Improve Safety in Missoula by Keeping Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers Save Lives

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has noted that fire moves quickly. A spark from a fireplace, a flame from a knocked-over candle, or a cooking accident can bloom into a major, destructive blaze that destroys a two-story home within five minutes.

When a fire starts, the most important goal is to keep everyone safe. Fire extinguishers can save lives and property. The NFPA recommends that people use fire extinguishers only to get rid of small, contained fires and to control a small, contained fire until the firefighters arrive.

According to the NFPA, it is vital to use the fire extinguisher only:

• After the fire department has been called
• If the room is not filled with smoke
• Other people are out of the building
• When The fire remains small and contained

Small, contained fires may be:

• In wastebaskets
• On stovetops, away from flammable materials such as window treatments or towels
• In cooking pots
• Inside ovens

Fires move much more quickly than people can. If there is any chance of the fire getting out of control, the NFPA urges everyone to get out of the building and into a safe place.

Things are replaceable.

People are not.

SERVPRO^® of Missoula Appreciates Our Firefighters

Montana, like other parts of the United States, is suffering from an unusually harsh wildfire season. Our firefighters work to control these fires as well as structure fires.

We sponsor the First Responder Bowl as well as other causes for firefighters, police, EMTs, and other first responders.

We offer the deepest thinks for all they do.

Using Handheld Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are useful only if they are conveniently located and people know how to use them.

There is rarely time to go to a storage room for a fire extinguisher or to rattle around under the kitchen sink. Keep fire extinguishers:

• Near fireplaces
• In the kitchen
• Close by for a campfire or bonfire

Make sure there is a label on the fire extinguisher showing that an independent laboratory has tested it.

Portable fire extinguishers should be rated to fight several different types of fires.

While large fire extinguishers may put out larger files, they are too large for one untrained person to handle. Remember the NFPA recommendation: use portable fire extinguishers only to handle small & contained fires.

Acronym for Fire Extinguisher Operation: PASS

• Pull the pin. Hold the fire extinguisher away from yourself and release the locking mechanism (pin).
• Aim low at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Keep the exits clear to make escapes easy.