Why Do You Need to Know About the Location of the Fire Extinguisher?

Know the location and type of fire extinguisher closest to you.

Fires need heat, fuel and oxygen to burn. To put out a fire, one of these elements must be removed. Most fire extinguishers remove the oxygen aspect of a fire. Know the location of the fire extinguisher nearest to your location.

Significance

Knowing the location of a fire extinguisher empowers you to act in an emergency. If you or a loved one is in danger of personal injury from a fire, knowing where a fire extinguisher is located can aid you in putting out the fire before it gets out of control.

Considerations

Not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Class A fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires feeding on nonmetal solids. Class B fire extinguishers extinguish fires from flammable liquids, while Class C fire extinguishers are used to fight electrical fires. Fire extinguishers that handle all three types of fires are labeled "ABC" fire extinguishers.

Warning

Don't fight a fire with a fire extinguisher if it has spread past the point of origin. If you cannot fight the fire with your back facing an exit, forgo using a fire extinguisher. If the fire is blocking your exit or you are without a fire extinguisher, evacuate and seek professional help.

References

• Oklahoma State University: Environmental Health and Safety: Fire Extinguisher Training (.Doc file)
• Oklahoma State University: Fire Safety