Fire Extinguisher Readiness

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

It’s December—time for Thanksgiving dinners and cozy fires in the hearth. It’s also a great time to review your fire extinguisher knowledge. 

1. Do you have a fire extinguisher? Do you know where it is?
2. Do you know when your fire extinguisher expires? “You can tell the difference between the two by the head; a rechargeable extinguisher has a metalhead with a gauge that reads Charge/Recharge, and a disposable extinguisher has a plastic head with a gauge that reads Full/Empty.” (Keystonefire.com) 
3. Do you know how to use your fire extinguisher? The time to read the instructions is not when you reach for it in an emergency.

You should always familiarize yourself with the instructions for your specific extinguisher, but there are four basic steps to follow with a standard foam model. You can remember them with the acronym PASS:

• P—Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher. 
• A—Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Keep a safe distance away. 
• S—Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing materials.
• S—Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Continue directing the foam at the base of the fire until it is completely extinguished.

If you have experienced fire damage, call SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City to find out how we can help you make it “Like it never even happened.”