{Did you know|Can you believe} that 372,900 {house fires occur|fires occur in homes} every single year? These fires {result in|cause} 2,530 deaths, 13,125 injuries and $7 billion in property {loss|damage} {each year|annually}, according to the US Fire Administration. {Shockingly|Astonishingly|Astoundingly}, fire extinguishers were present in {just|only} {four percent|4%} of these fires. If a fire {happened|occurred} in your {house|home}, would you know {the next steps|what to do}? {Reading|Knowing} the following {fire extinguisher|safety} tips will help you be {ready|prepared}.
{Initially|First}, you {must|should} know {what|which} type of fire extinguisher to {buy|purchase}. For a {house|home}, {select|choose} a multi-purpose extinguisher that is large, but not too {big|heavy} so that you can handle its weight. {Ensure|Make sure} the extinguisher has an “independent testing laboratory” label. Keep the fire extinguisher close to an exit. If you have {more than one floor|multiple floors}, {have|keep|place} at least one fire extinguisher on {every|each} level of the {house|property|home}. {Go over|Read} the instructions to {be|become} familiar with how the extinguisher {functions|is operated}.
If and when a fire {occurs|breaks out}, before using a fire extinguisher, make sure all of the {property|building} occupants have {left the building|exited} and {phone|call} the fire department. If the fire is {limited|confined} to a small space, {operate|use} a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. Remember to keep your back to {an exit|a point of exit} while {operating|using} the extinguisher. {That|This} way you will have an easy escape if the fire {becomes uncontrollable|gets out of control}. If the fire {begins|starts} to spread or fills the room with smoke, {exit|leave} the property immediately.
The National Fire Protection Association advises to remember the acronym PASS when operating a fire extinguisher:
P = pull the pin. {Make sure|Ensure} the nozzle points away from you and release the pin.
A = aim low pointing at the {base of the fire|fire’s base}.
S = squeeze the fire extinguisher lever slowly.
S = sweep from side-to-side.
For hands-on training, call your local fire department who {might|may} {have|offer} fire extinguisher training {classes|courses}.
{In addition to|On top of} the importance of fire extinguishers, it’s also {important|crucial} to have working smoke alarms that have been tested regularly, along with {developing|creating|having} and practicing a fire escape plan with your loved ones. {Take a look at|Check out} the NFPA Fire Escape Plan for safety {suggestions|tips|advice} on escape planning.
If you do {encounter|experience} fire damage to your {home|property}, please don’t hesitate to Call Paul! We’re {here for you|available} 24/7 with {more than|over} 375 franchise offices throughout {North America|the US and Canada} to carefully and effectively handle all of your property damage emergency service needs.
For {added|more} info about fire extinguishers and fire safety, please visit NFPA.