If you have just purchased your first home, then you want to do everything in your power to protect your house. This means buying insurance and also purchasing the right tools and equipment for your home to prepare yourself for an emergency situation. Nothing is more crucial to your quest than a fire extinguisher. For the best protection, you should purchase an extinguisher that can tackle A, B, and C types of fires. Once you have the extinguisher, you need to know what to do in the event of a fire.

Plan Your Strategy

While using the fire extinguisher is probably on the top of your list of things to do in the event of a fire, you actually should be stopping to think about your overall strategy before actually using the device. Your strategy needs to include a few important things like how you will evacuate your home in a way that keeps you safe from heat, smoke, flames, and any fire damaged parts of your home. Quickly evaluate your situation and find your exit strategy.

Also, you should think of a way to get help to your home as soon as possible. Many fires become uncontrollable within minutes, so calling 911 as you prepare your fire extinguisher for use can save you valuable time. 

Also, when you do use your fire extinguisher you should evacuate immediately if the fire has not been extinguished after you release the entire contents. If the fire grows, then you should also leave your home. An accumulation of smoke, difficulty breathing, the building of excessive heat, and the partial blockage of your excavation path are reasons to evacuate as well.

Use The Fire Extinguisher

Once you have your plan in place and have contacted emergency services, you can use your fire extinguisher. Almost all devices work the same. You will need to first pull the pin that sits on the top head of the fire extinguisher. Aim the nozzle of the device at this time. You want it to be directed at the origin or base of the flame. Once the nozzle is positioned correctly, you should gently pull the handle. Use slow sweeping motions with the nozzle to make sure the contents of the extinguisher are released across the flame.

Keep in mind that the contents of the extinguisher will come out with some force, so you should plant your feet and spread your legs a small amount to prepare for this force.

It can take some practice to get the technique down when using the fire extinguisher. If you are unsure about what you need to do, then speak with a fire safety professional. To learn more, contact a business such as Fire Foe Corp.