An extinguisher is labeled according to whether the fire occurs in wood, cloth, flammable liquids, electrical or metal sources.  Using one type of extinguisher on another type of fire can make the fire much worse.  Learn how extinguishers are labeled and used.  Most fires that may occur within a home can be extinguished with a multi-purpose dry chemical labeled ABC or ABCD.
the ABC will put out most wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.   The ABCD will also extinguish a metal source fire. 
 

Buying and Maintaining an Extinguisher

• Extinguishers come in dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water, or halon types.  Whichever you buy, it should be labeled by a testing laboratory.
• The higher the number rating on the extinguisher, the more fire it puts out.  Usually, the higher the number rating, the larger and heavier the extinguisher.  Make sure you can lift and manage the size you buy, but should be large enough for the potential fire hazard.  A typical rating  would look like this:    2-A: 10-B: C      and there should be at least one on each floor level.
• Ask the dealer where the extinguisher can be refilled and serviced.  Recharge it after ANY use.  Some extinguishers are disposable after use.  Dispose of it properly.
• Extinguishers should be installed away from potential fire hazards and near an escape route.
• It is very dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled as an A type on an electrical fire.  It must have the C type rating on it.
• Install the extinguisher above the reach of small children.

Although there are many extinguishers that work with the directions below, please read the instructions for your extinguisher  for any variations.
If You Do Fight The Fire, Remember The Word  PASS
 

	PULL  the pin:  Some extinguishers requuire releasing a lock latch,      pressing a puncture lever, or taking another first step.
	AIM  low:  Point the extinguisher nozzel (or its horn or hose) at the    base of the fire.
	SQUEEZE  the handle:   This releases the extinguishing agent.
	SWEEP from side to side:  Keep the extinguisher amied at the base   of the fire and sweep back and forth untill the fire is out. Watch the fire   area.  If fire breaks out again, repeat the process

The 4th type of extinguisher is labeled as a  D type extinguisher
and has no symbol other than the letter  D  within a 5 pointed star.
This  D type extinguisher is for combustible metals such as magnesium
and sodium.  Many car tire rims are now made with magnesium.
 
 

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