A fire extinguisher is a portable device used to put out small fires. It contains a specific extinguishing agent, such as water, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide, which is released when the extinguisher is activated. Fire extinguishers are classified into different types based on the kind of fire they can effectively combat, such as Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, and Class C for electrical fires.
To use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure that fire extinguishers are in working order. They should be easily accessible in homes, workplaces, and public areas to provide a quick response in case of a fire emergency.