HEADLINE 1 Fire Extinguishers
Read the instructions on your extinguisher for proper use
If there’s a fire, get everyone outside and ask a member of your family to call the fire department from a neighbour’s house. Only then should you permit yourself to fight a small fire. If the fire becomes large, get out. Close doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire.
The ABCDs of portable fire extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is a storage container for an agent like water or chemicals. It is designed to put out a small fire, not a large one. Extinguishers are labelled A, B, C or D. Ensure you use the right extinguisher for the appropriate type of fire.
Ordinary Combustibles – Fires started with paper, wood, drapes and upholstery require a Class A type extinguisher.
Flammable and Combustible Liquids – Fires originating from fuel oil, gasoline, paint, grease in a frying pan, solvents and other flammable liquids require a Class B type extinguisher.
Electrical Equipment – Fires started with wiring, overheated fuse boxes, conductors, and other electrical sources require a Class C type extinguisher.
Metals – Certain metals such as magnesium and sodium require a special dry powder Class D type extinguisher.
A multi-purpose dry chemical labelled ABC puts out most types of fires: wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquids and electrical fires. If you intend to buy more than one, you may want to purchase a BC for the kitchen, an A for the living room and an ABC for the basement and garage.
Buying and maintaining an extinguisher
Extinguishers come in a dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water, or Halon form. Whatever type you buy, it should be labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
The higher the number rating on the extinguisher, the more fire it puts out. High rated extinguishers are often (not always) the heavier models. Ensure you can hold and operate the one you buy comfortably.
Ask your dealer how to have your extinguisher serviced and inspected. Recharge it after ANY use. A partially used extinguisher might as well be empty.
Extinguishers should be installed near an escape route and away from potential fire hazards.
Learn how to PASS
Pull the pin. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch, pressing a puncture lever, inversion or other motion.
Aim the extinguisher nozzle (horn) at the base of the fire.
Squeeze or press the handle.
Sweep from side-to-side at the base of the fire and discharge the contents of the extinguisher.
Foam and water extinguishers require slightly different use. Read the instructions.
Source: Fire Prevention Canada
HEADLINE 2: Safety tips for the home
Kitchen
• Avoid loose long sleeves when cooking.
• Check kettles and toasters for damaged electrical cords and thermostats.
• Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off.
• Keep a timer handy to remind you when the oven and burners should be switched off.
• If you take medication that causes drowsiness, do not use cooking appliances.
• Use a temperature-controlled electric skillet or deep fryer for frying.
• Never leave your cooking unattended.
• Use appropriate cooking appliances and keep them clean.
• Keep a pot cover nearby to "put a lid on it" in the event of a fire.
Living room
• Fireplace: Always use a fire-screen, ensuring it is the appropriate size for the fireplace opening.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords in the place of additional outlets.
• Smokers should check furniture for fallen cigarettes or embers, which can smoulder undetected for several hours before bursting into flames.
• Ensure careful use of smoking materials and extinguish in water before disposal.
• Never leave cigarettes in an ashtray unattended.
• Use ashtrays with a double rim and deep centre.
• Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of the reach of children.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
Bedroom
• Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area. For improved safety, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
• Check electrical appliances regularly: electric blankets, heating pads, curling irons, radios, televisions, irons.
• Bedrooms should be non-smoking areas.
Basement and attic
• Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the basement and attic.
• Store gasoline in well ventilated areas.
• Do not store propane indoors.
• Use only approved containers to store and transport gasoline.
• Have a thorough yearly maintenance check of the furnace carried out by a professional.
• When replacing an old furnace, consult a professional to determine the most safe, economical and efficient system for your home.
• Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.
Garage and workshop
• Flammable materials – thinners, gasoline, paints, industrial cleaners – should be stored neatly in approved containers and away from possible ignitable sources.
• Do not smoke, or leave matches or lighters in the garage or workshop.
• Install and know how to properly use the appropriate fire extinguisher for the garage/workshop.
• Keep the area clean. Remove garbage, paper products, oily rags and wood shavings regularly.
Source: Fire Prevention Canada
