Knowing the Class of Your Fire Extinguisher in Virginia Beach

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire

Understanding fire extinguisher classes

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

• Class A will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
• Class B are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, and oil
• Class C are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires
• Class D are designed for use on flammable metals

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Purchasing your fire extinguisher

Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

Learning how to use your fire extinguisher

Once you have made your purchases, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you will be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

• P. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher to break the tamper seal.
• A. Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. 
• S. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent. 
• S. Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. 
• If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

SERVPRO of Virginia Beach professionals have the training and the equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”