Your Guide to Fire Extinguishers in Your Home

Fire extinguishers often get overlooked — tucked under a sink or hidden in a closet or basement. But if a fire strikes, getting to a working fire extinguisher quickly can save your family from a devastating loss. 

October is Fire Prevention Month, so now is a good time to buy, check or replace your household fire extinguishers and be prepared for an emergency. Here are answers to five common questions.

1. How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need?

The number of fire extinguishers you may need for a household depends on the size and layout of your home. You’ll want at least one fire extinguisher on each level of your home, including the basement and attic. Make sure they are visible, with the label facing out.

It’s especially important to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, since cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

Place fire extinguishers near any other common home fire hazards like appliances, fireplaces or sources of heat as well.

2. What Type of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need for My Home?

The NFPA recommends a multi-purpose fire extinguisher since it can be used on all kinds of home fires. Choose one that is big enough to put out a small fire but small enough that you can handle the weight. 

Make sure your fire extinguisher has a label that indicates it meets the standards of an independent testing agency. 

Read the instructions and understand how to operate the fire extinguisher so you’re prepared to use it if a fire starts. Your local fire department may be able to answer any questions you have about how to use it or offer training.

You might think you should train your children in how to use a fire extinguisher, but the NFPA doesn’t think that’s a good idea. They recommend teaching children to get to safety if there’s a fire.

3. How Do I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

The NFPA suggests remembering the acronym PASS if you need to use a fire extinguisher:

• Pull: Pull the pin so the fire extinguisher isn’t locked. Make sure the nozzle is pointed away from you.
• Aim: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep: Sweep the nozzle back and forth over the base of the fire.

Keep your back toward an exit so you can escape if the fire grows.

4. When Should I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Fires can spread quickly, so the top priority is to get everyone out of the house safely. The NFPA recommends using a fire extinguisher only when:

• The fire is confined to a small area and isn’t growing.
• Everyone else is out of the building.
• Someone has called the fire department.
• The room isn’t filled with smoke.

Keep in mind that fire extinguishers are only part of your safety planning. You should also have a home fire escape plan for your family, as well as working smoke detectors.

5. What Else Should I Know?

Keep these two fire safety points in mind:

• Be extra careful around the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the top three days for home fires.
• Never use water to put out an oil or grease fire — that’s likely to make the fire worse.

Protect Your Family From Disaster

Even a small fire can cause smoke damage and ruin appliances, furniture and other household items. A larger fire could destroy your home and everything you own. Protect your home and property with homeowners or renters insurance so you have the financial resources to recover. Reach out to a Farm Bureau agent and make sure you have the coverage you need.