Home Fire Safety

Only choose extinguishers that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory and labelled for their intended use. The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type and size of fire being fought. It is important to select the appropriate extinguisher the for correct fire classification. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can make the fire worse and is dangerous to the operator.
 

Classes of Fire

The three most common classes of fire are A, B, and C. The fourth class is D.

• Class A

  extinguishers may be used on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic or cloth. The symbol may be found on water, foam or multipurpose extinguishers.

• Class B

  extinguishers are appropriate for use on flammable or combustible liquids. The symbol may be found on multipurpose dry chemical, dry chemical and carbon dioxide extinguishers.

• Class C

  extinguishers may be used on fires involving energized electrical equipment. The symbol may be found on carbon dioxide, multipurpose dry chemical, and dry chemical extinguishers.

• Class D

  extinguishers may be used on some types of combustibles metals, including combustible magnesium, sodium and potassium. The symbol may be found on dry chemical extinguishers. You will rarely encounter a Class D fire in the home or office.

Installation

Install extinguishers in plain view near an escape route and away from stoves and heating equipment.
 

Maintenance

Extinguishers need to be cared for. Read the operator's manual for inspection, installation and maintenance instructions. Rechargeable models MUST be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers.") Disposable extinguishers are very limited and can be used only once.
 

Operation: Use the P.A.S.S. Word

To use a portable fire extinguisher effectively, remember to use the four-step P.A.S.S. Word:

1. Pull the pin: Holding the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, remove the pin, seal or the level release mechanism. This unlocks the operating lever
2. Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. Always hold the extinguisher vertically, never horizontally
3. Squeeze the level fully: This will release the extinguishing agent through the nozzle. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge
4. Sweep from side to side: Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire. As the fire closest to you goes out, you may move closer to the fire and continue the sweeping motion until the fire is extinguished

Please note: If your extinguisher is empty, stops extinguishing the fire or the fire grows larger - leave the building immediately, closing the doors behind you. Call the Fire Department and ensure the Fire Department inspects the fire site even if you think the fire is extinguished.

• An ionization smoke alarm monitors "ions," which are electrically charged particles. The alarm sounds when the charge in electrical balance reaches a preset level.
• The photoelectric smoke alarm uses a beam of light and a light sensor. The alarm sounds when the smoke density reaches a preset level.

Both ionization and photoelectric alarms are acceptable and perform effectively provided they are installed and maintained correctly. Smoke alarms may be hard wired or battery operated. If you have a hard wired smoke alarms, install battery operated smoke alarms on every floor in case of a power failure.

Special communication aids, which convert the sound of a smoke alarm into flashing lights or vibrations, are available for hearing impaired people. Specialized alarms with a pause feature are available for the kitchen to prevent nuisance alarms.

Please note: When purchasing a smoke alarm, make sure that is has been tested to the CAN.ULC 5531-M STANDARD or by an approved testing agency.

Read manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them exactly. It is recommended that smoke alarms be installed on every floor of your home and outside each sleeping area. For maximum protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, especially if you sleep with your bedroom door closed. Since smoke rises, install smoke alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling. Keep smoke alarms away from anything that can blow smoke away from the sensor, such as windows, air registers and ceiling fans.

Smoke alarms should be tested and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Alarms should be tested once a month by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm.

For battery-operated smoke alarms, replace batteries at least once a year or for extended life batteries according to manufacturer's instructions. Batteries should also be replaced when the smoke alarm makes a chirping sound - this is a low battery warning.

Smoke alarms do wear out and should be replaced at least every ten years. Smoke alarms installed in or near the kitchen should include a pause feature.

AlarmRecycle is a recycling program for used or expired smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. British Columbia residents can drop off their smoke and CO alarms for recycling at AlarmRecycle drop-off locations across the province. Locally, the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society at 10092 236 Street, Maple Ridge is a designated drop off location.