When to Use a Fire Extinguisher

If a fire breaks out in your building, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is one thing, but more important is knowing when to use one. You are not required to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire in your building, and attempting to stay inside and fight the fire may put you in extreme and unnecessary danger.

When should I use a fire extinguisher?

During a fire emergency, safe evacuation should be the only thing on your mind. Even if you have access to a fire extinguisher, you don’t need to use it! Underwriters’ Laboratories, the global safety testing and certification organization, recommends you only use a fire extinguisher when:

• The fire is small and not growing
• You are familiar with how to use an extinguisher
• You have a safe way to exit the building if need be
• You have already called the fire department
• The room is not filled with smoke

Every year, many people are injured while trying to put out small fires within their building. At Guardian Fire Protection, we want to remind everyone that it while it may be noble to try and protect your building, it’s simply not worth putting yourself in harms way. Your best bet is to evacuate the building as safely as possible and let the fire sprinkler system and the fire department take care of the flames.

If you do feel comfortable using your own fire extinguisher, it’s critical that you make sure it is properly charged. Trying to use a fire extinguisher and finding out too late that it doesn’t work can put you at risk for serious bodily harm. Guardian Fire Protection provides fire extinguisher recharge in Maryland, and we highly recommend you call us once a year as well as any time you discharge your extinguisher (even a little bit!).

If you live in Maryland, DC, or Virginia and need fire extinguisher recharge, or if you need fire extinguisher training for your company, call Guardian Fire Protection today at 301-861-0972 or click here!