Are Your Fire Extinguishers Ready For A Fire?

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

In view of increasing number of home fires on Long Island, fire extinguishers have become a vital part of home safety plans. Electrical appliances, especially heating equipment, are finding more room in our life than ever before, and the result is that cases of home fire are being encountered on a more frequent basis. The inappropriate use of these appliances and negligence for their timely maintenance are the real culprits, which are considered as the most significant causes of home fires. In order to avoid huge losses that may potentially result in emergency situations, it is a MUST to have high-quality and properly maintained fire extinguishers installed in your homes.

The Placement

Every homeowner must have a safety plan that emphasizes on both preventing fires and taking actions if it occurs. Fire extinguishers must be included in this plan. A multi-purpose fire extinguisher must be placed on each floor of your home and in kitchen, garage and corridor. For fire extinguishers to be helpful, it is necessary that these are readily accessible when needed. In home fire situation, you don’t have time to move the stuff to get to the fire extinguisher. Even the minor flames and fumes take few seconds to spread all over and turn into a massive home fire.

In addition, fire extinguishers must be placed in highly visible locations. Consider placing a sign along with your fire extinguisher so it can be seen from a distance. Make sure that your fire extinguisher is maintained on a regular basis and is properly pressurized, so that it works efficiently in case of emergency.

How to use fire extinguisher

Many home owners have fire extinguishers installed in their homes, yet they don’t know how to use them properly. Home fires are emergency situations making it difficult for anyone to think properly. We have seen many cases on Long Island where home fire incurred heavy loses even in presence of fire extinguishers. This is all due to improper use of the equipment.

If you are using the fire extinguisher, stand back 6 to 8 feet and follow the acronym P.A.S.S:

• Pull the pin


• Aim at base of the fire


• Squeeze handle


• Sweep side to side

Most importantly, train your family members on how to use a fire extinguisher, so that they aid in home fire emergency situations.

The Replacement

One thing required to make sure that your fire extinguisher serves as a life safer in home emergency fire situations is proper inspection and regular maintenance. You must know whether your fire extinguisher is still working or need to be replaced. Here are some tips:

• Though most of the extinguishers work for 5 to 15 years, you should check the expiration date with the manufacturer. Also, check the label from time to time.


• Inspect the pressure gauge every month. If the needle of the gauge falls inside the green area, it means your extinguisher is still working. If it is falling anywhere else, it’s time to replace it.


• If your extinguisher doesn’t have inspection sticker, replace it immediately, since each extinguisher must have this sticker, which shows the record of maintenance checkups.


• Check for wear and tear, which may include ripped nozzles, racked hoses, missing lock pins, broken handles etc. If any of these conditions happens, replace your extinguisher.

Your safety and your family’s safety is the topmost priority in the event of a home fire. Materal items can be replaced - lives are lost forever. Hence, don’t think twice about installing a fire extinguisher in your homes to tackle home emergency situations. For information about fire extinguishers types, installation and maintenance, the ways to use them and their replacement, call our home restoration emergency professionals at SERVPRO of East Meadow/Westbury right away for complete service and guidance.