Fire extinguishers are essential safety devices that can save lives and property in the event of a fire. However, they are only effective if they are readily accessible when an emergency occurs. So what should you do if you suddenly find yourself in a fire situation but cannot locate a fire extinguisher nearby? This guide will provide an overview of fire extinguisher basics and outline the steps to take if caught in a fire without immediate access to one.
Can’t Find The Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are a critical component of any emergency preparedness plan. They allow people to quickly suppress small fires before they grow into an unmanageable size. However, they must be used properly and strategically in order to be effective. Knowing how to operate an extinguisher during a stressful situation takes training and practice. When a fire breaks out, there is often no time to search for an extinguisher if you do not already know where one is located. For this reason, it is essential to understand what to do if a fire starts and no extinguisher can be found immediately.
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to put out different types of fires. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a given fire can be useless at best and dangerous at worst. Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are intended to fight. The main classifications are:
Classifications of Fires
Class A: Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and plastics.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, lacquers and flammable gas.
Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium.
These classifications help determine the type of extinguishing agent used in a fire extinguisher. Using the wrong agent on a fire can escalate the situation. For example, using water on an electrical fire can cause electrocution.
Knowing this basic information is the first step in fire safety. But equally important is knowing how to react if a fire breaks out and an extinguisher cannot be located.
What To Do If No Extinguisher Is Available
Fires can spread rapidly, doubling in size every 30 to 60 seconds. When caught in a fire without an extinguisher, the number one priority is to get to safety quickly. Follow these steps:
1. Alert Others in the Area
Yell “Fire!” and make sure others nearby are aware of the danger. Direct those in the immediate vicinity of the fire to evacuate. Have someone pull the fire alarm if available.
2. Call Emergency Services
If possible, call 911 or the local emergency number from a safe location. Give the exact address and location of the fire. Provide as many details as possible about the size and type of fire. Stay on the line until the operator says it is okay to hang up.
3. Evacuate Immediately
Follow predetermined evacuation routes and get a safe distance away from the building. If smoke is present, crawl low under the smoke to breath fresher air. Feel any doors for heat before opening them by touching the back of your hand to the door’s surface. Use stairs only, never elevators. Move well away from the building and out of the way of emergency personnel.
4. Assist Others in Evacuating
Help direct others towards safe exit points. Assist those with mobility issues or disabilities. Do not attempt to retrieve personal belongings or pets. Shut all doors behind you as you exit to prevent further spread of fire and smoke. Mark evacuated rooms with a towel under the door. Report those unable to evacuate to emergency responders.
5. Remain Calm
Panic and anxiety will not make an uncontrolled fire better. Remain focused on the evacuation process. Follow all instructions from emergency personnel once they arrive on scene.
6. Do Not Re-Enter the Building
Only attempt to extinguish a fire when it is small enough to be easily contained, you have the proper type of extinguisher, and there is a clear exit path behind you. Untrained civilians re-entering a burning building greatly increase risk of injury or death. Let the fire department contain and extinguish the blaze.
7. Get Checked for Smoke Inhalation
Smoke contains toxic gases that can injure lungs. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline and shock may disguise smoke inhalation symptoms until later.
Attempting to extinguish a growing fire without proper training or equipment can be extremely dangerous and often spread the flames farther. While extinguishers are invaluable resources, the first course of action when one is unavailable is to exit immediately and call trained professionals.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Safely and Effectively
Portable fire extinguishers are only effective if people know how to use them properly. Misusing an extinguisher can put the operator at risk and spread the fire. Here are important tips to remember:
PASS REMEMBER
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. This acronym outlines the basic operating procedure for most handheld extinguishers.
Pull the pin or lock release. This will allow the extinguishing agent to discharge.
Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Attack the source of the flames.
Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. This will propel the agent towards the fire.
Sweep the extinguisher nozzle side to side across the base of the fire. Move carefully toward the fire to extinguish adjacent areas until it is completely out.
REMEMBER all fire incidents must be reported, even if successfully extinguished. Fires can re-ignite if any embers remain.
Operate From a Safe Distance
Stand approximately 6-8 feet away from the fire and advance cautiously as it shrinks. Position yourself near an exit in case the fire cannot be controlled with one extinguisher. Avoid standing downwind so smoke and extinguishing agents do not blow back on you.
Read the Instructions
Take a few seconds to check the extinguisher’s label before operating it. Make sure it is intended for the type of fire you are fighting. Proper agents for common classifications were listed earlier.
Use the Buddy System
Have someone back you up if attempting to extinguish a fire. They can help keep an eye on the fire and exit pathway. Have them ready to provide another extinguisher if needed.
Know Your Limits
Portable extinguishers typically only contain 10 seconds or less of extinguishing agent. They are only effective on small, contained fires. Do not attempt to extinguish large fires or those which have spread to other areas. Use an extinguisher only if the fire has not left its source of origin.
Maintain Your Extinguisher
Check extinguishers monthly for damage or tampering. Weigh them to ensure fullness. Follow all pressure gauge recommendations from the manufacturer. Ensure all mounting brackets and labels are in place. Report any issues immediately.
Replace After Any Use
Used extinguishers must be professionally serviced and recharged. The extinguishing agent is expelled upon use and will not be ready for a second fire. Trying to reuse an empty extinguisher gives a false sense of security.
