In America, a fire starts in a residential home every 83 seconds. 74% of ALL fires occur in a home just like yours. That's why a fire extinguisher mounted within easy reach is so important as part of your Home Safety Plan. If you are able to react to a fire when it starts - whether it starts in the kitchen, garage, or any other room in your home - chances are good that you can stop the fire with the right type of extinguisher.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a similar manner. Here's an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use:

P A S S -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.

Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.

Stand approximately 8 feet away from the fire and squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.

Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite!

Congratulations -- you did it!!!