A fire-extinguisher is simply a device that is used to control accidental fire outbreak. It helps bring the fire down by stopping it from spreading and as such is an extremely important device during the time of fire emergencies. Fire extinguishers come in different sizes and kinds for different purposes. Each comes with a specific color code stating where it is best used at.
Coming to the basic concept of fire extinguishers, let’s talk about the ones that are available in multi-storey buildings, hospitals, stations and similar places. These are the regular devices that can be operated by anyone. Also called the handheld extinguishers, they weight between 0.5 and 14 kg, depending on the place where they have been installed in. The extinguisher which you will need to help resolve an emergency in a household will be different from that in a train station. However, it is necessary that every individual must know how to use a fire extinguisher, as emergencies can occur without any prior warnings.
Advantages of a fire extinguisher
When a fire breaks out, it does take time for the professionals to arrive. However, this short span of time can amount to a great loss of property and at times even human life. In most places, the importance of the red canisters in glass windows is ignored but they seem to be the only way out from fire damages. Acted upon immediately, fires can be controlled easily and minimum damage is met. If you look at the statistics of fire damage, the importance of these devices can be better understood.
Fire outbreaks are rampant and can be caused by several factors, right from an unattended stove/candle to an electrical short circuit. To put things simply, fires have been causing a lot of damage and can break anytime and at anywhere. As such, you should be prepared to use an extinguisher.
How to use a fire extinguisher
There is 90% probability that every individual encounters fire outbreaks at some point in their lives. The chances are more if you live around the city premises. Knowing how to extinguish a fire is a favorable skill wherein you don’t just save your life but several others apart from minimizing property damages.
Here are the necessary steps for using a fire extinguisher:
1. Always call for help before trying to extinguish a fire yourself. You may or may not be able to hold the fire for a long time. In case you aren’t, you should have someone professional on the way.
2. Make sure you know the safety routes before attempting to use a fire extinguisher. Also, make sure that you are capable enough to use the extinguisher. People with physical disabilities, children, and older people will be less likely to be able to use the extinguisher. A fire extinguisher needs to be held up and be exerted with substantial amount of pressure for it to work.
3. Now that you are ready, access the fire and try to sue your instincts and environmental damage to target the root cause of the outbreak.
4. Pull the pin at the top, wherein an unlock mechanism will automate itself and the extinguisher discharges.
5. Always aim at the base of the flame to cut the source of the fire. Also sweep from side to side to cover the whole base
6. Squeeze the lever slowly as you aim. This will release the extinguishing agent.
7. If you have been able to bring down the fire, ask for help and make sure that any possibility of re-ignition is ruled out.