Portable fire extinguishers can save lives when used properly. But understanding how and when to operate them safely takes training. In an emergency, evacuate first if extinguishers are not readily available.
Fire Safety Tips
Fires can occur anytime and anywhere. Practicing smart fire safety minimizes the risk and provides the best chance of survival and property preservation in case of emergency. Here are some top fire safety tips:
- Install smoke detectors on every level of the home and in every bedroom. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice per year.
- Create and regularly practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room. Identify an outdoor meeting place.
- Position fire extinguishers around the home, especially in the kitchen and garage. Learn how to use them properly long before an emergency.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Do not place cords under carpets or furniture. Use surge protectors and avoid daisy chaining extension cords and power strips.
- Clean lint buildup out of clothes dryers after each use. Clean grease routinely from kitchen surfaces. These are common combustible household materials.
- Store flammable materials properly in well-ventilated areas away from any sources of heat or ignition.
- Create defensible space around the home by clearing away dried leaves, brush and debris. Trim back tree branches and shrubs within 30 feet of structures.
- Extinguish all smoking materials fully in proper ashtrays. Never smoke while sleepy or impaired, as this is a common cause of house fires.
- Blow out all candles before leaving a room. Keep them away from pets and small children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Develop and rehearse an evacuation plan with your family for public buildings you frequent such as theaters, schools and office buildings.
- When staying in hotels, identify two emergency exits as soon as you arrive. Count the number of doors between your room and the nearest exit.
- Close doors behind you as you escape from any fire. This can slow spread of flames and smoke.
Following basic fire safety principles reduces the likelihood of a catastrophic emergency. But having a plan to deal with a fire when no extinguisher is available can save your life.
Locating Fire Extinguishers in Public Buildings
Fire extinguishers are located in strategic high visibility locations throughout all public buildings like schools, hospitals, offices, etc. Some tips for quickly locating an extinguisher in an unfamiliar building include:
- Near main entry/exit doors for use by both evacuating occupants and entering emergency personnel.
- On each floor near stairwell doors, which act as fire exits and passageways for fire responders.
- Within large rooms, extinguishers should be no more than 75 feet from any point in the room.
- In hallways, extinguishers must be within 75 feet travel distance to any point in the corridor.
- Extinguishers for flammable metal fires are often located near chemistry labs or equipment rooms.
- Extinguishers for electrical fires will be placed near fuse boxes, machinery and computer rooms.
- Above or below any open stairwells between floors.
- Near any high risk fire areas like kitchens, mechanical rooms or parking garages.
- Mounted with a reflective painted background box around the extinguisher for easy visibility.
Check for signs indicating specific locations and types of fire extinguishers available. Make it a habit to identify extinguisher locations and fire exits whenever entering new buildings. This knowledge may be critical to locate them quickly in an emergency.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are invaluable tools for putting out small fires before they spread dangerously out of control. But they must be used properly and strategically to be effective. Equally important is having an emergency plan if a fire breaks out and no extinguisher can be located immediately nearby.
Remember the key steps of alerting others, evacuating promptly, calling for help, and not attempting to re-enter a burning building or tackle a large, spreading fire untrained and unequipped. Fire extinguishers are found throughout public buildings if you make an effort to identify locations upon entering a new facility.
Fires can ignite anywhere and spread rapidly in minutes. Focus first on getting to safety through an exit path clear of smoke and flames. Let professional firefighters fully extinguish the blaze with proper equipment and training. With basic fire safety principles and emergency preparedness, disastrous consequences from fire can be avoided or mitigated until help arrives.
FAQs
Can I use any type of fire extinguisher on any type of fire?
No, it is important to use the proper type of extinguisher for the specific class of fire. Using the wrong extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous.
What should I do if a fire starts in my kitchen?
Safely evacuate the home immediately and call emergency services. Only attempt to extinguish a small, contained stove fire. Never use water on a grease fire. Baking soda can be an effective smothering agent if kept close by.
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced?
They should be professionally serviced every 1-2 years. Homeowners should visually inspect monthly for any signs of damage or tampering which would require more frequent maintenance.
Where should fire extinguishers be located in a commercial building?
Within 75 feet of travel distance to any spot in large open spaces, in hallways, near stairwells, and close to high risk areas like electrical rooms or commercial kitchens.
What steps should you take to put out a fire if an extinguisher is not nearby?
Evacuate the building immediately, closing doors behind you. Alert others to the danger. Call emergency services and provide details once in a safe location. Do not try to retrieve belongings or re-enter the building until the fire department has extinguished the blaze.
Can I fight a large, spreading fire with a portable extinguisher?
No, only attempt to extinguish small fires limited to the immediate area where they started. Leave large or spreading fires to trained firefighters with proper protective gear and equipment. Evacuate immediately.
How do I know if a fire extinguisher still contains extinguishing agent?
Weigh it monthly. Extinguishers that feel light could be empty and should be replaced or refilled by a professional service company. Also visually check the pressure gauge if equipped.
If my clothes catch fire, what should I do?
Stop, drop to the ground, and roll to smother the flames. Cover your face with your hands and roll back and forth until the fire is completely out. Remove smoldering clothing once the fire is extinguished. Seek medical attention for any burns.