Learn How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher to Minimize Home Fire Damage

When you have your dream home, you naturally want to give it the best care and protection. Being a safe haven for every family member, ideally, a home should also be equipped with adequate fire extinguisher equipment. Of course, you must know how to use a fire extinguisher properly to prevent major losses. Fire extinguishers are used by individuals to quickly extinguish small fires in specific areas. Ideally, every home should have one fire extinguisher unit as a quick step to extinguish fires before they spread to other areas and cause a major blaze.

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How to Use Fire Extinguisher Correctly

Here's how to use a fire extinguisher correctly. The method is called TATS, which stands for pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.

• Pull: Remove the safety pin from the fire extinguisher.
• Aim: Direct the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze: Press the lever of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.
• Sweep: Move the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire until it is completely extinguished.

This simple method can be applied to various types of fire extinguishers, whether they use water, foam, dry chemical powder, halon, or CO2. These extinguishers can be tailored to the fire risks in your home.

Why Should You Have a Fire Extinguisher at Home?

A fire extinguisher is a reliable tool in case of a fire at home. Remember, even though a home is designed with various considerations, there is still a risk of fire, even though it’s smaller.

Fires at home can be caused by electrical short circuits, electrical malfunctions, or activities in the kitchen involving flames or heating appliances.

Ideally, a 3 kg fire extinguisher is sufficient to put out small fires. The most dangerous fires at home usually fall under Class A fires, which involve combustible materials like plastic, rubber, wood, paper, cotton, dry leaves, and the like.

Other types of fires to consider include:

• Class B fires, caused by flammable liquids or gases (such as oil, gasoline, thinner, alcohol, diesel, gas, LPG, LNG, etc.).
• Class C fires, caused by electrical issues (such as short circuits, electrical malfunctions, etc.).
• Class D fires, caused by combustible metals (such as magnesium, potassium, etc.).

Having the right fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it properly can reduce the risk of greater losses. Fire extinguishers can quickly put out fires as soon as they appear.

Read also: What to do when your house is on fire?

Short and Effective Tips for Using a Fire Extinguisher During a Home Fire

Here are some effective tips for using a fire extinguisher during a home fire:

• Pay attention to the direction of the wind to ensure effective extinguishing.
• Spray the fire from a distance of about 3 to 5 meters, depending on the capacity of the fire extinguisher being used.
• Ensure that the nozzle of the fire extinguisher is directed at the center of the fire before releasing its contents.
• Avoid aiming at the flames directly. Instead, aim at the base or center of the fire.
• Act quickly to extinguish the fire before it spreads further. If left unchecked, the risk of loss will increase, endangering the safety of nearby residents.
• Assess the fire risks in your home and choose the appropriate type of fire extinguisher. You can consult with developers, home builders, or insurance companies for guidance.
• Refill used fire extinguishers to maintain their pressure.

Enhance the Protection of Your Home with the Right Insurance

Having the right mitigation measures for various risks that may occur at home is crucial. Your home should be the most comfortable place for you and your family. In addition to providing the right fire extinguisher, you can also enhance protection by using the right home insurance product. The right home insurance will provide protection for your property and belongings in case of damage or loss, which can lead to financial losses. This protection is in accordance with the benefits described in the policy provisions. Thus, the protection you receive will be optimal because you will benefit from insurance if something happens that causes losses. Of course, there are terms and conditions to consider. However, this is a standard procedure in managing a home to ensure that you remain protected from various potential risks.

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Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher and the risks of fires at home is important so that you can take quick action if this happens. AXA Insurance Indonesia understands this very well, which is why we offer the SmartHome Insurance product to help you provide protection for your home. Various risks, including fires, can be covered by SmartHome Insurance according to the policy, allowing you to feel more at ease. Of course, this does not mean you can be careless, but it must be accompanied by vigilance in maintaining the safety of your home and all its occupants. Protect your family and loved ones inside your home with maximum protection. Have a great day!

References: 

• https://damkar.bandaacehkota.go.id/2021/03/25/pengantar-apar-alat-pemadam-api-ringan/
• https://www.servvo.co.id/post/cara-menggunakan-apar-metode-tats-dan-pass
• https://www.pemadamapi.id/prosedur-penggunaan-apar/
• https://www.detik.com/properti/berita/d-6807135/penting-mengetahui-alat-pemadam-api-yang-cocok-buat-di-rumah#:~:text=Jawabannya%3A%20Perlu!%20Kenapa%3F,yang%20ukuran%203%20kg%20saja.
• https://tonataindonesia.com/blog/alasan-mengapa-kita-perlu-alat-pemadam-api-ringan-apar-di-rumah