When used in a proper manner, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by extinguishing a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.
Fire extinguishers are not always sufficient though. Portable extinguishers are not designed to fight a large fire. Some can be useful under certain conditions. The extinguisher must be rated for the type of fire you are fighting. In a normal home you should only ever protect yourself with an ABC Multipurpose extinguisher. You need it to work on every type of fire in your home!
There are multi-purpose extinguishers which can be used on type B and C fires, or types A, B and C fires. They must also be a large enough extinguisher to extinguish the fire.
Many portable extinguishers completely discharge in as few as eight seconds.
The extinguisher must be within easy reach (reachable from your hands and knees), fully charged and in working order.
You must know how to operate the extinguisher. Read the instructions when you purchase the extinguisher. You will not have any time during the fire to read the directions.
The operator must be strong enough to lift and operate the extinguisher.
Your back should be to a safe unobstructed exit to which the fire will not spread.
If you can not fight the fire or the extinguisher does not extinguish the fire, leave the area and call the fire department.
The use of the wrong type of extinguisher can intensify the fire.
If you decide to fight the fire, remember the word PASS
YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 6 FEET FROM THE FIRE! or,
The Pressure can, for example in a stove top fire, pick up the burning grease and it can rebound over you causing a serious burn.
Always have an exit plan.
Always call the fire Department, they will check the fire is out and also give you an incident report for your insurance company.