Stove-top
Best for:
Mounting on range hood over stove. (Do not use over deep fryers; released
chemical can splash grease and spread flames.)
Look for:
Magnetic pressurized cans designed to pop open from the heat of flames,
spraying sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Using an
Extinguisher
5-pound fire
extinguisher with a 3-A:40-B:C rating.
Experts advise
you to learn how to use an extinguisher before an emergency arises. Check
with your fire department to see if they offer homeowner training. Keep
extinguishers where you can see and reach them easily, near the room's exit.
That way you can fight the fire with your back to the door and make a quick
escape if flames get out of control.
To help you
remember how to use an extinguisher, use the acronym PASS:
Pull the
extinguisher's safety pin.
Aim the chemical
at the source of the flames rather than at the flames themselves, standing
at least 6 feet from the fire (or as directed on the extinguisher's label).
Squeeze the
trigger and hold it, keeping the extinguisher upright.
Sweep the source
of the flames until the extinguisher runs dry.
Whenever you have
used an extinguisher, whether or not it is completely empty, you must
replace it or refill it right away. Same goes with any extinguisher whose
pressure gauge slips out of the green zone into red over time. Fire
extinguisher companies charge to refill a typical 5-pound A:B:C
extinguisher, provided it has a metal valve. Extinguishers with plastic
valves are not refillable and should be discarded after use.