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<br /> <br />Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Learn to Use that Fire Extinguisher (continued from page 1) <br />Ideally, fire extinguishers are in highly visible <br />places on each floor. Wall mounted is best so <br />everyone knows where they are and they <br />don't get damaged when people knock them <br />over. <br /> <br />Fire extinguishers are rated for use in various <br />kinds of fires. Type A will deal with common <br />combustibles, such as trash, Type B will deal <br />with gas and flammable liquids, Type C is <br />directed at electrical fires, Type D is aimed at <br />metal fires and Type K is directed at animal <br />fats. Fire extinguishers for residential use are <br />usually rated for use in A, B and C type fires. <br />Check your extinguisher to be sure this is <br />what you have. The label on the extinguisher <br />will tell you what type of fire this can handle. <br /> <br />Type D extinguishers are typically used in <br />industrial settings, and Type K are usually <br />used in restaurants. <br /> <br />You also need to check to make sure your <br />residential extinguisher has a gauge on it (all <br />recent models do) and that the gauge is <br />showing the needle in the green area. If it <br />isn't in green it either needs to be serviced or <br />thrown away. <br /> <br />Many fire extinguishers have expiration dates, <br />due to the nitrogen material inside. The throw <br />away type that you get at big box home <br />improvement stores will last a long time, but <br />are meant to be thrown away when their <br />expiration date is reached. <br /> <br />Another option is to get refillable <br />extinguishers that can be serviced after they <br />are used. This is what J.N. Johnson Sales <br />and Service does for residential and <br />commercial customers. <br /> <br />What if you have a fire? Fire extinguishers <br />are very effective at putting out fires in their <br />initial stages. It is very important to know <br />when to retreat, when to call 911 (as soon as <br />possible) and how and where you are going <br />to get safely out of the building. <br /> <br />"Always use a fire extinguisher with your <br />means of egress behind you," says Allee. <br />"Never store that fire extinguisher in a place <br />where you might have to approach the fire to <br /> <br />get at it. That means you don't put it right next <br />to the stove or the fireplace." If you are outside <br />fighting the fire, keep the wind at your back. <br /> <br />When using the fire extinguisher, remember <br />P.A.S.S. That stands for: <br /> <br />Pull-you have to pull out that metal pin or <br />twistee or the fire extinguisher won't operate. <br />They have the pins in them to keep the <br />chemicals from leaking out when not in use. <br /> <br />Aim--aim the extinguisher hose at the base of <br />the fire from a distance of 8-12 feet. Approach <br />the fire as it diminishes and your fire <br />extinguisher begins to run dry. <br /> <br />Squeeze--the metal tongs at the top together <br />to dispense the extinguisher chemicals. KEEP <br />THE EXTINGUISHER IN AN UPRIGHT <br />POSITION when using. If you put it on its side <br />the chemical reaction necessary for the stuff to <br />come out may not work. <br /> <br />Sweep-make sweeping motions with the hose, <br />back and forth until the fire is out or you have <br />decided to exit the building and stop fighting the <br />fire. Since you have planned ahead, the exit will <br />be behind you. <br /> <br />Once the extinguisher is used, even briefly, it <br />must be serviced or thrown away because the <br />pin has been pulled and the chemicals <br />necessary for the reaction will have leaked out. <br /> <br />Questions: Call Mike Turnbull, Fire Inspector at <br />the White Bear Fire Department. 651-429-8568.