweep from side to side while squeezing the handle. The directions should also be on the extinguisher itself. 10: Never use water on a grease fire or an electrical fire. The grease will splatter, making the fire spread even more. Water on an electrical fire can cause serious shocks. That is why I keep baking soda on the back of the cook stove. 11: Don't turn on your stove's exhaust fan if there's a fire. This could spread the flames into the walls of the house. If if is already on, turn it off immediately until the flames are gone. Then use your exhaust fan to remove the smoke.