In the event of a fire, how can you protect yourself and your building?

Did you know that in sprinkler-equipped buildings, 84% of fires never grow large enough to activate the sprinklers? This information was obtained from an NFPA study.

So, how were the fires put out if they didn’t get big enough to set off the sprinklers? Portable fire extinguishers were used to put out most of these fires.

When there is a fire, every minute counts, which is why it is critical to learn how to use this tool. Using a fire extinguisher is one of the best ways to keep a fire from spreading while waiting for the fire department.

When Do I Need to Use a Fire Extinguisher?

When should and when should not a fire extinguisher be used to fight a fire? When a fire appears to be small and contained in one area, an extinguisher can be used. It is also critical that you have already notified the fire department in case the fire poses a threat to you or your property.

Most importantly, do not attempt to put out a fire that has grown to dangerous proportions. Notify the fire department and evacuate the building if a fire is too large to be extinguished with a single portable fire extinguisher.

How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher Correctly

98% of the individuals in research successfully used a fire extinguisher that can be carried around. This demonstrates that using a fire extinguisher is a safe and effective tool for building occupants. Do you believe you could use a fire extinguisher in an emergency?

Steps may differ depending on the type of extinguisher in your building. The following steps are typically taken when using a fire extinguisher:

• Step one: Pull the pin to release the lock or seal.
• Step two: Point the extinguisher’s nozzle low, toward the base of the flame.
• Step three: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
• Step four: Cover the base of the flames with the nozzle from left to right until the fire goes out.
• Step five: Keep an eye on the fire to prevent from ignition.

When a fire is present, it is best to call the fire department. By informing the fire department, they can advise you on what to do and send assistance if the fire spreads or cannot be extinguished.

Are You Ready to Fight a Fire?

There is no need to be concerned about what to do if a small fire breaks out in your home. Portable fire extinguishers are now your safe and effective emergency protection tool. You now understand when to use the extinguisher and how it works.

Another study conducted by the city of Nashville discovered that “87% of the time that portable fire extinguishers are used, they are used by building occupants to completely extinguish a fire in a building.”

Before the fire department arrives, inspect commercial buildings.” This demonstrates how knowing how to use this tool can save both you and your property from serious damage.

What should you remember in the event of a fire at your workplace?

If a fire breaks out, you will only have minutes to escape, so make the most of them. When the fires are raging and the smoke is thick, it’s easy to lose sight of what you need to do. That’s why we’re here to help you make sure you have an effective plan in place for what to do in the event of a fire. Here are the top five things to remember:

Make a Strategy

1. Having a fire plan in place

Business security is critical. If this type of emergency occurs, you should be aware of what to do and where to go in the event of a fire. Having a plan ensures that if an emergency occurs, you will have the best chance of escaping safely before the situation worsens. It will also be much easier to remain calm and assist others if a fire breaks out.

2. Understand Your Local Fire Hazards

The next step is to educate yourself on the local fire hazards in your area. You should be aware of the fire hazards in your area, including how to spot them and what to do if they occur. You should also be aware of the items in your building that are more likely to catch fire, such as Tobacco or electrical appliances. You should also know what type of fire extinguisher is best for different types of fires so that you can quickly extinguish one if it starts up unexpectedly.

3. Recognize the Best Evacuation Route

In the event of an emergency, everyone must know how they will get out safely without becoming lost or injured in any way. Knowing which exit leads to which location will allow you to leave the company quickly if something goes wrong. Make sure that all your employees know where this exit is so that everyone can exit safely if necessary. Keep a list of all exits near each room if possible, so that everyone knows where to go in the event of an emergency like this one.

4. Get a Fire Suppression System

Obtaining a fire extinguisher is one of the most important things to do in the event of a fire. A fire extinguisher is an essential component of any safety plan, especially if you do not have a sprinkler system. The best thing about fire extinguishers is that they are typically inexpensive, allowing any business to purchase one. 

They are also extremely simple to use. As a result, if there is a fire on your commercial property, it is best to have an extinguisher on hand.