Fire Extinguisher Safety for Seniors, Adults & Everyone

FIRE EXTINGUSHER SAFETY

FOR SENIORS, CAREGIVERS AND THE REST OF US

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS CALLED FIRST SO THEY CAN BE ON THE WAY TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  IS THE ADDRESS PRINTED IN A VISIBLE SPOT NEXT TO THE PHONE? IN A PANIC OR IF A VISITOR IS CALLING FOR HELP THE ADDRESS MAY BE FORGOTTEN/UNKNOWN 

Fire safety is something we all agree is important though is seldom thought of during our daily routine. Just as the fire extinguisher sitting under the kitchen counter or hanging on a wall is seen all the time but remains unseen as it is so common. I will not address all the various components of sizes and powder types here. My goal is to bring this vital topic up to the surface so everyone will take a new look at your business and home extinguishers. In many homes the extinguisher may be tucked away in the cabinet under the sink or in the laundry room, out of sight out of mind. All too often it is way too close to the stove where a fire can start. When a fired does start or explodes into the air over the stove ruining your latest version of fried eggs and spam it is impossible to get close to search for that “red cylinder” under the cabinet. Doing so can put you in more danger than you think. It is better to find a place on the wall near a doorway away from the stove to hang it. If you decide to use the fire extinguisher you will be in a safe part of the room to take it off the wall, pull the safety pin and then aim it at the base of the fire.

Many seniors have mobility/vision concerns so getting out of the area to a safe place will be a better option than going back near any danger. For those caregivers who are agile, and the fire is small, the extinguisher may be useful in putting the fire out before major damage is done. 

Did you call the fire department?

If vision, the ability to move quickly is reduced or if there are obstacles that can get in the way or tripped over trying to fight the fire, then getting out of the building is the better option for safety. This should be discussed by the caregiver to the family member, client or even the neighbor who is a frequent visitor. Making a plan with your client and family members about what to do if a fire starts can save a life. Plan and practice the exit plan for all parts of the home or office once a year. 

All fire extinguishers should be looked at once a month, yeah I know it sounds like work but it will take less than one minute in most cases. 

Look: to see that it is still where it should be, that getting to the extinguisher is not blocked by furniture or even temporary items such as chairs or boxes that someday will be put into storage. 

Look: at the gauge: is the needle in the green part? If not then bring it in for service or replacement. 

Look: is the safety pull pin still in the handle? If not the extinguisher can be accidentally set off when you pick it up and that will be a scary mess. (Think of a few pounds of powder scattered in the room by a fan)

Look: to see if the cylinder has been damaged in any way, if so the unit needs to be replaced. (Dents, rust, damaged gauge or handle)

When the extinguisher is sitting and hoping to never be put to use, the powder inside settles and over time may form a semi solid cake at the bottom of the cylinder.

How long has your unit been sitting and not moved? One way to keep the powder feeling free and eager to do the job intended is to upend the extinguisher a few times.
That is, shake it, inverting it upside down 4 or 5 times, you should feel the powder move from one end to the other at this time. Do this once every 6 months, maybe at the same time you put  new batteries in your smoke detectors.

For extinguishers located in a business, they need to be serviced on an annual basis and a tag attached showing the date of the last inspection. This is required in all work locations, offices, warehouse, job sites retail shops and more. The tag is marked or punched with the month and year of the last inspection. We can provide this service to your business, just call to set up a time, or bring your extinguisher to our store for service. (There is a service charge)

Please note: when you do use your extinguisher, even if for a few seconds, it must be serviced or replaced as soon as possible. The powder will corrode the inner parts resulting in a loss of pressure so it will not be usable the next time the hamburger is left forgotten on the stove.

Did you call the fire department?

There are many sizes of fire extinguishers to meet your needs. You can ask your local fire department, insurance company or Service Company for advice. 

The 2 ½ # or 5# sizes are fine for most homes or facilities that do not have high risk exposure.

When you do use the extinguisher be sure to aim at the base of the fire and move the flow of powder from side to side (SWEEP) Once the extinguisher is empty the fire will be put out. If not then it is wise to get out of the area, don’t try to retrieve the eggs.

If there is any doubt about you or your family member being able to use or lift the extinguisher, do not take any chances trying to remove it from the wall, don’t panic just get out of the area. Many of the smaller extinguishers weigh from 4 ½ #To 10# (pounds) then pulling the safety seal and pin can take strength some do not have. 

Your first priority is your client/family member: get them to safety. 

Did you call the fire department?

Please give us feedback on what topics of safety or medical equipment you would like us to write about.  Jerry@tucsonsafety.com

Tucson Safety & Medical Supply

1740 E. Fort Lowell Road

  Tucson, AZ 85719

520-628-7267

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